Fish Biryani is a delightful twist to the traditional biryani, perfect for seafood lovers who want a lighter yet flavorful dish. Unlike mutton or chicken biryani,
this recipe is quicker to prepare and easier for beginners. With simple steps, fragrant basmati rice, and perfectly spiced fish pieces, this biryani will make your lunch or dinner truly special.
If you’re new to cooking, don’t worry — this beginner-friendly guide will help you make Fish Biryani step by step without confusion.
🐟 Main Ingredient: Fresh fish (any firm fish like Rohu, Kingfish, or Seer Fish)
🍚 Cooking Time: 45–50 minutes
🍴 Serves: 4 people
🔥 Skill Level: Beginner-friendly
Ingredients
🔹 For Fish Marination
500 g fresh fish pieces (cleaned & washed)
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp turmeric powder
1 tsp red chili powder
Salt – as per taste
🔹 For Rice
2 cups basmati rice (soaked for 30 minutes)
4 cups water
2–3 green cardamoms
2 cloves
1 bay leaf
1 small cinnamon stick
Salt – to taste
🔹 For Biryani Masala
2 medium onions – thinly sliced
2 medium tomatoes – finely chopped
2 green chilies – slit lengthwise
1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
½ cup curd (plain yogurt)
1 tsp garam masala powder
1 tsp coriander powder
1 tsp cumin powder
1 tsp biryani masala (optional, for extra flavor)
Fresh coriander leaves – finely chopped
Fresh mint lea
ves – finely chopped
3 tbsp cooking oil + 1 tbsp ghee
Step-by-Step Cooking Method
Step 1: Marinate the Fish
In a bowl, add fish pieces with turmeric, red chili powder, salt, and lemon juice.
Mix gently and keep aside for 15–20 minutes.
Step 2: Cook the Rice
Heat 4 cups of water in a large vessel and add salt along with whole spices like cardamom, cloves, bay leaf, and cinnamon for aroma. When the water starts boiling, add the soaked basmati rice and let it cook until the grains are about 70% done — soft on the outside but still slightly firm inside. Drain the excess water carefully and keep the rice aside for layering later.
Step 3: Fry the Fish
Heat oil in a pan and shallow fry marinated fish until golden brown.
Remove and keep aside carefully to avoid breaking.
Step 4: Prepare the Masala
Heat oil in the same pan, fry onions till golden. Add ginger-garlic paste, tomatoes, and green chilies. Mix in the spices and cook till the masala turns smooth and aromatic.
Step 5: Layering the Biryani
In a heavy-bottom pot, spread a layer of rice.
Add a layer of masala and fish pieces.
Repeat until all rice and fish are layered.
Sprinkle coriander, mint, and a spoon of ghee.
Step 6: Dum Cooking
Cover the pot with a tight lid and cook on low heat for 15–20 minutes. Turn off the flame and let it rest for 10 minutes before serving.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Enjoy your hot Fish Biryani with a side of refreshing onion raita, a crisp green salad, and some crunchy papad or tangy pickle for the perfect meal.