Instant Pot Paneer Biryani

Authentic Indian recipes are loved for their rich taste and exquisite flavors, and this has made them famous around the world. The right mix of spices, exquisite blends of flavor, and diverse textures make them a preferred choice of food experts.

Among the traditional dishes, biryanis hold a special place.

This recipe of Paneer Dum Biryani is an incredibly mouthwatering rice dish cooked in an Instant Pot, along with assorted veggies and exotic spices for their intriguing flavors and entrancing aroma!

Veggies add color and nutrition to this dish, while basmati rice adds structure and flavor.

Spices bring out the real essence of this traditional recipe which is cooked in an Instant pot or over a stovetop.

Instant Pot Paneer Biryani

Traditionally, biryanis are made by layering parboiled rice with other ingredients like veggies, meat, fried onions (barista), saffron, and spices, and slow-cooked using the dum method to reach the ultimate flavors.

This Pressure cooker Paneer Biryani recipe is also prepared with long grain Basmati rice, layered with a myriad of vegetables, and flavored with whole spices that make this dish magically delicious!

The succulent pieces of paneer add protein and taste to the biryani. The difference in preparing this recipe is that it is cooked in an Instant pot, unlike the dum method over a cooktop (although you can cook this recipe over a cooktop as well).

This Dum Paneer Biryani recipe is subtly flavored and mildly spiced and carries a variety of textures imparted by the veggies, paneer, and other ingredients.

Reasons You’ll ♡ Instant Pot Paneer Biryani

This Paneer Biryani recipe is a sheer indulgence; a simple one-pot meal that comes together in less than an hour! Here is why you would love every morsel of this gorgeous recipe —

• Straightforward and the quickest recipe
• Flavor-packed, nutritious, and wholesome
• Authentically flavored and aromatic
• Gluten-free and vegetarian
• Can be turned vegan
• An appetizing family favorite!

The best part is that you can pack paneer biryani in the lunch box and treat your kids to a nutritious and healthful meal.

Instant Pot Paneer Biryani Ingredient List

Basmati rice — I prefer using long grain Basmati rice for preparing pulao and biryanis. They are ideal for biryanis as they hold their structure while cooking and mesmerize with their lovely aroma, which is so exquisite!

Paneer — This is the star ingredient of this beautiful recipe of Paneer Biryani. You can use homemade paneer or the store-bought one. If you want it vegan, you can swap paneer with tofu.

Onion and garlic — The aromatic squad that renders delicious flavors to the recipe. You can skip adding the garlic if you want.

Vegetables — A medley of colorful vegetables can be added to the Paneer Dum Biryani for increased nutrition and flavor. I have used diced bell peppers and green beans in this recipe. Cauliflower, mushrooms, corn, beans, and carrots are some of the prevalent choices. However, you can use any other veggies of your choice.

Whole Spices — Whole spices bring verve to the recipe and take it to an entirely different level. So, do not skip adding them. I have used cloves, bay leaves, and green cardamoms in this mouth-watering Paneer Biryani recipe.

Water — Water or vegetable stock is added for cooking the biryani.

Ghee — Homemade ghee is best for this recipe as it adds a nutty flavor and an enticing aroma to Paneer Biryani. However, you can replace ghee with any neutral flavored oil.

Recipe Tips and variations

To pump up the flavor — Biryanis are a very versatile kind of dish and can be customized according to one’s preference. I have kept this biryani recipe simple with fewer spices. But if you prefer a spicier dish, feel free to add biryani masala bought from the store. It will lend the biryani some extra spiciness and deep flavors.

Best rice — It is the rice that makes or breaks this dish. Basmati rice makes the best biryanis and is chosen over other rice varieties! Therefore, please use Basmati rice for this recipe for its distinct flavor and texture.

Rinsing makes a difference — Remember to rinse the rice properly to get fluffier grains when prepping for this delicious recipe. Rinsing will remove the starch sticking to the surface of the grains and prevent the rice from sticking together when cooked.

Soaking the rice is essential — Soaking the Long grain Basmati rice for 10 minutes before cooking ensures that the grains cook through along with other ingredients without getting overcooked and mushy. So, please do not skip this vital step.

Adding paneer — Paneer is the star ingredient of this delicious recipe. I have added raw paneer to the dish, but if you prefer, you can air-fry or shallow fry the paneer and add it to the Instant Pot Paneer biryani for a varied texture.

Amplify the nutrition and flavor — This recipe can be modified and amped up for more nutrition and flavor. Adding more veggies like carrots, baby spinach, potatoes or beans renders a nutritional boost while making it irresistible.

Turning it Vegan — Substituting paneer with tofu and ghee with oil turns this dish into a vegan one without compromising on the flavor and delectability!

An imperial touch — Fried cashews and raisins added to the recipe before serving will render a shahi touch to this delicious Paneer Biryani recipe.

For softer store-bought paneer — Soft homemade paneer is the best option for this recipe, but if you use the store-bought ones, you may have chewy paneer. To avoid the store-bought paneer becoming chewy, soak it in hot water for 10 minutes before using it. This results in softer and creamier paneer.

Avoid overcooking completely — Overcooked rice means mushy Biryani; indeed, we do not want that. So, to prepare the best biryani, follow the instructions carefully and cook the rice accordingly.

Scalable recipe — This Paneer Dum Biryani recipe can be doubled or tripled to suit your preferences. Please follow the guide provided on the recipe card.

Deglazing — Deglaze the instant pot insert as you cook your delicious recipe. Deglazing is necessary as it removes all the browning from the sautéing of the vegetables sticking to the bottom of the pot. If not deglazed, your instant pot will give a BURN message.

For more flavorful paneer chunks — Marinating the paneer chunks will make them more flavorful and succulent, turning the Biryani more appetizing and superbly delicious.

For the spicier version — Do you like your biryani spicier? Throw in some green chilies and enjoy the heat! However, follow this recipe completely if you want to keep it subtle.

For the perfectly cooked rice — Don’t release the pressure right away. Wait for 4 minutes and then do a QPR (quick pressure release). During this time, the rice will absorb the extra liquid and come out ideally every time. But again, this wait time applies to long grain basmati rice only.

A make-ahead recipe — This recipe, Instant Pot Paneer Biryani, can be prepared in advance and stored for later use. It stores well for 4 to 5 days in the refrigerator in an air-tight container.

Let me know what you think!

Are you bored of plain rice and want to try something stunningly delicious? Relax! Here comes the rice recipe that your taste buds have been craving!

Uncomplicated, effortless, and simply marvelous! Yes, this recipe should be tried…. now! Quickly get your ingredients; they are all lying in your pantry, and let us begin our culinary spree!

Should you make this Instant Pot Paneer Biryani recipe, please let me know your thoughts by sharing your comment below.

And don’t forget to share it with your family and friends.

Craving for more, try my other flavor-packed rice recipes –