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    Home » Recipes » Indian Main Course

    Instant Pot Paneer Biryani

    Published: Jun 17, 2022 · Modified: Jul 4, 2023 by Shilpa Kerur · This post may contain affiliate links. 5 Comments

    Jump to Recipe Jump to Video
    5 from 38 votes

    Easy paneer biryani made in the Instant Pot is an aromatic and delicious one-pot dish made with Basmati rice and Indian cottage cheese. This dish is wholesome, aromatic, and flavorful. Perfect for an indulgent weeknight dinner or for parties and gatherings.

    Paneer biryani erved with boondi and raita.
    Jump to:
    • Why you will love this recipe?
    • Ingredients
    • Step-by-step instructions
    • Expert Tips
    • What to serve with paneer biryani?
    • Recipe FAQs
    • More paneer recipes
    • Recipe card
    • Comments

    Why you will love this recipe?

    • Paneer biryani is known for its rich flavors and aromatic spices. This recipe ensures the flavors are well-infused into the rice and paneer, resulting in a delicious and fragrant dish.
    • Using an Instant Pot makes the cooking process faster and more convenient than traditional stovetop cooking methods.
    • Making paneer biryani in the Instant Pot means you can cook the rice, paneer, and spices in one pot, making it a convenient option for busy days.

    Ingredients

    paneer biryani ingredient with labels.

    Paneer: You can use either store-bought paneer or homemade paneer.

    Rice: Use Basmati rice to make biryani.

    Spices: I have only used powdered spices here - garam masala, ground cardamom, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg. You can replace them with store-bought biryani masala powder.

    See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.

    Step-by-step instructions

    saute onion, add yogurt and spices.

    Step 1: Heat ghee in the Instant Pot and fry onions until they are golden. Add ginger, and garlic and saute for one more minute (images 1 and 2).

    Step 2: Add whisked yogurt, powdered spices (garam masala, ground cardamom, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground turmeric, and chili powder), and salt. Mix well and cook for 2 minutes (images 3 and 4).

    saute paneer and layer with rice and herbs.

    Step 3: Drain the water from the paneer cubes and add it to the pot. Mix gently and saute for one minute. Spread the paneer to cover the IP. After this stage, do not mix (images 5 and 6).

    Step 4: Add the fresh cilantro leaves and fresh mint leaves. Spread them over the paneer (image 7). Drain water from the soaked rice and add to the IP. Spread evenly (image 8).

    pressure cook.

    Step 5: Add saffron milk. Add 2 cups of water gradually. It is important not to add all the water in one go as this may mix up the layering (image 9). Close the IP lid and set the Instant Pot to pressure cook mode on high pressure and set the cooking time to 5 minutes (image 10).

    Step 6: Do a quick pressure release. Serve hot with sides of your choice (images 11 and 12).

    Expert Tips

    I have used garam masala, ground cardamom, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg in this recipe. You may replace these ground spices with store-bought biryani masala.

    Use long-grain Basmati rice to make paneer biryani. It has a great aroma and long grains that, when cooked correctly, are separate, non-lumpy, and do not stick to each other. Wash the Basmati rice thoroughly in running water, till the water is clear.

    When adding water, make sure you add it gradually and slowly. This will help the layers to stay intact.

    Paneer biryani can be garnished with fried onions and fried nuts for added flavor and texture. Before pressure cooking, you can also add a few drops of rose water or kewra essence.

    Click here to check out my recipe to make paneer lasagna in Instant Pot. It is a perfect vegetarian showstopper for your parties, gatherings, and family dinners. Also, check out my collection of more Instant Pot paneer recipes.

    What to serve with paneer biryani?

    Raita: Raita is a yogurt-based side dish that helps balance the spiciness of this Instant Pot paneer biryani. It is made by whisking yogurt with finely chopped vegetables and herbs. Boondi raita or cucumber raita is a good pairing option.

    Salan: Salan is a spicy curry often served alongside biryani. It is made with a variety of vegetables or meat, such as mirchi ka salan (made with chili peppers), bagara baingan (made with eggplant), or chicken salan. These curries add an extra layer of flavor and moisture to the biryani.

    Recipe FAQs

    How to make this dish vegan?

    To make this biryani vegan, replace ghee with oil, paneer with extra firm tofu, and yogurt with any plant-based yogurt.

    Can I make biryani ahead of time?

    Yes, biryani can be made ahead of time. You can prepare it a few hours in advance and reheat it before serving. The flavors often deepen and meld together when the biryani is allowed to sit for some time, making it even more delicious.

    Can I use brown rice instead of basmati rice in paneer biryani?

    Yes, you can use brown rice instead of basmati rice in paneer biryani. However, it's important to note that brown rice requires a longer cooking time and more liquid compared to basmati rice. Adjustments may be needed in the recipe to ensure that the rice cooks properly and achieves the desired texture.

