Mushroom Biryani Recipe
Looking for a vegetarian biryani that’s every bit as aromatic as the classic? My Mushroom Biryani marries meaty mushrooms, basmati rice and bold Indian spices into a one‑pot, 40‑minute weeknight dinner. Whether you cook on the stovetop, Instant Pot or pressure cooker, this fool‑proof recipe delivers fluffy grains, deep flavor and zero dairy if you want it vegan.

Biryani, is a dish that resonates with the rich tapestry of Indian cuisine, is loved by many. Over the years, its many versions have graced our dining tables. Today, I’d love to introduce you to a delightful variant this Vegetarian Biryani that is made with mushrooms.
For those who love a bit of spice in their life, making a spicy Mushroom Biryani for vegetarians is super simple. Just add a few extra green chilies or some red chili powder, and you’re good to go.
Why You’ll Love This Mushroom Biryani Recipe
- One‑pot convenience – minimal cleanup.
- Vegetarian & vegan‑friendly – simply use coconut oil or avocado oil instead of ghee.
- Flexible cooking methods – stovetop and Instant Pot instructions.
- Meal‑prep superstar – reheats beautifully for lunches.
- Gluten‑free by nature and easily nut‑free.
Ingredients:
- Basmati Rice
- Fresh Mushrooms
- For Marinade
- Yogurt (or Vegan alternatives if you want to make it vegan)
- salt
- Red chilli
- Garam masala
- Fried onion
- Mint leaves
- For Biryani
- 2 tablespoon Ghee
- 2 green Cardamom
- Cinnamon
- Cumin
- Bay leaf
- Mace
- Black pepper
- Cloves
- Black cardamom
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1 cup water
- Ghee to add over and above (optional)
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
- Rice: Only aged basmati delivers that classic fluffy texture. In a pinch, jasmine works but shorten cook time by 2 minutes.
- Mushrooms: Cremini add meatiness; portobello or shiitake also shine.
- Dairy‑free swap: Replace ghee with coconut or avocado oil and regular yogurt with coconut yogurt.
- Low‑carb option: Substitute half the rice with cauliflower rice, but reduce liquid to 1 cup (240 mL).
How to Make Mushroom Biryani at Home
If you’ve been wondering how to make Mushroom Biryani at home, you’re in luck! This post is going to give you the best Mushroom Biryani recipe, with some quick and easy cooking tips.

- Start by washing the rice and soak it for an hour to soften it.
- Now, prepare the mushrooms by washing the dirt, then pat dry and slice them.
- In a separate bowl, toss mushrooms with curd, salt, powdered spices, fried onions, mint leaves and mix well.
- Heat a tbsp of ghee in pressure cooker and crackle the whole spices, green chilli to release the flavor. Then, add the marinated mushrooms and let it cook for a few minutes.

- Now, add coconut milk, soaked rice, 1 cup water and give everything a stir. Add some more biryani masala, chopped coriander, mix and seal the pressure cooker lid.

- After two whistles, let the pressure cooker cool for a few minutes, then open the lid to drizzle ghee and add more fresh coriander leaves.

- Cover with a cloth and put the pressure cooker lid on for a few minutes to retain the aroma before serving. When serving garnish with fresh mint leaves and fried onions if you want and enjoy!

