Mutton Biryani is a rich and aromatic rice dish cooked with tender mutton pieces, flavorful spices, and basmati rice. It’s a celebration on a plate and is especially popular across India during festivals, family gatherings, or even on regular weekends when we crave something special. This version is a pressure cooker-style biryani, which saves time but still gives you that deep, layered flavor. Unlike dum biryani that needs slow-cooking and sealing, this method uses pressure cooking for the mutton and stove-top simmering for the final rice part, which makes it beginner-friendly yet no less delicious.
Mutton Biryani
Is there any special dish than a biryani on a special day. I think NO..I love biryani, You can see my love for biryani through this link. I have posted quite a few biryani recipes in my blog. This is my second mutton biryani recipe, the first one is a dum style. After posting that, i wanted to try a simple pressure cooker style biryani, and finally I made it. It turned out so yummy and flavourful.
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About Pressure Cooker Mutton Biryani
This mutton biryani recipe came about when I wanted to try a quicker version without compromising on flavor. I’ve already posted a dum-style mutton biryani before, but this one’s a pressure cooker version and honestly, it turned out just as delicious, if not more comforting. The mutton becomes so tender and juicy after being marinated and pressure cooked, it just melts in your mouth. And the rice, after cooking along with the meat, soaks up every bit of that rich, spiced broth.
What I really love about this method is how fuss-free it is. Everything happens in stages, but you can do most of it in the same cooker or pot, which means fewer utensils and much less cleanup later. It’s perfect for anyone who’s new to biryani-making or just doesn’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. And the ingredients are all pantry basics: onions, tomatoes, yogurt, and a few common spice powders, nothing over-the-top, but the outcome feels like something you’d get at a good restaurant.
We always serve this biryani with a chilled bowl of onion raita and a simple boiled egg placed right on top. It's our go-to combo. Sometimes I even add a crunchy papad or a small bowl of pickle on the side, which takes it to another level. It’s a full meal on its own, filling and flavorful. And every single time I make this, the entire house smells like a celebration like something special is cooking. Honestly, it’s one of those dishes that brings everyone to the dining table without even having to call them.
Similar Recipes
Hyderabadi Mutton Dum Biryani
Mughlai Chicken Dum Biryani
Chicken biryani
Fish Dum Biryani
Vegetable Dum Biryani
Mughlai Vegetable Dum Biryani
Mushroom Dum Biryani
Why this Recipe Works
The marination step is honestly what makes this biryani so flavorful. The mutton is mixed with curd, spices, mint, and coriander, which helps soften the meat and soak it in all that flavor. Even a short 30-minute marination makes a difference, but if you can give it more time, it only gets better. It’s the kind of step you shouldn’t skip if you want that nice depth in every bite.
The cooking is done in two smart stages first, pressure cook the marinated mutton so it's soft and tender. Then cook it with rice and the masala, which lets every grain soak up those meat juices and spices. The spice mix is just right, not too hot or too rich, so it's easy on the stomach. Overall, the whole thing comes together with great balance, and that’s what makes this recipe work so well.
Why I Like This Recipe
I’m a big fan of biryani in general, and this particular recipe holds a special place for me because it was the first biryani I cooked on my own without any supervision. I remember following this exact process, slightly nervous about the results but when I opened the lid, the aroma told me I had nailed it. That moment gave me so much confidence, and since then, this has been my go-to biryani recipe whenever I want to impress or just treat myself.
Also, on days when I miss home, this biryani feels like a warm hug. It reminds me of Sunday lunches when Amma would serve us biryani on steel plates, with raita and papad, and we’d all eat together watching an old Tamil movie. The smell of fried onions and ghee takes me straight back to those cozy afternoons. Even now, no matter where I am, making this dish brings a little bit of home back to me.
Ingredients
Mutton (¼ kg): Going for fresh bone-in mutton makes a big difference. The bones release a lot of flavor into the curry and give that rich, slightly meaty taste we all love in biryani. Pressure cooking it after marinating makes the meat really soft and juicy, almost falling off the bone.
Curd/Yogurt (1 cup): Curd is not just for flavor it helps break down the meat and makes it tender without needing any artificial tenderizers. It also adds a gentle tang that balances out the heat and spices in the biryani beautifully.
