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Introduction : How to Make Prawn Biryani at Home 🍤🍚

Making prawn biryani at home doesn’t have to be complicated! With the right recipe and simple ingredients, you can easily create a delicious and aromatic prawn biryani that will wow your guests and family alike. 😋🍽️ Whether it’s for a special occasion or a cozy dinner, this prawn biryani recipe is a must-try!

Ingredients for Prawn Biryani 🛒

For Marinating the Prawns

500 grams of fresh prawns (cleaned and deveined) 🦐
1 tablespoon of ginger-garlic paste 🧄
1 tablespoon of red chili powder 🌶️
1/2 teaspoon of turmeric powder ✨
Salt to taste 🧂
2 tablespoons of lemon juice 🍋
1 tablespoon of yogurt 🥄

For Cooking the Rice

2 cups of basmati rice 🍚
4 cups of water 💦
2-3 bay leaves 🍃
4-5 cloves 🌰
2 green cardamom pods 🌿
1 cinnamon stick 🍥
1/2 teaspoon of cumin seeds 🌱
Salt to taste 🧂

For Making the Biryani

2 tablespoons of ghee (clarified butter) 🧈
2 tablespoons of oil 🌻
2 large onions (thinly sliced) 🧅
2 tomatoes (chopped) 🍅
1/2 teaspoon of cumin seeds 🌱
1-2 green chilies (slit lengthwise) 🌶️
1 tablespoon of ginger-garlic paste 🧄
1 tablespoon of garam masala powder 🍛
1/4 teaspoon of saffron strands (optional) 🌸
Fresh mint and coriander leaves (for garnish) 🌿

How to Prepare Prawn Biryani 🍴

Step 1: Marinate the Prawns 🍤

In a bowl, add the prawns, ginger-garlic paste, red chili powder, turmeric, salt, lemon juice, and yogurt.
Mix it well so the prawns are coated with all the flavors.
Let them marinate for 15–20 minutes to absorb all the yummy spices. The longer you marinate, the more flavorful your prawns will be! 😍

Step 2: Prepare the Rice 🍚

Rinse the basmati rice in cold water until the water runs clear. Soak it for 30 minutes to get the perfect texture.
In a large pot, bring 4 cups of water to a boil, then add bay leaves, cloves, cardamom, cinnamon, and cumin seeds. 🌿
Add the soaked rice and salt. Cook for 8–10 minutes until the rice is 70–80% cooked (it should still be a little firm).
Drain the rice and set it aside. 🍚

Step 3: Cook the Prawns 🍤

In a pan, heat the ghee and oil. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter. 🌱
Add the onions and sauté them until golden brown and caramelized. This will take 10–15 minutes.
Add the ginger-garlic paste and green chilies, sauté for a minute until fragrant.
Add the chopped tomatoes and cook until they soften and form a thick paste. 🍅
Toss in the marinated prawns and cook for 4–5 minutes. Make sure the prawns are just cooked – they’ll cook further while the biryani simmers. 😋

Step 4: Layering the Biryani 🍚🍤

In a large pot or pressure cooker, layer the cooked prawns at the bottom.
Add a layer of the partially cooked rice on top of the prawns. Repeat the layers until all the rice and prawns are used up, finishing with rice on top. 🍚
If using saffron, soak it in warm milk and drizzle over the rice for a rich golden color and fragrance. 🌸
Garnish with fresh mint and coriander leaves for a burst of freshness. 🌿
Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and cook on low heat for 20 minutes. Let the biryani rest for 5–10 minutes before opening the lid.

Step 5: Serving Your Prawn Biryani 🍽️

Gently fluff the rice with a fork to mix the prawns and rice.
Serve your prawn biryani hot with a side of raita or a crisp salad. 🥗
Enjoy the perfect blend of spicy, fragrant, and tender prawn biryani! 😍

Tips for Making Perfect Prawn Biryani 👨‍🍳

Use fresh prawns for the best texture and flavor. 🦐
Don’t overcook the prawns! They’ll cook further while the biryani steams. 🌬️
Caramelizing the onions adds sweetness to the dish, so don’t rush this step! 🧅
Soak the rice for at least 30 minutes before cooking for the fluffiest texture. 🍚
If you don’t have saffron, you can skip it or use a pinch of turmeric for color. 🌸

FAQs About Prawn Biryani 🤔

Can I use frozen prawns for this recipe? ❄️
Yes! You can use frozen prawns, but fresh prawns will always give the best flavor and texture.

How do I make the biryani spicier? 🌶️
Add more green chilies or red chili powder to the marinade. You can also use a spicy garam masala for an extra punch!

Can I prepare the biryani in advance? ⏰
Yes! You can prepare it a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Just reheat it gently when you’re ready to serve.

What can I serve with prawn biryani? 🥗
Prawn biryani is perfect with a side of yogurt-based raita, a cucumber salad, or even boiled eggs!

Can I make a vegetarian version of this biryani? 🌱
Yes, just replace the prawns with your favorite vegetables like potatoes, peas, or paneer.

How should I store leftover prawn biryani? 🥡
Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat it gently to enjoy it again.

Conclusion 🎉

Now that you know how to make prawn biryani at home, it’s time to enjoy this mouthwatering dish with your loved ones. Whether it’s a special occasion or just another meal, this easy-to-make recipe is sure to bring joy to the table. Happy cooking! 🍽️🍤✨

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How to Make Prawn Biryani at Home