Bihari Non Veg Recipes: Authentic Flavors to Savor

Updated On: October 7, 2025

Bihar, a state in eastern India, is renowned for its rich culinary heritage, particularly when it comes to non-vegetarian dishes. Bihari non-veg recipes are a delightful blend of bold spices, slow-cooked meats, and aromatic flavors that truly capture the essence of traditional Indian cooking.

Whether it’s the famous Bihari kebabs, litti chokha with mutton curry, or the hearty chicken bharta, these recipes are steeped in history and culture, making each bite a journey into Bihar’s vibrant food scene.

In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the most beloved Bihari non-veg recipes, breaking down their ingredients, preparation techniques, and serving ideas. Whether you are a seasoned cook or a curious food lover, get ready to dive into the world of rustic yet flavorful dishes that promise to impress your family and guests alike!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Bihari non-veg recipes stand out because they combine simplicity with extraordinary depth of flavor. The use of fresh, wholesome ingredients like mustard oil, whole spices, and regional herbs creates dishes that are both authentic and irresistibly tasty.

These recipes often involve slow cooking, which tenderizes the meat and allows the spices to penetrate deeply, making every morsel bursting with taste. Additionally, Bihari cuisine is known for its robust meat dishes that are perfect for festive occasions or cozy family dinners.

Whether you crave the smoky aroma of Bihari kebabs or a rich mutton curry, these recipes offer something special. They are also quite versatile, allowing you to tweak the spice levels and ingredients to match your preference.

Ingredients

  • Chicken or mutton: 1 kg, cut into pieces
  • Mustard oil: 3-4 tablespoons
  • Onions: 2 large, finely sliced
  • Ginger-garlic paste: 2 tablespoons
  • Yogurt: 1 cup, thick and fresh
  • Red chili powder: 2 teaspoons (adjust to taste)
  • Turmeric powder: 1 teaspoon
  • Coriander powder: 2 teaspoons
  • Garam masala: 1 teaspoon
  • Whole spices: 4-5 cloves, 2-3 green cardamoms, 1-inch cinnamon stick
  • Fresh coriander leaves: 1/4 cup, chopped
  • Green chilies: 3-4, slit
  • Salt: to taste
  • Water: as required for cooking

Equipment

  • Heavy-bottomed pan or kadai
  • Mixing bowls
  • Sharp knife and chopping board
  • Wooden spatula or spoon
  • Measuring spoons and cups
  • Grinder or blender (optional for marination)
  • Pressure cooker (optional for faster mutton cooking)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the marinade: In a bowl, combine the yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, red chili powder, turmeric powder, coriander powder, and salt. Mix well until smooth.
  2. Marinate the meat: Add the chicken or mutton pieces to the marinade, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight for best flavor absorption.
  3. Heat mustard oil: In a heavy-bottomed pan, heat the mustard oil until it starts to smoke lightly, this enhances its pungency and flavor.
  4. Cook whole spices: Add the cloves, cardamoms, and cinnamon stick to the hot oil. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Sauté onions: Add the sliced onions and cook on medium heat until golden brown. This can take 10-15 minutes and adds a sweet depth to the dish.
  6. Add marinated meat: Add the marinated chicken or mutton along with the marinade to the pan. Mix well and cook on high heat for 5-7 minutes until the meat changes color.
  7. Slow cook: Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let the meat cook slowly. Add water as needed to prevent sticking and to create a gravy. For mutton, this can take 45 minutes to 1 hour; chicken usually takes 25-30 minutes.
  8. Finish with garam masala and green chilies: Once the meat is tender, sprinkle garam masala and add slit green chilies. Stir gently and cook for another 5 minutes.
  9. Garnish and serve: Turn off the heat and garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves. Serve hot with steamed rice, roti, or litti chokha.

Tips & Variations

For extra smoky flavor, try cooking the marinated meat on a charcoal grill or use a piece of hot coal placed in a bowl inside the pan for ‘dhungar’ (smoke infusion) technique.

You can substitute chicken with mutton or even fish, adjusting cooking times accordingly. Using mustard oil is essential for authentic flavor, but if unavailable, you can replace it with ghee or vegetable oil.

To make Bihari kebabs, use minced meat marinated with the same spices, shaped onto skewers, and grilled or pan-fried.

Pair your Bihari non-veg dishes with traditional sides like Classico Sun Dried Tomato Alfredo Sauce Recipe for a fusion twist or enjoy with simple steamed rice.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Per Serving (approx.)
Calories 350-400 kcal
Protein 30-35 g
Fat 20 g
Carbohydrates 8-10 g
Fiber 1-2 g
Sodium 600 mg

Serving Suggestions

Bihari non-veg dishes pair wonderfully with simple sides like steamed basmati rice, naan, or roti. For a more authentic experience, serve with litti chokha—a traditional Bihari dish made of roasted wheat balls stuffed with sattu (gram flour) and mashed vegetables.

Accompany your meal with a fresh salad or onion rings marinated in lemon and salt to cut through the richness. A glass of chilled buttermilk or a mild yogurt drink complements the spiciness perfectly.

For dessert, you might want to try something light and sweet like the Cinnamon Pecan Ice Cream Recipe that offers a cool contrast to the warm spices.

Conclusion

Bihari non-veg recipes offer an incredible taste of Bihar’s culinary culture, marked by bold spices, slow cooking, and an emphasis on hearty, comforting dishes. These recipes are perfect for anyone looking to explore authentic Indian flavors that are rich, fulfilling, and deeply satisfying.

By using simple ingredients and traditional methods, you can recreate these delicious dishes right in your kitchen. Whether you’re planning a festive feast or a special family dinner, the robust flavors of Bihari non-veg cuisine are sure to impress and delight.

Don’t forget to explore other exciting recipes on our site, such as the Chicken Shawarma Trader Joe’S Recipe or try your hand at the decadent Chocolate Heaven Cake Recipe for dessert after your meal. Happy cooking!

📖 Recipe Card: Bihari Chicken Curry

Description: A rich and flavorful chicken curry from Bihar, India, known for its aromatic spices and tender meat. Perfectly balanced with mustard oil and traditional Bihari masalas.

Prep Time: PT20M
Cook Time: PT40M
Total Time: PT60M

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 kg chicken, cut into pieces
  • 3 tbsp mustard oil
  • 2 large onions, finely sliced
  • 2 tomatoes, chopped
  • 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
  • 1 tsp turmeric powder
  • 2 tsp red chili powder
  • 1 tbsp coriander powder
  • 1 tsp garam masala
  • Salt to taste
  • Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
  • 1 cup water

Instructions

  1. Heat mustard oil in a pan until smoking, then reduce heat.
  2. Add sliced onions and sauté until golden brown.
  3. Add ginger-garlic paste and cook for 2 minutes.
  4. Add chopped tomatoes and cook until soft.
  5. Mix turmeric, red chili, coriander powders, and salt; cook the masala.
  6. Add chicken pieces and sear until lightly browned.
  7. Pour water, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes until chicken is tender.
  8. Sprinkle garam masala and cook for 5 more minutes.
  9. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve hot.

Nutrition: Calories: 350 kcal | Protein: 30 g | Fat: 20 g | Carbs: 8 g

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Marta K

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