A quick and easy version of a classic Indian dish, this delicious shrimp biriyani features U.S.-grown rice and can be made in just thirty minutes.
By posting this recipe I am entering a recipe contest sponsored by USA Rice Federation and am eligible to win prizes associated with the contest. I was not compensated for my time.
Think rice! In honor of National Nutrition Month, the USA Rice Federation challenged the RecipeRedux members to create our own nutritious and delicious recipes featuring U.S.-grown rice.
Whether you prefer white, brown, wild, black or red rice, U.S.-grown rice has you covered! Not only is it delicious, but U.S.-grown rice is healthy, sustainable, locally-grown, GMO-free, affordable, and versatile. How can you beat that? You can use it in so many ways, from savory to sweet. Try pairing it with other nutritious foods like seafood, lean proteins, fruits and vegetables for a perfect meal. An added benefit- it’s also gluten-free and easily digested. Because it is the least allergenic of all grains, rice cereal is often recommended as a first food for babies.
U.S.-grown rice is naturally sodium- and cholesterol-free. In addition, whole grains like brown rice have a variety of health benefits such as helping to reduce the risk of heart disease, diabetes and other chronic diseases. Because of this, the USDA recommends that half of the grains you eat should be whole grains.
When I heard about this rice challenge, a million ideas went through my mind. I knew I wanted to do a quintessential rice dish, one in which the rice is truly the star. Rice is a staple in so many dishes from around the globe and U.S.-grown rice can be used to create any of them. I thought of paella, risotto, sushi, jambalaya, rice pudding, rice and beans, etc. Finally, I decided to go back to my roots and make a dish that I grew up with- biriyani. Biriyani is a classic Indian rice dish in which rice is cooked with meat or vegetables and spices. In my house, biriyani was always a special occasion dish because it takes a little time to prepare. For this challenge, I wanted to make a version of biriyani that’s fast as well as delicious and healthy. To put my own twist on it, I decided to use shrimp. Packed with protein and omega-3 fatty acids, the shrimp are a delicious and nutritious addition to the dish. Plus, they cook really fast, making this a meal that’s suitable for busy weeknights.
I cook the shrimp in a flavorful sauce with onions, tomato, spices and yogurt. Then I stir them into
delicious U.S.-grown jasmati rice. I usually eat brown rice but biriyani is classically made with basmati rice. When I went to the store to buy rice, I was intrigued by the U.S.-grown jasmati rice, which I had never used before. A long grain rice with the soft, fluffy texture of basmati and the fragrant aroma and subtle nutty flavor of jasmine rice, it worked perfectly in this dish. Although my local store only had the white variety, it also comes in brown if you're looking for a whole grain option.
delicious U.S.-grown jasmati rice. I usually eat brown rice but biriyani is classically made with basmati rice. When I went to the store to buy rice, I was intrigued by the U.S.-grown jasmati rice, which I had never used before. A long grain rice with the soft, fluffy texture of basmati and the fragrant aroma and subtle nutty flavor of jasmine rice, it worked perfectly in this dish. Although my local store only had the white variety, it also comes in brown if you're looking for a whole grain option.
So the next time you’re trying to solve the daily dinner dilemma, I challenge you to think U.S.-grown rice!
Recipe
Shrimp Biryani
A quick and easy version of a classic Indian dish, this delicious biriyani features U.S.-grown rice and can be made in about thirty minutes.
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Servings: 4
Calories: 358kcal
Ingredients
- 1 cup U.S.-grown jasmati rice
- ¾ teaspoon salt, divided use
- 2 tablespoons neutral-flavored oil like safflower or grapeseed
- 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
- 1 ½ teaspoons grated or minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon grated or minced ginger
- ½ teaspoon turmeric
- ⅛-1/4 teaspoon red chili powder or cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 small plum tomato finely chopped
- 2 tablespoon reduced fat Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro plus extra for garnish
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons toasted cashew nuts
Instructions
- Place the rice, ¼ teaspoon salt and 2 cups water in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer, cover and cook 10-12 minutes until rice is about halfway cooked. Remove from heat.
- Meanwhile, heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden, about 10 minutes. Stir in the garlic, ginger, turmeric, chili powder, and garam masala and cook another minute until fragrant. Add the tomato and cook another few minutes, breaking it down with a wooden spoon as it cooks. If the spices stick to the pan, add a tablespoon of water. Stir in the yogurt and cilantro. Add the shrimp to the sauce and season them with ½ teaspoon salt. Cook the shrimp 2-3 minutes, stirring to coat them with the sauce.