Ginger Garlic Paste (2 tbsp): A must in any biryani! It gives a deep, bold flavor right from the marination to the final masala. It removes any raw smell from the meat and creates a good foundation for the rest of the spices to sit on.
Mint and Coriander Leaves (¼ cup each): These fresh herbs lift the entire dish. Mint adds freshness while coriander gives an earthy depth. Together, they cut through the richness of the ghee and spices and make the biryani feel well-balanced and aromatic.
Spice Powders - I used Chilli Powder (1 tbsp) & Coriander Powder (2 tbsp), Garam Masala (1 tbsp) & Cumin Powder (1 tsp).
Onions (2 large, sliced) & Tomatoes (2 large, chopped): The onions are fried until golden brown and bring sweetness and depth to the masala. Tomatoes break down and give body and a slightly tangy base that brings the entire curry together.
Basmati Rice (2½ cups / ½ kg): Always choose long-grain basmati for biryani. When soaked and cooked properly, it stays separate and fluffy, and absorbs all the flavors from the meat and spices. It’s the soul of a good biryani.
Ghee (¼ cup) & Oil (3 tbsp): Ghee adds that signature richness and aroma, while oil helps in cooking the onions and spices evenly. The mix ensures the biryani isn’t too heavy but still has that festive richness.
Hacks
Soak your rice:
This is one of those simple steps that really makes a difference. Soaking basmati rice for around 30 minutes before cooking helps the grains cook more evenly and stay separate. You get that lovely, long, fluffy biryani rice instead of something sticky or clumpy. It only takes a few minutes and is totally worth it.
Marinate longer if possible:
The recipe says to marinate for 30 minutes, which works but if you’ve got the time, try marinating the mutton for 2 hours or even overnight in the fridge. It allows all the spices and curd to really get into the meat, making it more tender and flavorful. It’s a small effort with a big payoff in taste.
Keep an eye on the rice while cooking:
One common mistake with biryani is overcooking the rice. Once you add water and start simmering, watch it closely. The rice should be just cooked, not too soft or mushy. A little bite in the grain is perfect because it continues to steam slightly after you switch off the heat.
Top with fried onions for extra taste:
If you have some time and patience, fry a handful of thinly sliced onions until golden and crispy. Sprinkle them on top of the biryani before serving. It adds a lovely crunch, sweetness, and that extra touch that makes your home biryani feel like something from a restaurant.
Mutton Biryani Recipe (Step by Step)
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| Take all your ingredients |
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| Take mutton in a bowl |
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| Add in curd |
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| Add in ginger garlic paste |
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| Add in chopped mint and coriander leaves |
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| I transferred it to a pressure cooker |
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| Add in the spice powders |
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| Mix well and let it marinate for 30 mins |
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| Now cover and cook |
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| Till the mutton is tender and falls of the bone |
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| Now heat ghee and oil in a kadai |
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| Add in onions |
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| Cook till golden |
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| Add in ginger garlic paste |
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| Cook for a min |
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| Add in tomatoes |
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| Cook till it turns mushy |
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| Add in salt and spice powders |
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| Add the cooked mutton |
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| Mix well |
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| Add in soaked and drained rice |
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| Mix well |
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| Add in coriander and mint leaves |
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| Now i transferred it a pressure cooker |
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| Pour water |
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| Mix well |
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| Bring it to boil |
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| Cover and cook |
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| Till rice is done |
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| Serve |
Expert Tips
Rice Cooking Tips - Always soak basmati rice for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This helps the grains cook evenly and stay long and fluffy. When it comes to water, use a 1:1.5 or 1:2 rice-to-water ratio depending on how tightly your pressure cooker seals. This balance prevents the rice from becoming too dry or too soggy.
Handle Rice Gently - Once you've added the rice to the masala and water, avoid stirring too much. Over-stirring can break the rice grains and turn the biryani mushy. Just give it one gentle mix and let it cook undisturbed. It'll come out perfect.
Storage Tips
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container and pop it into the fridge. The biryani stays good for up to 2 days. When reheating, place a damp paper towel over it if using a microwave. This keeps the rice soft and stops it from drying out.
