Ingredients Required

For Marinating the Fish

• 1 kg fish pieces

• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder

• 1 teaspoon chilli powder

• Salt – as required

• Lemon juice – 1 tablespoon

For the Rice

• 1.5 kg biryani rice

• 2 cinnamon sticks

• 4 cardamoms

• 4 cloves

• Salt – as required

• Water – as needed

For the Masala

• 4 large onions (thinly sliced)

• 2 tomatoes (chopped)

• 2 tablespoons ginger-garlic paste

• 8 green chillies

• 1 cup curd

• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder

• 2 teaspoons chilli powder

• 2 teaspoons coriander powder

• 1 teaspoon garam masala

• Mint leaves – a handful

• Coriander leaves – a handful

• Curry leaves – as required

• Oil or ghee – as needed

For Garnishing

• Fried onions

• Cashew nuts

• Raisins

• Coriander leaves

• Mint leaves

Preparation Method

Step 1: Marinate the Fish

Clean the fish pieces properly.

Add:

• Turmeric powder

• Chilli powder

• Salt

• Lemon juice

Mix well and keep aside for about 30 minutes.

Step 2: Fry the Fish

Heat oil in a pan and lightly fry the marinated fish pieces until golden.

Do not overcook the fish, as it may break while layering the biryani.

Keep the fried fish aside.

Step 3: Cook the Rice

Boil enough water in a large vessel.

Add:

• Cinnamon

• Cardamom

• Cloves

• Salt

When the water starts boiling, add the soaked biryani rice.

Cook the rice until it is about 70% cooked, then drain the water completely.

Step 4: Prepare the Fish Masala

Heat oil or ghee in a large pan.

Add sliced onions and sauté until golden brown.

Then add:

• Ginger-garlic paste

• Green chillies

• Tomatoes

Cook well until the tomatoes become soft.

Now add:

• Turmeric powder

• Chilli powder

• Coriander powder

• Garam masala

• Curd

Mix everything well and cook until the oil separates.

Add mint leaves, coriander leaves, and curry leaves.

Finally, gently add the fried fish pieces and mix carefully.

Step 5: Layer the Biryani

In a large biryani pot:

• Spread a layer of fish masala

• Add a layer of cooked rice

• Sprinkle fried onions, mint leaves, coriander leaves, cashew nuts, and raisins

Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used.

Step 6: Dum Cooking

Cover the pot tightly with a lid.

Cook on a low flame for about 20–25 minutes so the flavours blend perfectly.

You can seal the edges using dough for a traditional dumpling effect.

Serving Suggestion

Serve hot Fish Biryani with:

• Onion raita

• Pickle

• Salad

• Papad

It is perfect for lunch, dinner, family gatherings, and festive occasions.

Tips for Perfect Fish Biryani

• Use fresh fish for the best flavour.

• Avoid overcooking the fish while frying.

• Use basmati or biryani rice for better aroma and texture.

• Dum cooking enhances the overall taste and fragrance.

Fish Biryani is a perfect combination of aromatic rice, spicy masala, and flavorful fish. It is simple to prepare and offers restaurant-style taste at home.

Try this delicious homemade Fish Biryani recipe and enjoy a special seafood feast with your family and friends.