Paneer Tikka Recipe

Mak Erot

3 min read

·

Apr 02, 2025

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Paneer Tikka Recipe: A Delicious Indian Delight

Paneer tikka is a popular Indian appetizer, known for its succulent marinated paneer (Indian cheese) cubes, cooked to perfection in a tandoor (traditional clay oven) or on a grill. This recipe provides a step-by-step guide to creating this flavorful dish at home, even without a tandoor!

Ingredients You'll Need:

This recipe yields approximately 4 servings. Adjust quantities as needed.

• For the Paneer:

  • 250g paneer, cubed into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 cup plain yogurt
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
  • 1 tsp red chili powder (adjust to your spice preference)
  • 1 tsp garam masala
  • 1 tsp turmeric powder
  • ½ tsp cumin powder
  • ½ tsp coriander powder
  • ½ tsp paprika
  • Salt to taste
  • 2 tbsp oil (vegetable or canola)

• For the Marinade (Optional Extra Flavor Boost):

  • 1 tbsp Kasuri Methi (dried fenugreek leaves)
  • 1 tsp black pepper powder

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the Paneer: Gently press the paneer cubes to remove excess moisture. This prevents them from becoming soggy during cooking.

2. Marinate the Paneer: In a large bowl, combine the yogurt, lemon juice, ginger-garlic paste, red chili powder, garam masala, turmeric powder, cumin powder, coriander powder, paprika, salt, and oil. Add the paneer cubes and mix thoroughly, ensuring each piece is coated evenly. If using, incorporate the Kasuri Methi and black pepper powder into the marinade at this stage.

3. Marination Time: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or preferably 2-4 hours. The longer the paneer marinates, the more flavorful it will become.

4. Cooking the Paneer: You have several options:

   • Oven Baking: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the marinated paneer cubes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and slightly charred.
   • Grilling: Preheat your grill to medium heat. Thread the paneer onto skewers (metal or soaked wooden ones) and grill for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through and slightly charred. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
   • Pan-Frying: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the paneer cubes and cook for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through.

5. Serving: Once cooked, remove the paneer from the oven, grill, or pan. Serve hot as an appetizer, with mint chutney, tamarind chutney, or your favorite dipping sauce.

Tips for Perfect Paneer Tikka:

• Don't overcrowd the pan/baking sheet: This will prevent the paneer from browning evenly. Cook in batches if necessary.
• Adjust the spice level: Feel free to adjust the amount of red chili powder to your liking.
• Experiment with flavors: Add other spices like cardamom, cloves, or nutmeg for a unique twist.
• Use fresh ingredients: This will significantly enhance the flavor of your paneer tikka.

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