Shrimp Biryani, an all in one dish that packs flavor and texture. However, what really captivates you is the aroma of this meal. Exotic spices with a bit of heat. Craving some Indian food? Why not try a biryani tonight!
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Shrimp Biryani, There is nothing like the smell of coriander, curry, masala and so much more wafting in the house. It always reminds me of joy and peacefulness. This dish has all you need for a meal, more so it is just plain delicious. Your taste buds will be dancing!
Inspiration
To tell you the truth, I had not tried Biryani until about a year ago. It was a company potluck and one of my co-workers brought this dish to share. I was enthralled first by the aroma coming off the plate, followed by all those luxurious tantalizing spices that my tongue savored in each bite. As expected, being a foodie and all, I asked her for the recipe and the rest my friends is history!
Types of Biryani
There are many types of Biryani and I am sure it is like Italy, each region has a special way of preparing it. I look at it as an artist. Likewise, as each artist has their medium and style they use, similar is cooking and what spice, utensils, and preparation we use as cooks. All in all, it is all good, furthermore especially eating wonderful food, because it is so so good!
The most popular in my opinion is the Chicken Biryani, however, you will find variations with lamb, even mutton. Today I decided to use shrimp and I am so excited to share and cook this Shrimp Biryani!
Here are the ingredients:
- wild-caught shrimp
- brown Basmati Rice
- potatoes
- green pepper
- onions
- garlic
- ginger
- sour cream
- lemon juice
- mixed color cherry tomatoes
- peanut oil
- Sindhi Biryani Masala
What is masala?
Well, whenever you hear masala, it means a blend of spices for cooking. As in Biryanis, likewise, there are many types of masalas like Garum Masala, Tikka Masala, each unique to the dishes they are cooked with. To me, there is nothing like making the paste in the pan with all those spices. I always smile when my sense of smell is heightened in such an enlightened way!
Steps to making a Biryani
First things first, we need to soak the rice submerged in water in a bowl. Also, we need to place the shrimp in a mixture of lemon and sour cream. Usually, yogurt is used but I did not have any so I substituted the sour cream. Secondly, it is time to get the onions, green chilies, peppers, ginger garlic paste, and potatoes sautéing in a pan, cook until potatoes are cooked. I used a wok, however, you can use whatever you have. Preferably a deeper pan as we are going to cook everything all together.
Time to spice things up!
Next, time to add the chopped tomatoes and finally the masala. I used a store-bought Sindhi Biryani Masala blend, however, if you want to make your own, you can. In this blend, there is ground coriander, turmeric, dried plums, mango, mint, cumin, nutmeg, mace, black pepper, and green coriander pods. Get ready once this spice blend hits the pan the aromas are going to fly. A quick stir to get all the veggies coated and also to form a paste with the masala.
At this point, I added some clear vegetable broth to create a bit of sauce. You can taste now and add salt as needed to your taste. Finally in goes about 2 ½ cups broth or water. I used vegetable broth again. It is important not to add the shrimp right away as it cooks relatively quickly. You want to do this at the very end just before place the rice into the pan with everything else.
Where's the rice?
While the veggies are cooking, I drained and washed the rice I placed it in a pot and added water, a pinch of salt, and cooked it about 70 percent. Right about the time, there is still water in the pot. Next, place the shrimp into the veggie mix and add the rice water and all. Stir well, cover, and let cook on low until rice is fully cooked. You may need to add water or broth, just check it from time to time.
Final Touches!
Once everything is cooked up, we need to fluff up that rice and plate this wonderful Shrimp Biryani! I always say this but I will say it again. Smell vision would be an amazing thing, especially if you could smell the spices in this dish! Coriander, turmeric, cumin, all very lovely and I can't wait to taste it. Oh, but wait, we need some garnish. Nothing like some fresh chopped cilantro to seal the deal. Some people don't like it, however, you could use fresh parsley.
Let's have a taste!
Okay, wow, there is a bit of spice, however not in that burning tingling on the tongue sensation. It is nice, subtle yet pronounced, and not too overpowering that I cannot distinguish all the ingredients. The brown Basmati rice is so nutty and love that toothy texture. The shrimp is perfect, juicy, tender, aromatic, and luscious on the tongue, and likewise, the peppers, sweetness of the onions, and those potatoes are just comfort to my soul.
I love this Shrimp Biryani dish, it is an all in one meal. Furthermore, perfect for adding some spice to your weekday meal plan. Don't be scared to try new things. Life is always about learning, sharing, and living, and you can't live without food! Plus it is just too good! Lol
Enjoy!
PrintShrimp Biryani
Shrimp Biryani. There is nothing like the smell of coriander, curry, masala and so much more wafting in the house. It always reminds me of joy and peacefulness. This dish has all you need for a meal, more so it is just plain delicious. Your taste buds will be dancing!
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: serves 4-6 people 1x
Ingredients
Shrimp:
- 400 g Argentinian wild-caught shrimp (or any shrimp you can find)
- 2 Tbsp sour cream ( or plain Greek yogurt)
- ¼ lemon squeezed
Veggies:
- 2 Tbsp peanut oil
- 1 medium yellow onion chopped
- A small fresh green chili cored seeded and chopped fine
- 1 Tbsp each minced garlic and ginger
- 250 g yellow potato peeped and diced
- A small green pepper cored seeded and diced
- 12 multi-colored cherry tomatoes chopped (or just red ones)
- 1 ½ Tbsp Sindhi Biryani Masala spice
- 3 cups vegetable broth
Rice:
- 250 grams Brown Basmati rice
- Pinch of salt
- Couple drops sesame oil
- 1 ½ cups water
Instructions
Shrimp:
- Peel shrimp and devein. In a bowl mix sour cream and lemon juice, then place shrimp in and toss so shrimp is well coated. Cover and set aside for 30 minutes.
