One Pot Lamb Shank Biryani

instant pot meal

One Pot Biryani (Shortcut for Busy Nights)

All the flavour of biryani without the washing! This one-pot shortcut uses just a single spice packet and a pressure cooker to make it foolproof. Tender lamb (or any protein you like) and fluffy rice come together in a dish that feels special, yet easy enough for a weeknight.

One Pot Biryani (Shortcut for Busy Nights)

Biryani is usually an all-day labour of love for me. Three huge pots, endless dishes and the kitchen in a mess. This version changes everything. Made in the pressure cooker / instant pot, it delivers the same deep flavour and irresistible aroma, but with only one pot to wash.

The best part? You only need one spice packet. No more buying 10 different spices and guessing the right measurements, this shortcut makes it foolproof, even for beginners. Lamb shanks make it rich and indulgent, with meat that falls off the bone, but you can just as easily use chicken or another protein (just reduce the cook time for tender cuts). It’s a dish that feels celebratory yet realistic enough for weeknights and one I’d happily serve at a gathering too.

Why I Love It:

✔️ All the biryani flavour with just one spice packet
✔️ Pressure cooker / instant pot does everything
✔️ Makes the toughest cuts of meat pull-apart tender
✔️ Only one pot to wash!
✔️ Super flexible - works with lamb, beef, chicken, or even veg

Ingredients:

- 2 lamb shanks (or 1kg protein of choice: chicken thighs, drumsticks, or beef)
- 1 packet Shan Special Bombay Biryani mix
- 300g tomatoes, diced
- 300g onions, sliced
- 2 tbsp garlic paste
- 2 tbsp ginger paste
- 1 cup ghee (or sub with butter or oil)
- 200g plain yoghurt (we like Alvas, made in Singapore!)
- 3 cups basmati rice, washed and soaked 20 mins, drained
- 3 ¾ cups water
- 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)

Instructions:

1. In an Instant Pot or electric pressure cooker, heat ghee/oil. Sauté onions until golden.
2. Add tomatoes and fry for a few minutes until softened.
3. Stir in garlic and ginger paste; sauté briefly.
4. Add biryani spice mix, stir until fragrant.
5. Add yoghurt, water, and lamb shanks. Pressure cook on “Lamb” setting for 45 mins with natural release.
- If using chicken or other tender protein, reduce to ~20 mins.
6. Open the lid, add salt, taste, and adjust if needed.
7. Add soaked and drained rice. Ensure rice is fully submerged in the sauce.
8. Pressure cook on “Steam” mode for 8 mins. Quick release immediately after.
9. Fluff gently and garnish with fresh sliced onions, coriander, and fried shallots.
10. Serve hot with cucumber raita to cool the spice and papadums for crunch.

Watch how I made it

What I Used to Make This

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All in one

Shan Bombay Biryani Mix

I usually purchase this as well as my basmati rice from my neighbourhood Indian grocer. You can also find it at Mustafa, some supermakets and online via the link below.

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Biryani rice

Biryani Special Basmati Rice - Extra Long Grain

I usually purchase this as well as the Biryani spice pack from my neighbourhood Indian grocer. You can also find it at Mustafa, some supermakets and online via the link below.

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All natural

Organic A2 Ghee

This is the ghee I reach for when making biryani or everyday cooking. It’s made the traditional way from native Indian breed cows, fed naturally with no boosters, so you get a pure, rich ghee that’s both nourishing and delicious.

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made in singapore

Alvas Natural Yoghurt

Alvas Natural Yoghurt is my go-to when a recipe calls for yoghurt, thick, creamy, and tangy without any added sugars, preservatives, or thickeners. Handcrafted fresh in Singapore from whole cow’s milk.

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Most used appliance

Tefal Pressure Cooker

This pressure cooker saves me on the busiest days. It locks in flavour, cooks everything faster, and makes broths, soups, and stews taste like they’ve simmered for hours but in just 20 mins. I use it for everything from toddler meals to melt-in-your-mouth dinners with none of the wait

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Non-toxic swap

Stainless Steel Inner Pot

I swapped out the original non-stick pot for this stainless steel inner pot. It’s a simple, low-tox upgrade that gives me peace of mind. No peeling coatings, just clean, even cooking I can trust for family meals. It's a pretty penny when compared with the cost of the Tefal pressure cooker, but worth every dollar for the peace of mind it offers in my books

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