- August 12, 2025
Fish Biryani Recipe – A Flavorful Coastal Delight
If there is one dish that perfectly combines the richness of spices, the fragrance of basmati rice, and the delicate flavors of seafood, it has to be the Fish Biryani Recipe. While chicken and mutton biryanis are popular across India, the fish biryani recipe Indian style brings a coastal twist that seafood lovers adore. From the backwaters of Kerala to the royal kitchens of Hyderabad, every region has its own unique version – be it the Kerala style fish biryani recipe, the fiery Andhra style fish biryani recipe, or the creamy Malabar fish biryani recipe.
In this blog, we will explore how to make an authentic fish biryani recipe step by step, with tips and variations such as South Indian fish biryani recipe, Hyderabadi fish biryani recipe, and even restaurant style fish biryani recipe. Whether you’re looking for an easy fish biryani recipe for a quick weekend meal or a traditional fish biryani recipe for festive occasions, this guide has you covered.
Why Try Fish Biryani?
Unlike other meats, fish cooks quickly and absorbs spices beautifully, making it ideal for a dum style fish biryani recipe. Using fresh fish fillets like kingfish, seer fish, or pomfret ensures that the homemade fish biryani recipe tastes both luxurious and light on the stomach. For coastal families, this dish is a Sunday ritual, while for others, it is a festival special fish biryani that brings everyone to the table.
Some reasons to try it:
Healthier than red meat biryani.
Quick to prepare compared to mutton biryani.
Can be customized – from fish biryani with coconut milk (Kerala style) to fish biryani with saffron (Mughlai style).
Perfect for seafood enthusiasts who love coastal fish biryani recipe flavors.
Ingredients for Fish Biryani
To prepare this simple fish biryani recipe, gather the following:
For Marination:
500 g fresh fish (kingfish, seer, or any firm fish)
1 tsp turmeric powder
1 tbsp red chili powder
1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
1 tsp garam masala
2 tbsp yogurt
Salt to taste
Lemon juice – 1 tbsp
For Rice:
2 cups basmati rice (or seeraga samba rice for authentic Tamil style fish biryani)
4 cups water
2-3 cloves
2 cardamoms
1 bay leaf
1 tsp salt
For Masala:
2 large onions (thinly sliced)
2 tomatoes (chopped)
2 green chilies
1 tbsp biryani masala powder
1 tsp coriander powder
1 tsp cumin powder
½ cup fresh coriander leaves
½ cup mint leaves
½ cup coconut milk (optional for Kerala style fish biryani recipe)
For Garnish:
Fried onions
Saffron milk
Coriander & mint leaves
Step-by-Step Preparation of Fish Biryani Recipe
Step 1 – Marinate the Fish
Start by marinating the fish with turmeric, chili powder, yogurt, lemon juice, and garam masala. Leave it for at least 30 minutes. This step ensures your spicy fish biryani recipe has the right balance of flavor.
Step 2 – Cook the Rice
Wash and soak basmati rice for 20 minutes. Boil with whole spices like cardamom, cloves, and bay leaf. Cook until 70% done and drain. This gives fluffy rice for the dum style fish biryani.
Step 3 – Prepare the Masala
In a large pan, heat ghee or oil. Add onions and fry until golden brown. Add ginger-garlic paste, green chilies, and chopped tomatoes. Cook until the tomatoes soften. Mix in biryani masala, cumin powder, and coriander powder. Add mint and coriander leaves for freshness. Optionally, add coconut milk for Kerala fish biryani.
Step 4 – Fry the Fish
Pan-fry the marinated fish gently until half cooked. This prevents the fish from breaking while layering in the dum style fish biryani.
Step 5 – Layering the Biryani
Take a heavy-bottom pan. Spread one layer of rice, then masala, and then place the fried fish fillets. Repeat the layers until everything is used up. Top with saffron milk, fried onions, and ghee.
Step 6 – Dum Cooking
Seal the pan with foil or dough and cook on low flame for 20–25 minutes. This traditional fish biryani dum style infuses all flavors together.
Variations of Fish Biryani
Hyderabadi Fish Biryani Recipe – Rich, spicy, and layered with saffron rice.
Malabar Fish Biryani Recipe – Uses coconut milk, curry leaves, and fried onions for a creamy texture.
Kerala Style Fish Biryani Recipe – Fragrant and mildly spiced with lots of coconut flavors.
Andhra Style Fish Biryani Recipe – Fiery hot with red chilies and bold spices.
Fish Biryani Restaurant Style – Rich, buttery, and heavy on saffron for luxurious taste.
Fish Biryani with Seeraga Samba Rice – Tamil Nadu’s authentic version with earthy rice flavor.
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Tips for Perfect Fish Biryani
Always use firm fish so that it doesn’t break during cooking.
Do not overcook the fish; it continues to cook during dum.
Use basmati or seeraga samba rice for authentic flavor.
Add coconut milk if making South Indian fish biryani recipe.
For Mughlai flavor, add saffron-infused milk and fried nuts.
Serving Suggestions
Serve homemade fish biryani recipe hot with:
Onion raita
Salan or curry
Papad and pickle
Boiled eggs (optional for extra richness)
This makes it a wholesome Sunday special fish biryani or a festival special biryani recipe.
Nutritional Value (Approx per serving)
Calories – 420
Protein – 22 g
Carbohydrates – 52 g
Fat – 14 g
Omega-3 rich due to fish
This makes the healthy fish biryani recipe a balanced choice compared to red meat biryani.
FAQs on Fish Biryani Recipe
Q1. Which fish is best for fish biryani?
Seer fish, kingfish, or pomfret are ideal since they are firm and don’t break easily.
Q2. Can I make fish biryani without coconut milk?
Yes, the fish biryani recipe without coconut milk is just as delicious, more like a Hyderabadi fish biryani recipe.
Q3. Can fish biryani be made in a pressure cooker?
Yes, but the fish biryani without pressure cooker dum method retains authentic flavors better.
Q4. Is fish biryani healthy?
Yes, compared to mutton or chicken biryani, fish biryani healthy recipe is lighter, protein-rich, and packed with omega-3 fatty acids.
Q5. Can I use frozen fish?
Fresh fish is always better, but frozen works if properly thawed.
Interesting Facts
The Fish Biryani Recipe is a celebration of coastal flavors, where spices meet the freshness of the sea. Whether you try the traditional fish biryani recipe, the fiery Andhra style fish biryani, or the creamy Kerala fish biryani, each bite will transport you to a culinary paradise. Perfect for weekends, festive occasions, or when you want to impress your guests, this dish is a true royal treat.
So next time you’re craving biryani, go beyond chicken and mutton – prepare this easy fish biryani recipe at home and savor the taste of the ocean in every spoonful.
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