    How to store paneer biryani?

    To store paneer biryani, allow it to cool to room temperature. Then, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate it for 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months. When reheating, use a microwave or stovetop to warm the biryani while adding a splash of water to prevent it from drying out.

    Instant pot paneer biryani placed in a white bowl.

    More paneer recipes

    • Grilled paneer salad.
      Grilled Paneer Salad
    • Chilli paneer.
      Chilli Paneer (Street-style Chili Paneer Recipe)
    • paneer sabzi.
      Paneer Sabzi / Quick Paneer Sabji (15 Minutes)
    • paneer tikka masala.
      Paneer Tikka Masala

    If you tried this Paneer Biryani Recipe or any other recipe on my website, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the 📝 comments below.

    Recipe card

    paneer biryani.

    Instant Pot Paneer Biryani

    Easy paneer biryani made in the Instant Pot is an aromatic and delicious one-pot dish made with Basmati rice and Indian cottage cheese. This dish is wholesome, aromatic, and flavorful. Perfect for an indulgent weeknight dinner or for parties and gatherings.
    5 from 38 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Author: Shilpa Kerur
    Course: Main Course
    Cuisine: Indian
    Servings: 6
    Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 20 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 25 minutes minutes

    Equipment

    • Instant Pot

    Ingredients

    • 2 cup basmati rice
    • 2 cups paneer
    • 3 tablespoon ghee (use store-bought or homemade ghee)
    • 1 large onion thinly sliced
    • 2-3 cloves garlic finely chopped
    • 2 inch ginger finely chopped
    • ½ cup yogurt whisked
    • Salt to taste
    • ½ cup cilantro chopped
    • ½ cup mint leaves chopped
    • 2-3 tablespoon milk
    • ¼ teaspoon saffron

    Powdered spices (see notes)

    • 2 teaspoon garam masala (use store-bought or homemade garam masala)
    • ¼ teaspoon ground cardamom
    • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
    • ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
    • ¼ teaspoon turmeric powder
    • ½ teaspoon chili powder or as per taste
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions

    Prep

    • Wash the rice thoroughly and soak in sufficient water for 30 minutes.
    • Soak the saffron strands in warm milk. Set aside.
    • Cut the paneer into small cubes. Soak it in warm water for 10-15 minutes.

    Making biryani

    • Set Instant Pot in saute mode and add ghee.
    • Add onions and saute until golden brown.
    • Add ginger, garlic and saute for 1 minute.
    • Add whisked yogurt, powdered spices, and salt. Mix well and cook for 2 minutes.
    • Drain the water from the paneer and add it to the pot.
    • Mix gently and saute for one minute.
    • Spread the paneer to cover the IP. After this stage, do not mix.
    • Add the cilantro and mint leaves. Spread them over the paneer.
    • Drain water from the soaked rice and add to the IP. Spread evenly.
    • Add saffron milk.
    • Add 2 cups of water gradually. It is important not to add all the water in one go as this may mix up the layering.
    • Close the IP lid and set the Instant Pot to pressure cook mode and cook for 5 minutes.
    • Do a quick release of the pressure.
    • Paneer biryani is ready to be served.

    Video

    Notes

    I have used garam masala, ground cardamom, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg in this recipe. You may replace these ground spices with store-bought biryani masala.
    Use long grain Basmati rice to make paneer biryani. It has a great aroma and long grains that when cooked correctly, are separate, non-lumpy, and do not stick to each other.
    When adding water, make sure you add it gradually and slowly. This will help the layers to stay intact.
    Do a quick release of the pressure once the Instant Pot beeps. Doing a natural release will lead to the rice getting overcooked.
    Calories: 332kcal | Carbohydrates: 56g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 22mg | Sodium: 22mg | Potassium: 225mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 332IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 81mg | Iron: 1mg
    Tried this Recipe? Share it Today!Mention @easyindiancookbook or tag #easyindiancookbook!

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Sue says

      June 25, 2022 at 8:23 am

      5 stars
      Biryani is so delicious, and I love that you give us a way to make it in the Instant Pot!

    2. Cindy Mom the Lunch Lady says

      June 25, 2022 at 11:21 am

      5 stars
      This looks like such a delicious way to prepare paneer! I can't wait to try it!

    3. nancy says

      June 26, 2022 at 10:07 pm

      5 stars
      this was too easy to make and turned out wonderful

    4. Katie says

      June 26, 2022 at 11:12 pm

      5 stars
      Love this vegetarian friendly recipe! The instant pot makes it so easy, and perfectly delicious!

    5. Jacqui says

      June 27, 2022 at 8:41 pm

      5 stars
      This turned out to be full of flavor and is really simple to prepare!

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