Sri Lankan prawn biryani recipe

Sri Lankan Prawn Biryani: A Flavorful, Fragrant Seafood Delight! 🍤🍚

If you're a fan of biryani and seafood, then Sri Lankan Prawn Biryani will definitely become one of your favorite dishes! Combining succulent prawns with fragrant rice, aromatic spices, and the signature Sri Lankan flair, this dish is a true celebration of flavors. It’s rich, hearty, and absolutely delicious, making it a perfect meal for special occasions or a flavorful family dinner. 🌟

This Sri Lankan twist on the traditional biryani offers a unique blend of spices and ingredients that give it a fragrant, vibrant aroma and mouthwatering taste. Let's dive into this easy-to-follow recipe and bring a piece of Sri Lanka to your kitchen! 🇱🇰🍴

What Makes Sri Lankan Prawn Biryani Special? 🤩

Sri Lankan biryani differs from other biryanis with its use of fresh, local ingredients like curry leaves, pandan leaves, and coconut milk. These elements infuse the rice and prawns with a distinct aroma and depth of flavor, creating a perfect balance of spiciness, creaminess, and fragrance. 🌶️🥥

The prawns are marinated with spices and cooked in a delicious curry before being layered with fragrant rice, allowing all the flavors to meld together. Once the biryani is cooked, it’s a colorful and flavorful masterpiece that will leave everyone at the table asking for more!

Ingredients You’ll Need 🍴

For Marinating the Prawns:

• 500g prawns (peeled and deveined)
• 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
• 1 tsp turmeric powder
• 1 tsp red chili powder (adjust to spice level)
• 1 tsp curry powder (preferably Sri Lankan)
• 1 tbsp yogurt (optional for extra tenderizing)
• Salt to taste
• Juice of 1 lemon 🍋

For the Biryani Rice:

• 2 cups basmati rice (washed and soaked for 30 minutes)
• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
• 2 tbsp ghee or vegetable oil
• 2-3 cloves
• 2-3 green cardamom pods
• 2 bay leaves
• 1-inch cinnamon stick
• 1 star anise (optional)
• 1 pandan leaf (optional but adds a wonderful aroma)
• 1 tbsp curry leaves 🍃
• 1/4 cup fresh coriander leaves (chopped) 🌿
• 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves (chopped) 🌿
• 2 tbsp raisins (optional)
• 2 tbsp cashews (optional)

For the Biryani Curry Base:

• 2 tbsp coconut oil (or regular oil)
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
• 2 tomatoes, chopped
• 1 tsp cumin powder
• 1 tsp coriander powder
• 1 tsp garam masala (optional)
• 1 cup coconut milk 🥥
• Salt to taste

How to Make Sri Lankan Prawn Biryani: Step-by-Step 👨‍🍳👩‍🍳

1. Marinate the Prawns:

• In a bowl, combine the prawns with ginger-garlic paste, turmeric, chili powder, curry powder, yogurt (optional), lemon juice, and salt.
• Mix well and let the prawns marinate for at least 30 minutes. The longer you marinate, the more flavorful the prawns will be. ⏳

2. Cook the Biryani Rice:

• Heat ghee or oil in a large pot. Add the sliced onions and sauté until they turn golden brown and crispy. 🧅
• Add the cloves, cardamom pods, bay leaves, cinnamon stick, star anise (if using), pandan leaf, and curry leaves. Stir for a minute to release the spices' aromas. 🌿
• Add the soaked rice and sauté gently for a couple of minutes, ensuring each grain of rice is coated with the oil and spices. 🍚
• Pour in 4 cups of water, add salt, and bring it to a boil. Lower the heat, cover, and cook the rice on low for about 10-12 minutes or until it’s cooked but still fluffy. 🌾
• Once cooked, fluff the rice with a fork and set it aside. You can stir in some fresh coriander and mint leaves at this point for added fragrance. 🌿

3. Prepare the Prawn Curry Base:

• Heat coconut oil in a pan and sauté the sliced onions until golden brown. 🧅
• Add ginger-garlic paste and cook until fragrant.
• Add the chopped tomatoes and cook until they soften and break down into a paste-like consistency. 🍅
• Stir in cumin powder, coriander powder, garam masala (optional), and salt. Mix well and cook for 2 minutes.
• Add the marinated prawns to the pan and cook for 4-5 minutes, or until they turn pink and are just cooked through.
• Pour in the coconut milk and let the curry simmer for 5 minutes, thickening slightly. This will be your prawn curry base. 🥥

4. Layer the Biryani:

• In a large, heavy-bottomed pot (or a biryani pot), spread half of the cooked biryani rice at the bottom.
• Layer the prawn curry mixture on top of the rice, spreading it evenly. 🦐
• Add the remaining rice on top of the prawns, then sprinkle with chopped coriander and mint leaves, fried onions, raisins, and cashews for added texture and flavor. 🌿
• Cover the pot tightly with a lid and cook the biryani on low heat for about 15-20 minutes (this is called “dum cooking”), allowing the flavors to meld together. 🔥

5. Serve and Enjoy:

• Once done, gently fluff the biryani with a fork, mixing the prawns and rice together.
• Serve the Sri Lankan Prawn Biryani hot with a side of raita or a simple cucumber salad. 🍽️

Tips for the Perfect Sri Lankan Prawn Biryani ✨

• Use Basmati Rice: Basmati rice is long-grained and aromatic, making it perfect for biryani. Soak it before cooking to keep it fluffy and non-sticky.
• Adjust the Spice Level: Feel free to adjust the amount of chili powder and green chilies based on how spicy you like your biryani.
• Marinating is Key: The longer you marinate the prawns, the better the flavor. Ideally, marinate for 1-2 hours, but 30 minutes will still give great results.
• Ghee or Coconut Oil: For authentic flavor, use ghee or coconut oil while cooking the rice and curry base.
• Biryani Dum: Allow the biryani to cook on low heat to allow all the spices to infuse into the rice and prawns. Don’t rush this step!

Why You’ll Love Sri Lankan Prawn Biryani 💕

• Fragrant and Flavorful: The combination of spices, herbs, and coconut milk gives this biryani a deep, aromatic flavor. 🍚🌶️
• Perfect for Special Occasions: Whether it’s a family gathering, celebration, or holiday, this prawn biryani is sure to impress. 🎉
• Hearty and Filling: With tender prawns and fragrant rice, this biryani is a meal that’s both satisfying and comforting. 🍽️
• One-Pot Wonder: Everything is cooked in one pot, making cleanup a breeze while still delivering big flavors. ✨

Final Thoughts on Sri Lankan Prawn Biryani 🌟

Sri Lankan Prawn Biryani is a delightful combination of aromatic rice, tender prawns, and a flavorful curry base, all wrapped up in one delicious dish. Whether you're making it for a special occasion or simply to enjoy an incredible meal, this prawn biryani will surely impress your family and friends. 🌺

Happy Cooking! 🍤 Don't forget to share your culinary masterpiece on social media using #SriLankanPrawnBiryani! 🌟