Are you a fan of flavorful and aromatic dishes? Then you must try making beef biryani!
This classic South Asian dish is a perfect blend of tender beef, fragrant spices, and fluffy rice. While it may seem intimidating to make at first, with the right ingredients and techniques, anyone can create a delicious beef biryani at home.
In this article, we will guide you through the step-by-step process of making this mouth-watering dish. So, grab your apron and let’s get cooking!
How To Make Beef Biryani Recipe?
Step 1: Preparing the Rice
Begin by rinsing 1 1/2 cups of basmati rice under cold running water. Soak the rice for about 20 minutes, then drain and set aside.
Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add a bay leaf, cardamom, cinnamon, and cloves. Stir fry for a few seconds, then add 3 cups of beef broth and bring to a boil.
Add the soaked rice and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. Season with salt and stir gently. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until the rice is tender. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Preparing the Beef
In a large pot, place 1 lb of beef cubes along with garlic, ginger, spice blend, and chicken stock. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook uncovered until the beef is tender (about 3-4 hours).
Remove the meat from the pot and transfer it to a rimmed baking sheet, reserving the cooking liquid. Let the meat dry for 2-3 minutes.
Heat oil over medium-high in a Dutch oven or braiser. Working in batches, sear the beef until browned all over, then return it to the baking sheet. Using two forks, shred the beef into 2-inch chunks.
Return the pot to low heat and add 2 cups of reserved cooking liquid, stirring to deglaze. Add the beef and tomato sauce, then bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for 15 minutes. Stir in additional reserved cooking liquid if the sauce becomes dry.
Step 3: Layering the Biryani
In a large vessel over medium-high heat, heat oil and add sliced onions. Sauté until golden brown (about 5-10 minutes), then transfer half of the browned onions to a paper towel-lined plate and set aside.
Add ginger garlic paste and beef to the remaining onions and sauté until the beef has a good sear on it (about 3-5 minutes). Reduce heat and add tomatoes, cover, and cook until the beef is tender (about 1 1/2 to 2 hours). Add splashes of water as necessary to help tenderize the meat.
While the beef is cooking, mix together yogurt, coriander powder, red chili powder, turmeric, paprika, black pepper, nutmeg, mace, salt, green cardamoms, cloves, black cardamoms, cinnamon, bay leaf, and star anise in a bowl.
Once the beef is ready, add the prepared yogurt and spice mixture. Cook until the oil begins to separate from the gravy (about 10-15 minutes). Add potatoes and cook until they are semi-cooked through (about 10-15 minutes). Remove from heat and mix in cilantro, mint, lemon juice (or lime), and green chili.
To assemble the biryani: In a large shallow serving dish, transfer half of the rice. Top with half of the meat mixture. Cover with remaining rice and spoon remaining meat mixture on top. Garnish with caramelized onions and cilantro that were set aside earlier.
Gathering The Ingredients
Before you begin making your beef biryani, it’s important to gather all the necessary ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
– 1 1/2 cups basmati rice
– 3 cups beef broth
– 1 lb beef cubes
– Garlic and ginger
– Spice blend including cumin, coriander, turmeric, fenugreek seeds, and salt
– Onions
– Tomatoes
– Potatoes
– Green chilies
– Yogurt
– Cilantro
– Mint
– Lemon or lime juice
– Slivered almonds
– Golden raisins
You’ll also need some basic pantry staples like oil, butter, lemon juice, and salt. Make sure to read through the recipe carefully and measure out all of your ingredients before starting to cook. This will ensure that you have everything you need and can focus on the cooking process itself.
Preparing The Beef
Before adding the beef to the biryani, it is important to properly prepare the meat. Start by choosing high-quality beef cubes and trimming off any excess fat.
To tenderize the beef, add baking soda and water to the sliced beef and massage with your hands until most of the liquid is absorbed. Let it stand for 1-2 hours, then rinse thoroughly under running water until the water runs clear. Drain the beef and set it aside.
Next, marinate the beef by adding oil, oyster sauce or soy sauce, Shaoxing wine (optional), and cornstarch to it. Set it aside to marinate for 15-30 minutes before cooking.
