Lamb Biryani Recipe | Instant Pot Kacchi Lamb Dum Biryani

Instant Pot Kacchi Lamb Dum Biryani is a fragrant Indian rice-and-meat main dish made with marinated lamb, aged basmati rice, yogurt, fresh herbs (cilantro/mint), and warming spices like garam masala, turmeric, cardamom, cinnamon, and cloves. It’s quick and works well for a restaurant-style India-inspired dinner when you want big flavor without hours of cooking. Unlike traditional dum biryani recipes that take forever and can rely on packaged spice mixes, this version uses the Instant Pot to cook raw (“kacchi”) marinated lamb and rice together with steam (“dum”) for an authentic result with half the work and no packaged spices.

Why You're Going To Love This Lovely Lamb Recipe

• Fast. Ready in about 30 minutes.
• Easy. Just a few easy steps to have a tasty main course on the table.
• Authentic. Tastes just like something served at your favorite Indian restaurant.
• Delicious. A meal your whole family will love.

I feel confident in telling you that this Instant Pot Kacchi Lamb Biryani, using only fresh ingredients,  is restaurant-style and quality. Normally this is not a compliment in my eyes, but restaurants actually do a better job of lamb biryani than most of us do at home.

This homemade, unashamedly full-bodied, well-spiced Lamb Biryani has now negated my need to go out to get my favorite dish. Dum biryani takes forever to make. I mean, forever.

It's also a long multi-step process that despite my love for biryani, I'm not able to even contemplate. So I made this simple but very flavorful Instant Pot Chicken Biryani, and it's equally yummy low-carb cousin, the Low Carb Chicken biryani, but people repeatedly asked me for a Lamb Biryani version.

The problem is that lamb takes a lot longer than rice to cook, and I wasn't sure how I was going to do this.

It's taken me a while but I've finally figured it out, and this Instant Pot Lamb Biryani is the delicious result of my cogitations. Be warned this is indeed a longer list of ingredients than I typically advocate, but I assure you it is utterly worth it. It's one of the best recipes I've made this year.

Why Is It Called Kacchi Lamb Dum Biryani?

Before we start a quick Hindi lesson so you understand what you're making. Kacchi = raw. Dum = cooked slowly with steam. Making Kacchi biryani is considered an art form because you're essentially putting raw meat at the bottom, rice on top, and hoping like heck nothing burns as you cook it all together. There are elaborate machinations people go through to make this work.

Or you know, use an Instant Pot and follow this recipe.

It's important to cut as much of the fat off the lamb as you can. I didn't do that as well as I should have, and you can see some grease at the bottom. Honestly, a good Lamb Biryani should be a bit greasy but still. Do your best without going overboard.

What Kind Of Lamb Do You Use In Biryani?

For this Lamb Biryani recipe, you can use either lamb shoulder or leg of lamb. Just make sure you remove any visible fat for a delicious recipe that isn't too heavy or greasy.

Ingredients You'll Need

• 1 pound lamb cubes- The star protein of the dish; lamb adds rich, meaty flavor and tenderness when cooked under pressure.
• 1/2 cup full-fat Greek yogurt – Acts as a marinade base to tenderize the lamb while adding creaminess and tang.
• 1/2 cup onion- Adds sweetness, body, and depth of flavor to the biryani base.
• 1/2 cup cilantro- Brings freshness and herbaceous brightness to balance the richness of the meat.
• 1/4 cup chopped mint- Infuses the biryani with cooling, refreshing notes that complement the spices.
• 1 tablespoon minced ginger- Contributes warmth and zest while helping cut through the richness of the lamb.
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic- Adds savory depth and umami to the marinade and cooking base.
• 2 teaspoons garam masala- A spice blend that brings complex warmth, tying together the dish’s flavors.
• 1 teaspoon salt- Enhances the overall flavor of the lamb and spices.
• 1 teaspoon turmeric- Adds earthy flavor and a vibrant golden color to the dish.
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper- Provides adjustable heat for spice balance.
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom- Gives subtle floral and sweet spice notes, a hallmark of biryani.
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon- Adds warmth and depth with a hint of sweetness.
• 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves- Contributes bold, slightly sweet pungency that deepens the spice profile.
• 1 serrano pepper- Lends heat and a fresh chili bite for added spice.
• 1 cup basmati rice- Essential for biryani; provides long, fluffy grains and a fragrant aroma.
• 1 cup water- The correct liquid ratio to cook the rice perfectly in the Instant Pot.
• 1 onion- Fried until golden for topping; adds texture and a caramelized sweetness.
• 1 teaspoon oil- Used to fry the onion slices until crisp and golden.

