Enjoy smoky Paneer Tikka with a rich marinade that brings out irresistible flavors in every bite! Perfect for any gathering or cozy dinner.
If you want a vegetable starter full of flavor, then Paneer Tikka is undoubtedly the best option! Here at HungryStory, we present an amazing paneer recipe that will elevate your culinary experience! Crafting a meal that would leave you grasping having tender food, smoky cubes of paneer that add to your pleasurable experience with a symphony of spices that dance on your taste buds.
This Paneer Tikka is not just a dish; it’s a celebration of flavor, with every bite delivering the perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and smoky goodness. Be it a party you are organizing or you want to pamper yourself, this inviting recipe is the one that would fly everyone to the moon and back. Let’s dive into this mouthwatering journey of pure deliciousness!
About Paneer Tikka
This popular Indian dish consists of paneer cubes marinated in a spiced yogurt mixture and then grilled until crisp on the outside while remaining soft and juicy inside. It is a perfect blend of bold spices, tangy yogurt nutritious benefits, and tender paneer, making it an excellent snack for parties and gatherings, or simply a delicious treat for yourself.
The marination process deeply flavors the paneer, with key ingredients such as turmeric, garam masala, cumin, and chili powder. Typically, Paneer Tikka comes with a side of mint chutney and sliced onions, giving the dish a little more freshness and zest.
No matter whether you cook it in the oven, on the grill, or even in the air fryer, this dish is not only very adaptable but also simple to make. It’s a must-try for anyone wishing to eat more balanced meals without meat.
Paneer Tikka Ingredients:
- 250 grams of paneer (cottage cheese)
- 1/2 cup yogurt
- 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
- 1/2 teaspoon Chaat Masala
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon Garam Masala
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin powder
- 1 teaspoon Kasuri Methi
- Salt to taste
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Handful of Fresh Coriander
- Onion rings for serving
How To Make Paneer Tikka Masala?
- For the marinade
- In a bowl, mix the yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, lemon juice, red chili powder, turmeric, garam masala, cumin powder, Kasuri methi, and salt.
- Add 1 tablespoon of oil to the mixture and stir well to combine all the ingredients.
- Preparing the Paneer
- Add the paneer cubes to the marinade.
- Gently toss the cubes to coat them evenly in the marinade and let them rest for 30 minutes.
- Grilling the Paneer
- Heat a grill pan on a medium-high flame.
- Skewer the marinated paneer cubes.
- Brush with a little oil on top to help with the grilling.
- Grill for 10-15 minutes or until the paneer gets a nice char, turning the cubes halfway through to cook evenly.
- Serving
- Serve the hot paneer tikka with a sprinkle of chaat masala and fresh coriander on top.
- Pair it with onion rings, lemon wedges, and a side of green chutney for dipping.
Pro Tips:
Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Don’t rush the marinade! The longer you marinate the paneer, the more flavorful it becomes. Aim for at least 30 minutes, but for even more intense flavor, marinate for 2-3 hours or overnight in the fridge.
Use thick Yogurt: Using thick yogurt helps create a rich marinade that coats the pork well. If your yogurt is too runny, strain it using a muslin cloth or cheesecloth for a few hours.
Grilling Tips: Preheat the grill to ensure even cooking. You want a high temperature to get nice char without drying out the paneer tikka grilled. If you’re using an oven, broil the paneer for a couple of minutes towards the end for that perfect char and smoky flavor. If you’re using a grill pan, don’t overcrowd the paneer. Leave enough space between the cubes for the heat to circulate evenly.
“Looking for more delicious paneer recipes? Check out our detailed guide on how to make Paneer Broccoli Stir Fry, a quick and healthy option for busy days!”
Paneer Tikka Calories:
250 grams of paneer (cottage cheese): approximately 650 kcal
Total Paneer Tikka calories: 1,015 kcal
1/2 cup yogurt: approximately 70 kcal
1 tablespoon ginger-garlic Paste: approximately 15 kcal
1/2 teaspoon Chaat Masala: approximately 2 kcal
1 tablespoon lemon juice: approximately 4 kcal
1 teaspoon red chili powder: approximately 6 kcal
1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder: approximately 4 kcal
1 teaspoon Garam Masala: approximately 6 kcal
1/2 teaspoon cumin powder: approximately 4 kcal
1 teaspoon Kasuri Methi: approximately 3 kcal
2 tablespoons vegetable oil: approximately 240 kcal
Handful of Fresh Coriander: approximately 1 kcal
Onion rings for serving: approximately 10 kcal
Conclusion
Whether grilling for a gathering or treating yourself to a flavorful snack, this Paneer Tikka will leave you craving more with every bite. Enjoy the smoky, spicy magic! Now that you have this perfect recipe, it’s time to fire up the grill and treat yourself to the best Paneer Tikka you’ve ever tasted. Bon appétit! Perfectly charred, perfectly spiced, and irresistible. Your Paneer Tikka journey ends with a smile, but the craving for more never does!
FAQ
What are some variations of paneer tikka?
An innovative example of the Paneer Tikka treat is the Hariyali Paneer Tikka, which is given a green herb marinade, and the Achari Paneer Tikka, which adds tangy pickling spices. Malai Paneer Tikka involves cream or cashew paste for a richer taste, while Paneer Tikka Masala is the grilled paneer served with a savory tomato gravy. A spicier, gravy-free version is the Dry Paneer Tikka, and the Paneer Tikka Roll packs the tikka along with vegetables in roti or naan, making it a tasty and filling snack.
How can I make paneer tikka without a grill?
For Paneer Tikka without a grill, bathe cubed paneer and vegetables in a mixture of yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, red chili powder, garam masala, and salt for at least 30 minutes. Preheat a non-stick skillet with a splash of oil on medium heat and brown the marinated ingredients for 10-15 minutes. Once done, season with chaat masala. Serve hot with chutney or as a part of a meal!
What side dishes go well with paneer tikka?
Paneer Tikka finds a great partner in soft roti or naan, thus forming a perfect platform for the spiced flavors. Combine it with jeera rice for a fragrant flavor that will body your yoga practice. A mint chutney and raita then further enhance the satisfaction of dining, alongside tasty onion and lemon salad that produces a crispy and crunchy touch. It is a delicious hidden gem, besides its component elements.
Can I use a different type of cheese in place of paneer?
Yes, it is possible to use non-panner kinds of cheese. Queso Panela is the most analog due to its similarities in texture, while firm tofu that has been made firmer offers options like vegan. Halloumi cheese retains its shape when cooked, which makes it suitable for grilling, some may use feta cheese to spice the salad. Cottage cheese, when strained, can also be used in some recipes.
How long should I marinate paneer tikka?
To allow the flavors to infiltrate, paneer tikka should marinate for at least half an hour. However, marinating in the fridge for the entire night is the best way to achieve a richer taste. To keep homemade paneer from getting too soft or crumbling while cooking, it’s better to marinate it for no more than two hours.
