Prawn Biryani Recipe – Spicy, Aromatic & Coastal Style

Prawn Biryani is a flavorful seafood delicacy that blends the richness of Indian spices with the freshness of prawns. This spicy prawn biryani recipe captures the authentic coastal flavors of India, making it perfect for seafood lovers. Whether you’re making Hyderabadi prawn biryani, Kerala prawn biryani, or Goan prawn biryani, this recipe is adaptable for your taste buds.

🛒 Ingredients for Prawn Biryani (Serves 4–5)

For Rice

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

• Water – 8 cups

• Salt – 2 tsp

• Bay leaf – 2

• Green cardamom – 4

• Cinnamon stick – 2 inch

• Cloves – 5

• Star anise – 1

For Prawn Marinade

• Prawns – 750 g (cleaned, deveined, tail-on optional)

• Yogurt – ½ cup (thick)

• Ginger-garlic paste – 2 tbsp

• Green chilies – 2 (slit)

• 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 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

• Paradise-style or homemade biryani masala – 2 tsp

• Green chilies – 2 (optional for extra spice)

For Saffron Milk

• Warm milk – ¼ cup

• Saffron strands – 8–10

🍳 Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1 – Marinate the Prawns

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

2. Add cleaned prawns and coat well.

3. Let them marinate for 30 minutes (prawns don’t need long marination like meat).

Step 2 – Prepare the Rice

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

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

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

Step 3 – Make the Masala Base

1. Heat ghee and oil in a heavy-bottom biryani pot.

2. Fry onions until golden brown and crispy. Reserve half for garnishing.

3. Add tomatoes, green chilies, and sauté until soft.

4. Add mint, coriander, biryani masala, and cook for 1 minute.

5. Add marinated prawns and cook for just 2–3 minutes (they will finish cooking in dum).

Step 4 – Layer the Prawn Biryani

1. Spread the cooked prawns with masala at the base.

2. Layer with half of the cooked rice.

3. Sprinkle fried onions, mint, and coriander leaves.

4. Drizzle saffron milk on top.

5. Add the remaining rice and top again with fried onions, mint, and coriander.

6. Drizzle a spoon of ghee for aroma.

Step 5 – Dum Cooking

1. Seal the pot with dough or use a tight-fitting lid.

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

3. For even cooking, place the biryani pot on a tawa (griddle).

Step 6 – Serving

1. Gently fluff the layers without breaking the prawns.

2. Serve hot with onion raita, Mirchi ka Salan, or coconut chutney for a coastal touch.

🥗 Serving Suggestions

• For Kerala Prawn Biryani, add ½ cup coconut milk to the prawn masala.

• For Andhra Spicy Prawn Biryani, increase green chilies and red chili powder.

• For Goan Prawn Biryani, add a hint of vinegar and coconut paste.

📊 Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – approx.)

💡 Tips for the Best Prawn Biryani

• Do not overcook prawns – they can become rubbery.

• Use fresh or frozen prawns; if frozen, thaw completely.

• Always use aged basmati rice for the best biryani texture.

• Marinate prawns with lemon juice to remove any fishy smell.

• Dum cook slowly to allow the prawns to soak up all the flavors.

📍 Location & Origin

• Cuisine: Indian Coastal & Mughlai Fusion

• Place of Origin: Coastal regions of India – Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, and Goa

• Background:
  Prawn Biryani is a popular seafood biryani that takes inspiration from traditional Hyderabadi Dum Biryani but replaces meat with succulent prawns. Coastal states like Kerala, Goa, and Andhra Pradesh have their own unique twist, adding coconut milk, curry leaves, or extra chili heat. This recipe combines the aromatic rice layering method with fresh prawns for a rich, restaurant-style taste at home.

Interesting Facts :-
This Prawn Biryani Style Recipe is a perfect blend of aromatic basmati rice, succulent prawns, and coastal spices. Whether you make Hyderabadi prawn biryani, Kerala-style, or Goan twist, this recipe ensures a restaurant-quality biryani experience at home.