Crab Biryani Recipe – Spicy Coastal Indian Style

Crab Biryani is a mouth-watering seafood biryani that combines fresh crabs with fragrant basmati rice, aromatic spices, and herbs. This dish is especially popular in South Indian coastal states such as Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh. It’s a perfect blend of seafood flavors and dum biryani cooking technique.

🛒 Ingredients for Crab Biryani (Serves 4–5)

For the Rice

• Basmati rice – 3 cups (aged, long-grain)

• Water – 8 cups

• Salt – 2 tsp

• Bay leaf – 2

• Green cardamom – 4

• Cinnamon stick – 2 inch

• Cloves – 5

• Star anise – 1

For the Crab Preparation

• Fresh crabs – 1 kg (cleaned and cut into halves)

• Turmeric powder – ½ tsp

• Salt – ½ tsp

For the Marinade

• Yogurt – ½ cup (thick)

• Ginger-garlic paste – 2 tbsp

• Lemon juice – 1½ tbsp

• Red chili powder – 1½ tsp

• Turmeric powder – ½ tsp

• Coriander powder – 1 tsp

• Cumin powder – 1 tsp

• Garam masala – ½ tsp

• Salt – 1 tsp

For the Masala Base

• Ghee – 3 tbsp

• Oil – 2 tbsp

• Onions – 3 large (thinly sliced)

• Tomatoes – 2 medium (chopped)

• Fresh mint leaves – ½ cup

• Fresh coriander leaves – ½ cup

• Biryani masala – 2 tsp

• Green chilies – 2 (slit)

For Saffron Milk

• Warm milk – ¼ cup

• Saffron strands – 8–10

🍳 Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1 – Clean and Parboil the Crab

1. Wash the crabs thoroughly and cut them into halves.

2. Boil water with turmeric and salt. Add crabs and cook for 3–4 minutes until partially done. Drain and set aside.

Step 2 – Marinate the Crab

1. In a bowl, mix yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, lemon juice, red chili powder, turmeric, coriander powder, cumin powder, garam masala, and salt.

2. Add the parboiled crabs and coat well.

3. Rest for 20–30 minutes.

Step 3 – Prepare the Rice

1. Wash and soak basmati rice for 20–30 minutes.

2. Boil water with bay leaf, cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, star anise, and salt.

3. Add rice and cook until 70% done. Drain and keep aside.

Step 4 – Make the Masala Base

1. Heat ghee and oil in a heavy-bottomed pot.

2. Fry sliced onions until golden brown. Reserve half for garnishing.

3. Add tomatoes and cook until soft.

4. Add mint, coriander, green chilies, and biryani masala. Stir well.

Step 5 – Cook the Marinated Crab

1. Add the marinated crab to the masala.

2. Cook on medium flame for 5–6 minutes, stirring gently to avoid breaking the crab shells.

3. The crab will release juices, enhancing the biryani flavor.

Step 6 – Layer the Crab Biryani

1. Spread half the cooked rice over the crab masala.

2. Sprinkle fried onions, mint, coriander, and saffron milk.

3. Add the remaining rice and repeat the garnish layer.

4. Drizzle 1 tbsp ghee over the top.

Step 7 – Dum Cooking

1. Seal the pot with a tight lid or dough.

2. Cook on medium heat for 5 minutes, then on low flame for 15–20 minutes.

3. Optionally, place the biryani pot over a tawa to avoid direct burning.

Step 8 – Serve

1. Gently mix without breaking crab shells.

2. Serve hot with onion raita, boiled eggs, or coastal-style coconut chutney.

🥗 Serving Variations

• Kerala Crab Biryani: Add ½ cup coconut milk to the masala for a rich, creamy taste.

• Andhra Crab Biryani: Increase green chilies and red chili powder for more spice.

• Goan Crab Biryani: Add a hint of vinegar and coconut paste for tanginess.

📊 Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – approx.)

💡 Tips for Perfect Crab Biryani

• Use fresh crabs for the best flavor.

• Avoid overcooking crabs before dum cooking.

• Use aged basmati rice for fluffy, separate grains.

• Freshly ground spices make a huge difference.

• Saffron milk not only adds aroma but also enhances presentation.

📍 Location & Origin

• Cuisine: Coastal Indian & Mughlai Fusion

• Place of Origin: Coastal regions of South India (Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh)

• Background:
  Crab Biryani is a regional delicacy that evolved when the Mughal method of making dum biryani merged with local seafood traditions. In Kerala crab biryani, coconut milk is often used for creaminess, while Andhra crab biryani is fiery with extra chilies. It’s a festive dish often enjoyed during seafood feasts or special family gatherings.

Interesting Facts :-
This Crab Biryani Recipe is a seafood lover’s delight—aromatic, flavorful, and indulgent. Whether you prepare it Kerala-style with coconut milk, fiery Andhra-style, or Goan-style with tangy flavors, this biryani will transport your taste buds to India’s beautiful coastal kitchens.