- August 12, 2025
Squid Biryani Recipe – A Coastal Seafood Delight
When you think of biryani, chicken, mutton, and egg biryani are usually the first that come to mind. But in coastal regions of India, especially in Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Goa, and Mangalore, seafood biryani recipes are incredibly popular. Among these, the Squid Biryani Recipe (also called kanava biryani or kadamba biryani) holds a special place. With its unique flavor, chewy yet tender texture of squid, and aromatic spices, it’s a true delicacy that balances coastal tradition with the richness of Mughlai-style biryani.
This blog will take you step by step into preparing an authentic squid biryani recipe, touching on variations like squid biryani Kerala style, squid biryani South Indian style, squid biryani Malabar style, and squid biryani Andhra style. Whether you’re cooking it for a festive occasion, a Sunday lunch, or to impress seafood lovers, this dish is guaranteed to win hearts.
Why Choose Squid Biryani?
Unique Taste – Unlike fish or prawn, squid has a mildly sweet, meaty taste that blends perfectly with spicy squid biryani masala.
Healthy Protein – Squid is rich in lean protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and essential minerals, making it a healthier biryani option.
Coastal Tradition – In Mangalorean style squid biryani or Goan squid biryani, you’ll often find coconut milk, curry leaves, and fresh seafood spices enhancing the flavor.
Easy to Make – Though biryani sounds elaborate, this easy squid biryani recipe can be mastered with simple steps and the right masalas.
Ingredients for Squid Biryani Recipe
Here’s a list of ingredients you’ll need for this flavorful squid biryani recipe (serves 4):
For the Squid Marinade:
500g fresh squid (cleaned and cut into rings or small pieces)
½ cup thick curd (yogurt)
1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
1 tsp turmeric powder
1 tsp red chili powder
1 tsp coriander powder
1 tbsp lemon juice
Salt to taste
For the Biryani Rice:
2 cups basmati rice (soaked for 30 minutes)
3-4 green cardamoms
3-4 cloves
1-inch cinnamon stick
2 bay leaves
Salt to taste
For the Masala Base:
3 tbsp ghee or coconut oil
2 large onions (thinly sliced and fried until golden brown)
2 tomatoes (chopped)
2 green chilies (slit)
1 tbsp biryani masala powder
½ tsp garam masala
½ tsp fennel powder
½ tsp black pepper powder
Fresh mint leaves – handful
Fresh coriander leaves – handful
½ cup coconut milk (for squid biryani with coconut milk variation)
Garnish:
Fried onions
Saffron strands soaked in warm milk (optional)
Step-by-Step Squid Biryani Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Squid
In a bowl, combine squid with yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, turmeric, chili powder, coriander powder, lemon juice, and salt.
Mix well and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
This ensures tender, flavorful squid for your squid biryani Indian style.
Step 2: Cook the Rice
In a large pot, boil water with whole spices and salt.
Add soaked basmati rice and cook until 70% done.
Drain and set aside.
The half-cooked rice is essential for the dum style squid biryani recipe.
Step 3: Prepare the Masala Base
Heat ghee/coconut oil in a heavy-bottomed vessel.
Add sliced onions and fry till golden brown. Keep half aside for garnish.
Add tomatoes, green chilies, and cook till soft.
Now add marinated squid and cook for 5–7 minutes (squid cooks quickly; overcooking makes it rubbery).
Stir in biryani masala, garam masala, fennel powder, and black pepper powder.
Add coconut milk if making squid biryani Malabar style.
Finally, add mint and coriander leaves.
Step 4: Layering the Biryani
In a heavy biryani pot, spread half the squid masala, then add a layer of half-cooked rice.
Repeat with remaining squid masala and rice.
Top with fried onions, saffron milk, mint, and coriander.
Seal with foil or dough and cover with a tight lid.
Step 5: Dum Cooking (Slow Steaming)
Place the pot on low flame for 20–25 minutes.
Alternatively, place the biryani pot on a tawa (griddle) to prevent burning.
This slow cooking infuses flavors, giving you an authentic squid biryani recipe.
Variations of Squid Biryani
Squid Biryani Kerala Style – Includes coconut oil, curry leaves, and coconut milk for a rich coastal flavor.
Squid Biryani Andhra Style – Spicier version with extra red chili powder and green chilies.
Squid Biryani Tamil Style – Uses seeraga samba rice instead of basmati for a more traditional flavor.
Squid Biryani Hyderabadi Style – Dum-cooked with saffron, fried onions, and layers of rice for royal aroma.
Squid Biryani Goan Style – Infused with Goan masalas and a hint of vinegar.
Squid Biryani Mangalorean Style – Rich with ground coconut, fennel, and roasted spices.
Orange Chicken Recipe,Fish Tikka Recipe,Fish Kathi Roll Recipe,Prawn Frankie Recipe
Serving Suggestions
Serve hot with onion raita or cucumber raita.
A side of papad or pickle enhances the flavor.
Garnish with extra fried onions and fresh coriander.
For a festive touch, pair with a seafood starter like prawn fry or fish tikka.
Pro Tips for Perfect Squid Biryani
Do not overcook squid – 5–7 minutes is enough, or it will turn chewy.
Rice matters – Use long-grain basmati for North Indian styles or seeraga samba for Tamil Nadu-style squid biryani.
Use fresh squid – Frozen squid may release excess water and dilute flavors.
Balance the spices – Squid has a delicate flavor, so don’t overpower it with heavy masalas.
Try dum cooking – For restaurant-style squid biryani recipe, dum cooking is key.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
Calories: ~420 kcal
Protein: 24g
Carbohydrates: 55g
Fat: 12g
Omega-3 fatty acids: High
Rich in vitamin B12, phosphorus, and selenium
Interesting Facts
The squid biryani recipe is more than just food—it’s a celebration of coastal flavors blended with the heritage of Indian biryani. From spicy squid biryani Andhra style to coconut-rich squid biryani Malabar style, every region adds its own magic to this seafood delicacy.
So, the next time you want to try something beyond chicken or mutton biryani, surprise your family with a homemade squid biryani restaurant style. With layers of fragrant rice, tender squid, and aromatic spices, this biryani will leave everyone asking for second servings.
Orange Chicken Recipe,Fish Tikka Recipe,Fish Kathi Roll Recipe,Prawn Frankie Recipe
Rose Thandai Recipe,Muskmelon Juice Recipe,Chikoo Milkshake Recipe,Pineapple Punch RecipeChocolate Milk Masala Recipe
Paneer Pulao Recipe,Mint Rice Recipe(Pudina Rice),Kashmiri Pulao Recipe,Jeera Rice Recipe
Mango Kalakand RecipeRava Kesari Recipe | South Indian Sooji Halwa |Gajar ka Halwa Recipe
Follow us on :