Rice:
- In a bowl toss rice in and cover with cold water. Cover and let soak for 20 minutes.
Veggies:
- In a large wok or deep pan heat up the oil. Toss in chopped onions, minced green chilis, diced green peppers, and diced potatoes. sauté until potatoes are almost fork-tender. About 15 minutes.
- Add in chopped tomatoes stir then sprinkle in Sindhi Biryani Masala. Add 2-3 spoonfuls of vegetable broth. Stir well so the veggies get coated and the spices begin to form a paste.
- Add 2 cups of broth, cover, and let simmer for 10 minutes.
Rice:
- While veggies are simmering, rinse the rice well and place in a pot with 1 ½ cup water and a pinch of salt. Add in a few drops of sesame oil. Stir cover and bring to a bowl. Once boiling turn heat to a low and keep covered. Cook for about 15 minutes.
Veggies and Rice:
- At this point add the rice water and all to the pan with the veggies. Stir well so rice and veggies are well incorporated. Season with salt to taste Add a bit more water cover and cook for another 5 minutes. Add shrimp stir cover and cook for another 10 minutes or until rice and shrimp are cooked.
Plating:
- Scoop a good portion of the Biryani into a dish. Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro or fresh chopped coriander.
- Ready to serve.
Enjoy!
Notes
The Biryani can be done with chicken, lamb or even tofu or mutton. Just be aware of cooking times.
We used brown basmati rice but you can use the white variety.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Stove top
- Cuisine: Indian
Keywords: Biryani, masala, Indian cuisine, one pot meal, cumin, turmeric,, coriander, basmati rice, green chilis,
When I am not cooking, I enjoy playing musical instruments, singing, writing. I have learned over the years to live in gratitude and enjoy the moment.
Bernice Hill says
It's been so long since I've made a Biryani...such a comforting dish so full of flavour. I learned how to make a baked biryani with a dough that is used to seal the lid to the pot. It's all so good and I think for shrimp a simple stove top biryani is the way to go. I can smell it from here!!
★★★★★
Loreto Nardelli says
That Biryani with the dough top sounds spectacular. I can only imagine how comforting this dish would be. Delightful for sure.
Thanks for sharing!
Adriana says
I have never tried to make Biryani, but you have inspired me to try this dish at home with your instructions. Thank you! I love this dish ordered at the restaurant a lot.
★★★★★
Hi Adriana, That makes us very happy to hear that we inspired you!. Yes I too love ordering the Biryani, however now that I have overcome my fear and made it at home, probably will make it more often using different protierns!
Happy cooking!
Cheers!
Marta says
We absolutely love Biryani and you have certainly piqued our interest. Your beautiful images sealed the deal for me. Thank you for sharing.
★★★★★
You are so kind Marta. So happy you liked the pictures, and are inspired to try this. It is so delicious, I am craving it again!
Thanks for giving it a try!
Cheers!
Kathryn Donangelo says
We love shrimp and this recipe looks so hearty and perfect for this weekend! I am so excited to try this, thank you so much!
★★★★★
Thank you Katheryn so much for trying this recipe. It is so full of flavor and texture! Let us know how you make out!
Happy cooking!
Beth says
A biryani is such a warming and fragrant dish and this one sounds perfect. It's great to know about the Sindhi Biryani Masala - I will be looking out for it!
★★★★★
Hi ben, you described the Biryani perfectly warm and comforting. I love the aroma of Indian cuisine and this dish has plenty of that to get you all hungry and craving. Thanks for checking it out!
Lori | The Kitchen Whisperer says
Oh my word does this look delicious! It’s a dish of perfect comfort food especially on a cold winter’s night! Thank you so much for sharing!
★★★★★
You are so welcome Lori! Thank you for taking the time to check it out. It is definitely a mind, body, and soul warming soup!
Cheers!
Sandhya Ramakrishnan says
We are absolutely Biriyani loving family and I agree each region has its own twist and spice blend to make biriyani. I am looking forward to getting hold of the Sindhi Biriyani spice mix to give it a try.
★★★★★
Thank you so much Sandhya. It is always nice to go to these spice stores and find some wonderful and tasty aromatic treasures. I am sure your Biryani is so delicious and aromatic!
Have a wonderful cooking week!
Leslie says
This recipe just has it all! Easy to make, delicious, and flavorful! Perfect recipe for any seafood lover!
★★★★★
You said it all in a few words! Thank you!
Cheers!
Amanda Dixon says
This biryani came out so great! I love the kick of spice the green chile added, and the ginger was such a nice fragrant touch. Super easy too! I'll definitely make this again.
★★★★★
Thanks Amanda, so glad you tried it and found it so easy! Definitely a dish to repeat!
Cheers!
Veronika Sykorova says
This Biryani looks like it's gonna be full of flavor and so good! I love shrimp, I'm definitely making it for dinner sometime this week.
That's great, such a great family meal all in one and packed with flavor and texture. The spice is up to you!
Happy cooking!
Cheers!