In a large pot, add the marinated beef cubes along with garlic, ginger, spice blend, and chicken stock. Bring it to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer and cook uncovered until the beef is tender (about 3-4 hours).
Once the beef is cooked, remove it from the pot and transfer it to a rimmed baking sheet, reserving the cooking liquid. Let the meat dry for 2-3 minutes before searing it in a Dutch oven or braiser with hot oil over medium-high heat. Working in batches, sear the beef until browned all over, then return it to the baking sheet. Using two forks, shred the beef into 2-inch chunks.
Return the pot to low heat and add 2 cups of reserved cooking liquid, stirring to deglaze. Add the shredded beef and tomato sauce, then bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for 15 minutes. Stir in additional reserved cooking liquid if the sauce becomes dry.
By following these steps, you can make sure that your beef is tender and flavorful when added to your delicious biryani dish.
Cooking The Rice
Cooking the rice is a crucial step in making delicious beef biryani. Begin by rinsing 1 1/2 cups of basmati rice under cold running water. Soak the rice for about 20 minutes, then drain and set aside. This will help to remove any excess starch from the rice, which can make it too sticky.
Next, heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add a bay leaf, cardamom, cinnamon, and cloves. Stir fry for a few seconds, then add 3 cups of beef broth and bring to a boil. This will infuse the rice with flavorful spices and create a rich broth.
Add the soaked rice and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. Season with salt and stir gently. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until the rice is tender. This should take around 15-20 minutes, but be sure to check the rice regularly to prevent it from overcooking.
Once the rice is cooked, drain it and set it aside. You can also spread it out on a baking sheet to cool down quickly.
By following these simple steps, you’ll have perfectly cooked basmati rice that’s ready to be layered with your delicious beef curry mixture. Remember to handle the rice gently and avoid overcooking it to ensure that it stays fluffy and light.
Preparing The Spice Mixture
One of the most important components of a flavorful beef biryani recipe is the spice mixture. To prepare the spice blend, start by mixing together coriander powder, red chili powder, turmeric, paprika, black pepper, nutmeg, mace, salt, green cardamoms, cloves, black cardamoms, cinnamon, bay leaf, and star anise in a bowl.
Once the beef is ready, add the prepared yogurt and spice mixture to the pot. Cook until the oil begins to separate from the gravy (about 10-15 minutes). This will help infuse the spices into the meat and create a deliciously fragrant and flavorful sauce.
It’s important to note that you can adjust the spice level according to your personal preference. If you prefer a spicier biryani recipe, you can increase the amount of red chili powder or green chilies. On the other hand, if you prefer a milder flavor, you can reduce the amount of spices used.
Layering The Biryani
Layering the biryani is an important step in achieving the perfect flavor and texture. Begin by transferring half of the cooked rice to a large shallow serving dish. Spread it out evenly to cover the bottom of the dish.
Next, spoon half of the prepared beef mixture over the rice, spreading it out evenly. Repeat this process with the remaining rice and beef mixture, creating two layers.
Finally, garnish the top layer with caramelized onions and fresh cilantro. Cover the dish with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 20-25 minutes, until heated through.
Once done, remove from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This will allow the flavors to meld together and the biryani to set properly. Serve with raita and kachumbar for a complete meal.
Cooking And Serving The Beef Biryani
Now that the beef and rice are ready, it’s time to layer them to create the perfect Beef Biryani.
In a large heavy-bottomed oven-proof pan, arrange half of the beef mixture in a single layer. Top with half of the rice followed by 1 tablespoon of ghee, 1 teaspoon of rose water, half of the saffron milk, half of the fried onions, half of the raisins, half of the cashew nuts, and 2 tablespoons of coriander (cilantro) and mint leaves.
Repeat the layering process with the remaining beef mixture and rice. Cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid and place it in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20-25 minutes.
Once done, remove the pan from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together and makes it easier to serve.
To serve, garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and lemon wedges. Serve hot with raita or plain yogurt on the side.
Beef Biryani is a delicious and hearty dish that is perfect for any occasion. With this recipe, you can make it easily at home and impress your guests with your culinary skills. Enjoy!
