Squid Biryani Recipe – Coastal Indian Seafood Delight

Squid Biryani, also known as Calamari Biryani, is a flavorful seafood biryani made with tender squid rings, fragrant basmati rice, and aromatic spices. This dish is a signature delicacy in Kerala, Mangalore, and Goa, where fresh seafood meets the traditional dum biryani technique. The result is a rich, spicy, and aromatic meal that’s perfect for seafood lovers.

🛒 Ingredients for Squid Biryani (Serves 4–5)

For the 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 the Squid

• Fresh squid – 800 g (cleaned and cut into rings)

• Turmeric powder – ½ tsp

• Salt – ½ tsp

For the Marinade

• Yogurt – ½ cup (thick)

• Ginger-garlic paste – 2 tbsp

• Lemon juice – 1 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 Prepare the Squid

1. Wash the squid thoroughly and cut into medium-sized rings.

2. Rub turmeric and salt, then rinse again to remove any fishy smell.

Step 2 – Marinate the Squid

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

2. Add squid rings, mix well, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Step 3 – Cook the Rice

1. Wash and soak basmati rice for 20 minutes.

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

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

Step 4 – Prepare the Masala Base

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

2. Fry onions until golden brown. Keep half aside for garnishing.

3. Add chopped tomatoes and cook until soft.

4. Add mint leaves, coriander leaves, green chilies, and biryani masala. Cook until fragrant.

Step 5 – Cook the Squid

1. Add marinated squid to the masala and cook on medium heat for 4–5 minutes.

2. Squid cooks quickly—avoid overcooking to prevent chewiness.

Step 6 – Layer the Biryani

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

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

3. Add the rest of the rice and repeat the garnish.

4. Drizzle 1 tbsp ghee on top.

Step 7 – Dum Cooking

1. Cover with a tight lid or seal with wheat dough.

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

3. Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Step 8 – Serve

1. Gently fluff up the biryani without breaking the rice grains.

2. Serve hot with onion raita, papad, or pickle for a complete meal.

🥗 Serving Variations

• Kerala Squid Biryani: Add coconut milk to the masala for a rich coastal flavor.

• Mangalore Squid Biryani: Use more red chilies and roasted spices for extra heat.

• Goan Squid Biryani: Add a hint of vinegar and coconut paste for tangy sweetness.

📊 Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – approx.)

💡 Tips for Perfect Squid Biryani

• Always use fresh squid for the best taste and texture.

• Avoid overcooking squid; it becomes rubbery.

• Use aged basmati rice for fluffier grains.

• Freshly ground spices enhance aroma.

• For a healthier version, use less ghee and replace with coconut oil.

📍 Location & Origin

• Cuisine: Coastal Indian & Mughlai fusion

• Place of Origin: Kerala & Karnataka coastal belt

• Background:
  Squid, locally known as kanava or kalamari, has been a favorite in coastal India for generations. When the Mughlai biryani cooking style reached the coast, seafood like squid became a star ingredient, blending perfectly with coconut-based flavors in Kerala squid biryani or the fiery red masala of Mangalore squid biryani.

Interesting Facts :-
This Squid Biryani Recipe is a perfect mix of coastal seafood flavors and the royal charm of dum biryani. Whether made Kerala-style, Goan-style, or Mangalore-style, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for seafood lovers.