Serving Suggestions
This mutton biryani tastes best when served hot, straight from the pot. We usually enjoy it with chilled onion raita which cools down the spices a bit. A couple of boiled eggs on top, a squeeze of lemon, and maybe some papad or pickle on the side are simple, but so satisfying.
FAQ
Q: Can I use chicken instead of mutton?
Yes, you absolutely can! Just remember that chicken cooks much faster than mutton. So, you don’t need to pressure-cook it for long, maybe just one or two whistles or even a slow simmer for 15–20 minutes is enough. Also, bone-in chicken works best for flavor.
Q: My rice turned mushy. What went wrong?
This usually happens if there’s too much water or if the rice was stirred too much while cooking. Another reason could be high heat biryani needs a gentle simmer. Always use the right rice-to-water ratio and let the steam release naturally after cooking.
Q: Can I cook this in a regular pot instead of a pressure cooker?
Yes, it’s totally doable. But make sure to pre-cook the mutton until it’s soft before adding it to the pot with rice. Also, keep an eye on the water while cooking so it doesn’t dry out or get too wet. Cover it tightly with a lid to trap the steam.
Q: Can I make this biryani ahead of time?
Yes, you can! In fact, biryani often tastes even better a few hours later as the flavors settle in. Just store it in the fridge and reheat gently. When serving, add a little ghee or a splash of water before reheating to bring back the moisture and aroma.
Variations
Egg Biryani - If you're short on time or want something lighter, egg biryani is a great option. Just skip the mutton and prepare the same flavorful masala base. After cooking the rice, gently layer in halved hard-boiled eggs on top. Let them soak up the masala before serving. It's simple, satisfying, and still full of flavor.
Paneer Biryani - For a vegetarian version, paneer works beautifully. Marinate the paneer cubes with curd and spices just like you would for mutton. Then cook them gently in the masala until they’re soft but still hold shape. Add rice and finish it off like regular biryani. It’s rich, hearty, and perfect for vegetarians who love bold flavors.
Spicy South Indian Style - To give your biryani a South Indian or Chettinad-style twist, start by adding fennel seeds, curry leaves, and a bit of cinnamon and star anise while sautéing. You can also stir in a little coconut milk with the masala to add depth and a slight sweetness. This gives the dish a spicy, aromatic edge that’s quite different but absolutely delicious.
Layered Dum Style - If you want that traditional layered look and feel, you can try the dum method. Partially cook the rice and set it aside. In a heavy-bottomed pot, layer the cooked mutton masala and rice alternately, finishing with fried onions, mint, and ghee on top. Seal the pot with a tight lid or dough and let it slow-cook on a low flame. This method gives beautiful layers and a lovely aroma in every bite.
More Biryani Recipes
📖 Recipe Card
Mutton Biryani Recipe (Pressure Cooker Biryani)
Equipment
- Pressure cooker
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cup Basmati Rice
- 4 cups Water
For Biryani masala base
- 3 tbsp Oil
- ¼ cup Ghee
- 2 large Onion peeled & sliced thinly
- 2 large Tomatoes chopped finely
- 2 tbsp Ginger Garlic Paste
- ¼ cup Mint Leaves chopped finely
- ¼ cup Coriander Leaves chopped finely
- 1 tbsp Chilli Powder
- 2 tbsp Coriander Powder
- 1 tsp Turmeric Powder
- 1 tbsp Garam Masala Powder
- 1 tsp Cumin Powder
- Salt to taste
For Mutton Marination
- 400 grams Mutton
- 1 cup Plain Yogurt
- 2 tbsp Ginger Garlic Paste
- 3 tbsp Mint Leaves chopped finely
- 3 tbsp Coriander Leaves chopped finely
- 1 tbsp Chilli Powder
- 1 tbsp Coriander Powder
- 1 tsp Turmeric Powder
- 1 tbsp Garam Masala Powder
- 1 tsp Cumin Powder
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Pre-Preparation - Start by washing the basmati rice thoroughly and soaking it in clean water for 30 minutes. Meanwhile, marinate the mutton with curd, ginger-garlic paste, mint, coriander, and all the spice powders. This sits for at least 30 minutes (or more if I plan ahead). The longer it marinates, the more flavorful and tender the meat turns out.