- Transfer the partially cooked rice to the skillet, spreading the rice out over the shrimp. Cover the skillet and cook another 10 minutes until rice and shrimp are completely cooked through. Uncover and gently stir the mixture, distributing the shrimp and sauce throughout the rice. Garnish with cilantro and toasted cashews. Serve with yogurt or raita for recipe).
Nutrition
Serving: 0g | Calories: 358kcal | Carbohydrates: 44.3g | Protein: 20.9g | Fat: 9.1g | Saturated Fat: 1.2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0g | Trans Fat: 0g | Cholesterol: 0mg | Sodium: 1084mg | Potassium: 0mg | Fiber: 1.7g | Sugar: 0g | Vitamin A: 0IU | Vitamin C: 0mg | Calcium: 0mg | Iron: 0mg
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AsianFood says
I love trying out the different dishes that they have to offer! This is a pretty cool.
Melanie @ Punjabi Desi Foods says
This is extremely easy to make and also a very healthy and flavorful recipe to create this at home, Last time I visited this website for create the good rice recipe.
Alanna says
This dish is beautiful and mouth watering! I too, want to experiment more with Indian cooking and I can't wait to get into the kitchen to try this one 🙂
sonaliruder says
Thanks Alanna! An Indian cooking class with you and Min would be so much fun!!
Min Kwon says
Yum! This looks so delicious, Sonali! I've tried this dish many.many times but didn't realize how simple it is to make! I really want to experiment more with Indian cooking so can't wait to try this!!
sonaliruder says
Thanks Min! This is definitely a quick and easy version, but the flavors of the traditional dish are all there 🙂
Shashi Charles says
I got lost in your biriyani...it sounds and looks delectable - it takes me back! It's been awhile since I had my mom's biriyani and now I just cannot get my mind off it ..or yours... - am gonna have to leave work early and it's all your fault! 🙂 But wait - I don't have any biriyani waiting at home for me - can I come over?
sonaliruder says
So sorry Shashi- I didn't mean to cause trouble 😉 And of course you can come over, that would be a blast!
Arman @ thebigmansworld says
Wow. I've had chicken biriyani but never a shrimp one- And I love shrimp more than chicken!
Pinning!
sonaliruder says
That sounds like a serious problem to me! You should fix this stat! Thanks Arman 🙂
Kelley @ Chef Savvy says
This looks amazing and so flavorful! I've never had biriyani before but look forward to trying!
sonaliruder says
Oh you got to try it out! Thanks for stopping by Kelley!
Cotter Crunch says
i love this dish. colorful and nutritious! must make with my sizzlefish!
sonaliruder says
Thanks Lindsay! This dish is totally calling for a nice batch of Sizzlefish shrimp!
Allie Key says
My husband loved Indian food. I will have to make this for him
sonaliruder says
Yay! Please let me know how it turns out. Thanks Allie!
Deanna - Teaspoon of Spice says
This shrimp lover can't pin this fast enough and I'm intrigued to try the US jasmati 🙂
sonaliruder says
Thank you my fellow shrimp lover 🙂 The US jasmati totally caught my eye when I saw it on the shelf and it was great!
sprinklesandsauce says
beautiful looking dish! love the colors! love that elephant in the background too 😉
sonaliruder says
Haha, I figured I'd toss it in there since I had it. Thanks!
Ashley C. says
What a beautiful dish full of flavor! I love shrimp recipes and love that this meal combines the best of everything. The color pops in that bright blue skillet too!
sonaliruder says
Thanks so much Ashley! The turmeric really adds such nice color to this dish 🙂
genevieve @ gratitude & greens says
Oooo I love biriyani! My friend made me a vegetarian one once and I loved it. So yummy!
sonaliruder says
Yay! It's such a tasty dish. Thanks Gen 🙂
Katie Serbinski says
I didn't realize how easy this recipe is to make! I have all of the ingredients at home so we'll definitely be making this on Friday [perfect lenten dish]. Always grateful for your awesome recipes!!
sonaliruder says
Thanks so much Katie! This is definitely a quick and easy version but it really captures all the flavors of the traditional dish. Enjoy!!
Farrah says
I love biryani! <3!!! I can't have shrimp, but will be trying this out with chicken! :D!!
sonaliruder says
It would be great with chicken! Thanks Farrah 🙂