How To Make Lamb Biryani

1. Rinse rice and set it aside to soften
2. Marinate the lamb
3. Cook the onions in the oven
4. Layer lamb and rice, cook 6 mins HP, and do a FULL natural release (see notes about Dum = cooking with steam).

Tips And Tricks

Making lamb biryani in the Instant Pot is a great way to enjoy a flavorful, comforting meal without spending hours in the kitchen. To help you get the best results every time, here are some tried-and-true tips and tricks:

• Marinate the lamb well. A good marinade with yogurt, spices, and lemon juice helps tenderize the meat and infuses it with deep flavor. Aim for at least 30 minutes, but overnight is even better.
• Natural release is key. Allow the Instant Pot to release pressure naturally for 10–15 minutes. This keeps the rice from becoming mushy and helps flavors meld beautifully.
• Fluff before serving. Gently fluff the biryani with a fork instead of stirring to preserve the separation of rice grains.

Variations

Lamb biryani is wonderfully versatile, and making it in the Instant Pot allows you to adapt the flavors and ingredients to suit your preferences or dietary needs. Here are some popular variations to try:

• Vegetable-Enhanced- Add peas, carrots, potatoes, or green beans to the rice layer for extra nutrition, color, and texture.
• Herb-Infused- Layer in plenty of fresh mint and cilantro before sealing the pot, and garnish with even more herbs before serving for a fresh, vibrant finish.
• Dairy-Free- Swap yogurt with coconut milk or a dairy-free yogurt substitute to keep the lamb tender while maintaining a rich, creamy flavor.

What To Eat With Lamb Biryani?

Lamb biryani is a rich, aromatic dish that shines on its own, but pairing it with the right sides can balance flavors and elevate the entire meal. Here are some delicious options to serve alongside it:

• Raita- A cooling yogurt-based side, often mixed with cucumber, mint, or onion, that balances the spice and richness of the biryani.
• Salad- A fresh side salad with sliced onions, cucumbers, tomatoes, and a squeeze of lemon juice adds crunch and brightness.
• Chutneys- Mint chutney or tamarind chutney can add a sweet, tangy, or herby element to the meal.

How Long Does It Last?

Lamb biryani can be stored safely for about 3–4 days in the refrigerator when kept in an airtight container.

Make sure it cools to room temperature before refrigerating to prevent excess moisture buildup, which can make the rice mushy.

Can You Freeze It?

For longer storage, you can freeze lamb biryani for up to 2–3 months. When freezing, portion it into smaller containers to make reheating easier and to preserve flavor.

To reheat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight if frozen, then warm it thoroughly on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent the rice from drying out.

Love Instant Pot Recipes?

• Instant Pot Butter Chicken is an easy 30-minute dinner and you can make rice on top of it, as the video shows.
• Pressure Cooker Rice and Dal is a great vegetarian rice dinner.
• This Lebanese Lentil and Rice dish is another great Vegetarian Instant Pot recipe.
• Instant Pot Indian Khichadi is comfort food in a bowl!
• Instant Pot Risotto with Shrimp is another one-pot comfort meal.
• Buffalo chicken casserole for the days you want low carb recipes
• You might also like low carb Chicken Biryani that uses riced cauliflower.
• Chicken and Mushrooms are a great combo.
• My kids love Instant Pot Pork Chops with Rice and Vegetables
• Zucchini Lasagna- You won't even miss the pasta.
• Haluski Recipe - A wonderful cabbage and noodles recipe.

If you love this Lamb Biryani recipe as much as we do, make sure you share it with your friends on Facebook and Pinterest so they can try it too!

Don't forget to check out my other Best-selling Instant Pot Cookbooks!

Indian Instant Pot, Keto Instant Pot, Instant Pot Fast and Easy, Healthy Instant Pot & Vegetarian Instant Pot.