A Complete Guide to Making Fish Biryani Like a Dubai Chef

Introduction

Fish Biryani is a flavorful and aromatic dish that combines fragrant basmati rice with marinated fish, rich spices, and traditional Middle Eastern flavors. In Dubai, chefs use a special blend of spices and cooking techniques to make this dish truly exceptional. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced home cook, this guide will take you through each step to prepare Fish Biryani like a Dubai chef.

What is Fish Biryani?

Fish Biryani is a classic South Asian dish that has been embraced by Middle Eastern cuisine, particularly in Dubai. It consists of marinated fish, layered with spiced basmati rice, and cooked using the “Dum” method, which involves slow-cooking for enhanced flavors. Unlike chicken or mutton biryani, Fish Biryani has a delicate and aromatic profile, making it a popular choice for seafood lovers.

Ingredients for Fish Biryani

To make authentic Fish Biryani, you will need the following ingredients:

For the Fish Marinade:

500g fish fillets (kingfish, salmon, or pomfret)
2 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp turmeric powder
1 tbsp red chili powder
1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
1 tsp garam masala
Salt to taste
2 tbsp yogurt

For the Rice:

2 cups basmati rice
4 cups water
2 bay leaves
4 green cardamoms
4 cloves
1-inch cinnamon stick
1 tsp salt

For the Biryani Masala:

2 onions (thinly sliced)
2 tomatoes (chopped)
1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
1 tsp cumin seeds
1 tbsp coriander powder
1 tbsp biryani masala
1 tsp black pepper powder
2 tbsp ghee or oil
1/2 cup fresh coriander leaves
1/2 cup fresh mint leaves

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Fish Biryani

Marinate the Fish

Clean and cut the fish into medium-sized fillets.
In a bowl, mix lemon juice, turmeric, red chili powder, ginger-garlic paste, garam masala, salt, and yogurt.
Coat the fish fillets with the marinade and let them rest for at least 30 minutes.

Prepare the Rice

Rinse basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
In a large pot, boil water with bay leaves, cardamoms, cloves, cinnamon, and salt.
Add the rice and cook until it is 80% done (it should still have a bite to it).
Drain the rice and set it aside.

Cook the Fish

Heat oil or ghee in a pan.
Gently fry the marinated fish until golden brown. Be careful not to overcook.
Remove the fish and set it aside.

Prepare the Biryani Masala

In the same pan, add cumin seeds and let them splutter.
Add sliced onions and sauté until golden brown.
Add ginger-garlic paste and cook until the raw smell disappears.
Stir in tomatoes, coriander powder, biryani masala, and black pepper powder.
Cook until the masala is well blended and aromatic.
Add fresh coriander and mint leaves, mixing well.

Assemble the Biryani

In a heavy-bottomed pot, layer half of the cooked rice at the bottom.
Spread the prepared biryani masala over the rice.
Arrange the fried fish fillets on top.
Cover with the remaining rice and drizzle ghee or oil on top.
Cover the pot with a tight lid and cook on low heat for 15 minutes (Dum cooking method).

Serve and Enjoy!

Once done, gently fluff up the biryani with a fork.
Garnish with fried onions, fresh coriander, and mint leaves.
Serve hot with raita and a side of salad.

Benefits of Using Fresh Fish from Dubai

For the best results, use fresh fish sourced from Dubai’s renowned markets. You can explore the Fish Market Dubai for a variety of high-quality seafood options.