One-Pan Shrimp Biryani Express
When you want the deep comfort of a spiced rice dish without the hours of prep.
After a long day, you want something that feels like a warm hug but doesn't require an afternoon in the kitchen. This one-pan shrimp biryani delivers those rich, aromatic notes of cumin and turmeric with minimal cleanup. We’ve streamlined the traditional multi-step process into a single pan where the rice and spices mingle perfectly with succulent shrimp. The result is a fragrant, golden dish that feels incredibly indulgent despite its speed. You'll love how the steam from the rice carries the scent of toasted spices through your home. It is the ultimate 'I can't believe I made this in 30 minutes' win for your weeknight rotation.
Ingredients
- 1 lb shrimp
- 1.5 cup basmati rice
- 3 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 0.5 cup chicken broth
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 pinch fresh cilantro
Method
- 1 Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear, then drain well.
- 2 In a large skillet or heavy-bottomed pot, melt the butter over medium heat.
- 3 Add the shrimp and cook for 3 minutes until just pink. Remove shrimp from the pan and set aside (this prevents them from getting rubbery).
- 4 In the same pan, add the rice, cumin, turmeric, garlic powder, and salt. Toast the rice for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly until fragrant.
- 5 Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover tightly, and simmer for 15 minutes.
- 6 Fold the cooked shrimp back into the rice and cook uncovered for 2 more minutes to steam through.
- 7 Garnish with cilantro and serve immediately.
Variations
- Vegetarian Swap — Replace shrimp with 1 cup of canned chickpeas, drained and patted dry.
- Extra Zest — Add a squeeze of fresh lime juice right before serving for a bright, citrusy finish.
Notes
To keep the rice fluffy, don't peek! Lifting the lid lets out the steam needed for perfect texture. If you want extra kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper with the other spices.
Equipment that helps
- Heavy-bottomed skillet — Ensures even heat distribution so the rice cooks evenly without sticking.
- Tight-fitting lid — Traps steam to cook the rice perfectly in one step.
Find more dinners like this
More like this
