Fish Biryani Recipe: Fish Biryani is a delightful variation on the traditional biryani that adds a new twist to your usual rice dish. With tender pieces of fish, fragrant spices and fragrant rice, it offers a unique blend of flavors that will satisfy your cravings. Whether you are a biryani lover or someone who wants to try something new, this fish biryani recipe is sure to become your favorite.
Fish Biryani Ingredients:
To make fish biryani, you will need the following ingredients:
For the fish marinade:
500 grams fish fillet (preferably kingfish or any firm white fish)
1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
1 teaspoon red chili powder
1 teaspoon turmeric powder
1 teaspoon garam masala
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Salt to taste
2 tablespoons yogurt (optional)
For the biryani:
2 cups basmati rice
3 tablespoons vegetable oil or ghee (clarified butter)
1 large onion, thinly sliced
2 tomatoes, chopped
2 green chilies, sliced
2-3 bay leaves
1 cinnamon stick
4-5 cloves
3-4 cardamom pods, chopped
1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
1/2 cup chopped Coriander leaves
1/2 cup mint leaves
1 tablespoon garam masala powder
Salt to taste
4 cups water or fish stock (for cooking rice)
Step by step fish biryani recipe:
Step 1: Marinate the fish
To ensure your fish is flavorful, start by marinating it. Mix together the ginger-garlic paste, red chili powder, turmeric powder, garam masala, lemon juice, and salt in a bowl. Coat the fish fillets with this mixture and let them marinate for at least 30 minutes. You can add yogurt for extra tenderness and flavor.
Step 2: Prepare the rice
While marinating the fish, rinse the basmati rice under cold water to remove excess starch. Soak the rice in water for about 15-20 minutes. In a large pot, bring 4 cups of water (or fish stock for extra flavor) to a boil. Add a pinch of salt, bay leaves, cinnamon sticks, cardamom and cumin seeds to the soaked rice. Cook the rice until it is 70-80% cooked, as it will cook further while layering with the fish. Drain the rice and keep it aside.
Step 3: Fry the aromatics
In a large, heavy-bottomed pan, heat oil or ghee on medium heat. Add the chopped onions and fry them until they turn golden brown. These caramelized onions will add a rich flavour to your biryani. Take out half the onions and keep them aside for garnishing later.
Fry the remaining onions in the pan along with the ginger-garlic paste for a minute. Next, add the chopped tomatoes and cook until they soften and turn into a thick paste. Then, add the green chillies, coriander leaves and mint leaves, and cook for a few minutes.
Step 4: Cook the fish
Add the marinated fish fillets to the pan and cook over medium heat. Be gentle while flipping to avoid breaking the fish. Cook and stir until the fish is tender, but be careful not to overcook it. Once the fish is done, remove it from the pan and set aside.
Step 5: Layer the biryani
In the same pan, layer half of the cooked rice over the fish mixture. Sprinkle garam masala, mint and coriander leaves on top of the rice. Place the cooked fish fillets on top of the rice, followed by the remaining rice. Cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid and cook over low heat for about 15-20 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld.
Step 6: Serve the fish biryani
Once the fish biryani is cooked, remove it from the heat and let it sit for 5 minutes. Gently fluff the rice with a fork, making sure the fish pieces remain intact. Serve hot, garnished with reserved fried onions, with a side of raita or with a fresh salad.
Tips for the Perfect Fish Biryani:
Choose the Right Fish: Firm fish like kingfish, tilapia or cod work best for biryani as they hold their shape well during cooking.
Marination is key: The longer you marinate the fish, the more flavorful it will be. Aim for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour of marinating.
Low heat is essential: When layering the biryani, always cook on low heat so that the flavors meld together without burning the rice.
Combining the delicate flavor of the fish with the richness of the spices, fish biryani is a perfect combination of flavors. This recipe is easy to prepare, yet the result is a dish that is aromatic, flavorful and filling. Whether you are serving it for a family dinner or a special occasion, fish biryani is sure to impress your guests. Try this recipe today and experience the magic of this seafood delight!
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