- Cooking the Mutton - Transfer the marinated mutton into a pressure cooker and cook it for around 10 whistles. Then reduce the heat and simmer it for another 15 minutes. This makes sure the mutton is cooked until tender and almost falling off the bone. Always wait for the steam to release naturally. It keeps the meat juicy and soft.
- Making the Masala - In the same cooker or a separate kadai, heat oil and ghee, sauté sliced onions till golden brown, add ginger garlic paste, and fry it. Then add chopped tomatoes and cook until they turn soft and mushy. Mix in all the remaining spice powders and salt to form a rich masala paste. The smell at this stage is already enough to make everyone hungry!
- Combining and Final Cooking - Now, add the cooked mutton along with its juices to this masala. Then, mix in the drained basmati rice, fresh mint, and coriander leaves. pour in 4 cups of water and bring the mixture to a boil. Once it starts bubbling, close the lid and cook it on low flame for 15–20 minutes. After switching off, let the biryani rest before fluffing it helps the flavors settle and the rice stay perfect.
Nutrition
If you have any questions not covered in this post and if you need help, leave me a comment or mail me @[email protected] and I’ll help as soon as I can.
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Dipti Joshi
Mouthwatering biryani! It is must for Sunday's lunch at my place too.
Hamaree Rasoi
Simply awesome and delicious looking mutton biriyani. Excellent preparation.
Deepa
Anonymous
Great recipe.. Thanks for sharing
Anonymous
Will the mutton get cooked even if v don't add any water?
Aarthi
@Anonymousyes it will be cooked in its own juices, cook it on low heat is must
Farha-Faskichen.com
Looks fabulous and delicious. I love how you explain the process step by step
Anonymous
if the rice is 1 kg the how much water should be used?
and is it necessary to prepare another masala fr biryani only frying cloves cardmom in oil will not do?
Aarthi
@Anonymous for 1 cup of rice, use 1.5 cup of water. preparing masala makes it taste good
Anonymous
in 1 cup how many grams of rice is contained
Aarthi
@Anonymousit is around 220 grams
Anonymous
Can i use jeerakasala rice.does it need to be soaked for 30 mins
Aarthi
@Anonymousyes u can use that rice. soak it for 15 mins or so
sabah
can i try the same step for chicken??
Anonymous
can i try this same step for chicken??
Aarthi
@Anonymousu can try the same for chicken, but dont need to cook chicken first, add it to the masala and cook along with rice
Salma
Thank you having a blog like this.
I am from UK and love cooking but desi food is not my strong point. I have never made biryani before and this is a fantastic recipe and easy to follow. Thank you again xx
Salma
I am from the UK and love cooking. I'm not very good with desi food and have never made biryani before. Fantastic recipe and very easy to follow. Thank you very much. I'm glad you have made a blog like this. Keep going it's great xx
Sonia Mehrotra
Hi Arti... the recipe is simple enough to follow but isnt 1/2 kg rice too much for just 1/4 kg mutton....almost all other recipes recommend more mutton and less rice. !/2 kg rice would be good for at least 4 ppl...mutton is too less for 4.
Aarthi
@Sonia Mehrotrayou can increase the mutton level as you like..
Anonymous
Wat raita cn we use?? Onion or some other raitas???
Aarthi
@Anonymousu can use onion raita
Overall
Thanks for this wonderful recipe I am making it 7-8 th time with my mother.
I have made few changes like I take onions in large quantity.It is the best also very less oily
Lavanya
@Overall
Lavanya
It came well for me. Very nice and easy to do. Thanks for sharing
Praveena
Came out very well... Thank you for the recipe ...
Raju
HiArti,
I appreciate your efforts for giving very easy way of making Mutton Biriyani with step by stem process and with very good photos.. It is great and very tasty.
I would like to add a few points. Add 50 grams of papaya raw piece to mutton, or half teaspoon of cooking soda and cook in pressure cooker for 6 to 7 whistles in low m flame. This process with increase pH of the content to become basic and mutton becomes tender and cook faster. Also, the biriyani rice can be cooked outside for 10 minutes and drain away water. Add this half cooked rice instead of soaked rice. You can see the difference. Very Yummy.
Raju
Anonymous
Hi Aarthi, no need to add sombu, seeragam , green chilli, bayleaf, pattai , star anise ....etc ?