Recipe: Perfect Kerala Malabari Style Fish Biryani

Kerala Malabari Style Fish Biryani. Check Out our Selection & Order Now. Can I use coconut oil for frying the fish? Hi Diya, Yes, you can do that.

Malabari fish biryani stands out for its unique taste, flavour and the aroma. Here is how you could make the Malabar special fish biryani. Kerala style Fish Biryani is prepared using Khaima/ Jeerakasala rice. You can have Kerala Malabari Style Fish Biryani using 23 ingredients and 8 steps. Here is how you cook it.

Ingredients of Kerala Malabari Style Fish Biryani

1. It's of King fish cut into medium size pieces.
2. Prepare of Basmati rice.
3. You need of Onion thinly sliced.
4. You need of Tomato finely chopped.
5. It's of Ginger-garlic paste.
6. Prepare of Red chilli powder.
7. It's of Turmeric powder.
8. Prepare of Vinegar / lemon juice.
9. You need of Coriander powder.
10. Prepare of Garam masala powder.
11. You need of Yogurt/curd.
12. Prepare of Bay leaves.
13. You need of Star anise.
14. You need of Black peppercorns.
15. Prepare of Cilantro leaves finely chopped.
16. Prepare of Mint leaves finely chopped.
17. It's of Cashew nuts (optional).
18. Prepare of Raisins (optional).
19. You need of Curry leaves( optional).
20. You need of Water.
21. Prepare of Salt.
22. It's of Oil.
23. You need of Ghee/clarified butter -As needed.

Seer Fish/ Neymmeen or any other fleshy fish can be used for making this Fish Biryani. The perfect blend of marinated fish, aromatic rice and selected spices makes it lip-smackingly delicious. I got this Malabar Fish Biryani recipe from Sajira, my dear friend and ex- colleague. Spicy and flavorful Kerala Style Malabar Fish Biriyani.

Kerala Malabari Style Fish Biryani step by step

1. Clean, wash, & drain the fish pieces. Make a paste with half of the chilli powder, turmeric powder, coriander powder, lemon juice, & salt adding very little water. Marinate the fish pieces with the prepared marinade and keep it aside for at least 30 mins..
2. Make a paste of green chilies and ginger-garlic paste and keep it aside. Heat oil in a large pan. Add curry leaves and marinated fish. Deep fry the fish and drain them on a paper towel..
3. In the same pan, add more oil if needed. Add the sliced onions and saute until golden brown and translucent. Add the chopped tomatoes and saute until soft and mushy. Add the chilies-ginger-garlic paste and fry until the raw smell goes away. Add the remaining spice powders and mix well. Cook on medium flame for 5 mins until the oil starts to separate, stirring occasionally. Add the yogurt and mix well. Cover with a lid and cook for low flame for 5 mins..
4. Add the fried fish pieces and carefully coat the masala over the fish pieces making sure not to break them. Cover and cook for another 10-15 mins. Remove from flame and keep it aside..
5. Heat ghee in a pan. Fry raisins and cashews. Drain them on a paper towel and keep it aside..
6. In a large vessel, boil water. Add salt and the whole spices-bay leaves, star anise, and peppercorns. Add washed rice and cook on medium flame until the rice is cooked. Drain the rice and keep it aside..
7. In a biryani pot, melt 1 tsp of ghee. Spread the first layer of rice. Layer the fish masala evenly over the rice without breaking fish pieces. Layer the remaining rice. Garnish with chopped mint + cilantro leaves, fried raisins + cashews, and sprinkle ghee. Close the lid and simmer for 10-15 minutes. Remove from flame and keep it aside covered for another 10 mins..
8. Gently mix it well with the masala making sure not to break the fish pieces. Serve yummy & delicious fish biryani along with raita and pickle of your choice..

Fish Biriyani is a very famous traditional main course of Kerala. I got this recipe from my MIL who is an expert in making biryani. Preparation method of fish biriyani is similar to chicken biriyani with slight changes. One such South Indian Biryani that has all our heart is Malabar fish biryani. Fish tossed in a spicy masala intermixed with rice makes for a hearty combination, something that you could consider.