Instant Pot Mushroom Biryani (How‑To)
- Sauté mode – Add ghee, caramelize onions as above; reserve half.
- Spice base & mushrooms – Bloom spices, add mushrooms & tomatoes.
- Deglaze – Stir 2 Tbsp water to release browned bits.
- Layer rice – Add drained rice, mint, cilantro, saffron milk; do not stir.
- Pressure cook – Seal; cook 4 minutes on High. Quick‑release after 5 minutes.
- Fluff – Fold gently; garnish.
Expert Tips for the Best Mushroom Biryani at Home
- Marinate Longer: Let those mushrooms sit and soak up the spicy goodness.
- Water Ratio: With pressure cookers, ensure the water ratio is spot on. Usually, it’s 1:1.5 (rice to water) for basmati.
- Quick Taste-Check: Before sealing the cooker, have a quick taste. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
Mushroom Biryani with Basmati Rice
The magic of a Mushroom Biryani truly shines when made with basmati rice. This long-grain rice, known for its fragrance, perfectly complements the earthy flavors of the mushroom, making every bite an experience.
Quick Mushroom Biryani Cooking Tips
- Always choose fresh mushrooms. They should be firm, free from blemishes, and should have a pleasant earthy aroma.
- If you’re short on time, you can use a pressure cooker to make your Mushroom Biryani. It reduces cooking time significantly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use brown basmati rice?
Yes You can make mushroom biryani with brown basmati rice.Soak 45 minutes, add ¼ cup extra water and cook 22 minutes stovetop or 15 minutes Instant Pot.
What’s the best vegan substitute for ghee?
Unrefined coconut oil for subtle aroma; avocado oil for neutral taste.
How do I keep the rice from turning mushy?
Rinse thoroughly, use the exact rice‑to‑water ratio, and resist stirring during dum/pressure cooking.
Can I freeze mushroom biryani?
Absolutely. Cool completely, pack flat in freezer bags, expel air and label. Reheat by steaming.
Storage Tips and Tricks
- Cool Before Storing: Let your biryani cool down before refrigerating. This ensures it doesn’t turn all mushy.
- Airtight is Right: Use airtight containers to lock in the freshness.
Serving Suggestions
Pair mushroom biryani with: Cooling cucumber raita, Green chutney for a fresh kick, Mango lassi to round out spice heat
There you have it, an authentic Indian Mushroom Biryani recipe that promises a burst of flavors with every spoonful. Whether you’re making this healthy Mushroom rice Biryani for dinner or a festive occasion, it’s bound to be a hit. Remember the Mushroom Biryani easy recipe shared here, and you’ll have a dish that’s both flavorful and fulfilling. Enjoy your meal!
More Such Recipes
- Mushroom Pepper Fry Recipe
- Mushroom Butterbeans Gravy Recipe
- Best Mushroom Gravy Recipe
- Best Mushroom Sauce Recipe
- Mushroom Pasta Recipe
- Creamy Mushroom Toast Recipe
- Mushroom Rice Recipe
- Butter Garlic Mushroom Recipe
- Caprese Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms
Watch Mushroom Biryani Recipe Video
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Mushroom Biryani Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cup Basmati Rice
- 250 g Fresh Mushrooms
For Marinade
- 2 tbsp Yogurt or Vegan alternatives if you want to make it vegan
- 1 tbsp salt
- 1 tsp Red Chili
- 1 tsp Garam Masala
- 1/2 cup Fried onion
- 1/2 cup Mint leaves fresh
For Biryani
- 2 tablespoon Ghee
- 3 green Cardamom
- Cinnamon half inch
- 1 tsp Cumin
- 1 Bay leaf
- 2 Mace
- 8-10 Black pepper
- 5-6 Cloves
- 1 Black cardamom
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1 cup water
- Ghee to add over and above optional
- Fresh Coriander
Instructions
- Start by washing the rice and soak it for an hour to soften it.
- Now, prepare the mushrooms by washing the dirt, then pat dry and slice them.
- In a separate bowl, toss mushrooms with curd, salt, powdered spices, fried onions, mint leaves and mix well.
- Heat a tbsp of ghee in pressure cooker and crackle the whole spices, green chilli to release the flavor. Then, add the marinated mushrooms and let it cook for a few minutes.
- Now, add coconut milk, soaked rice, 1 cup water, then give everything a stir. Add some biryani masala, chopped coriander and seal the pressure cooker lid.
- After two whistles, let the pressure cooker cool for a few minutes, then open the lid to drizzle ghee and add more fresh coriander leaves.
- Cover with a cloth and put the pressure cooker lid on for a few minutes to retain the aroma before serving. When serving garnish with fresh mint leaves and fried onions if you want and enjoy!

Can I use just dahi instead of coconut milk?
You can substitute coconut milk with real milk or water. But adding coconut milk gives it a great depth of flavours.