Soy-Free Beef Biryani

This Soy-Free Beef Biryani is a fragrant and hearty one-pot meal that’s perfect for anyone avoiding soy-based ingredients but still craving the bold, authentic flavors of classic biryani. Featuring tender, spice-infused beef, fluffy basmati rice, and an aromatic blend of cinnamon, cardamom, and saffron, this dish is layered with rich, savory goodness. The combination of crispy golden onions, fresh cilantro, and mint enhances the dish with vibrant textures and flavors, while a final oven bake seals in all the spices for an irresistible depth of taste. Ideal for festive gatherings or a comforting family dinner, this biryani is both satisfying and easy to prepare. Serve it with a side of cooling yogurt raita or a fresh salad for a complete, crowd-pleasing meal!

Nutriscore Rating: 69/100

Prep Time:30 mins

Cook Time:60 mins

Total Time:90 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 cups Basmati rice
• 1 pound Beef, cubed
• 4 tablespoons Ghee or vegetable oil
• 2 large Onions, thinly sliced
• 4 pieces Garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon Ginger, grated
• 1 cup Yogurt
• 1 large Tomato, chopped
• 1 inch Cinnamon stick
• 5 pieces Cardamom pods
• 4 pieces Cloves
• 1 piece Bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon Cumin seeds
• 2 teaspoons Coriander powder
• 1 teaspoon Turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon Garam masala
• 1 teaspoon Red chili powder
• 1.5 teaspoons Salt
• 0.5 cup Fresh cilantro, chopped
• 0.5 cup Fresh mint leaves, chopped
• 3 cups Warm water
• 0.25 teaspoon Saffron strands
• 2 tablespoons Milk

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Soak the rice in water for 30 minutes, then drain.

Step 2

In a large pan over medium heat, add the ghee or oil. Add sliced onions and sauté until golden brown and crispy. Remove half of the onions for garnishing.

Step 3

To the remaining onions in the pan, add minced garlic and grated ginger. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 4

Add the beef cubes to the pan and sauté until they are browned on all sides.

Step 5

Lower the heat and add yogurt and chopped tomato to the pan. Stir well, cooking for an additional 5-7 minutes.

Step 6

Mix in the cinnamon stick, cardamom pods, cloves, bay leaf, and cumin seeds, and cook for 2 minutes.

Step 7

Add coriander powder, turmeric, garam masala, red chili powder, and salt. Stir to coat the beef evenly with the spices.

Step 8

Pour in 1 cup of warm water and cover the pan. Simmer the mixture on low heat for about 20 minutes, until the beef is tender.

Step 9

Meanwhile, in another large pot, boil 2 cups of water with a pinch of salt. Add the soaked and drained rice, cooking until it is 70% cooked, about 7 minutes. Drain the rice and set aside.

Step 10

In a small bowl, soak the saffron strands in warm milk for about 10 minutes.

Step 11

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). In an oven-safe dish, layer half of the partially cooked rice. Add the beef mixture on top, followed by the remaining rice.

Step 12

Drizzle saffron milk over the top layer of rice. Sprinkle with fresh cilantro and mint leaves.

Step 13

Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes in the preheated oven.

Step 14

Once done, let it rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with reserved crispy onions before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2689.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2647.4

Total Fat 159.3g	0%
Saturated Fat 74.9g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.1g
Cholesterol 478.2mg	0%
Sodium 4099.4mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 197.7g	0%
Dietary Fiber 31.2g	0%
Total Sugars 44.5g
Protein 122.3g	0%

Vitamin D 130.6IU	0%
Calcium 1257.2mg	0%
Iron 40.8mg	0%
Potassium 4298.5mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 52.8%

Protein: 18.0%

Carbs: 29.1%