Paneer Tikka Recipe has its origins in India, specifically rooted in Mughlai cuisine, which is known for rich and flavorful dishes. This delicious appetizer has become a favorite in both Indian restaurants and homes, often enjoyed as a tasty starter or a satisfying snack. If you're looking to recreate this dish at home, follow this Paneer Tikka Recipe that is easy and authentic.
People love it for its smoky flavor and spicy marinade, as the grilled paneer cubes offer a delightful taste experience.
Paneer Tikka is perfect recipe for any occasion, whether it's a lively party, a family gathering, or a cozy night in. Its fun presentation on skewers makes it even more appealing, ensuring it’s always a popular choice!
Jump to:
About Paneer Tikka Recipe
Paneer Tikka comes from North India, particularly from Mughlai cuisine, and is often made in clay ovens called tandoors. This dish is a popular vegetarian alternative to tandoori chicken, making it a favorite in both restaurants and homes.
It offers a tasty mix of tanginess from yogurt, spiciness from chili powder, and a hint of smokiness from grilling.
While tandoors provide the best flavor, you can also use an oven or stovetop to make delicious Paneer Tikka without any special equipment.
It’s versatile -- you can serve it as an appetizer or use it in wraps and sandwiches. You can adjust the spice level to your liking, and marinating the paneer longer makes it more flavorful.
Paneer Tikka is not only an easy recipe but also a delicious dish that’s perfect for vegetarians and anyone who loves bold flavors. By following this recipe, you’ll definitely impress your guests at any gathering!
What is Paneer Tikka?
Paneer Tikka is a popular Indian appetizer made from marinated paneer cubes that are grilled, baked, or fried. First, "tikka" means anything that is marinated and then cooked, and paneer tikka is a delicious vegetarian version of this dish.
Notably, this tasty homemade version is very similar to what you find in restaurants, but it has a personal touch that adds an authentic flavor.
You can easily recreate it at home by using a simple marinade made from yogurt, spices, and lemon juice. Not only is it quick, but it also adds great flavor!
For the best experience, I suggest serving Paneer Tikka with mint chutney or a tangy dip. This really enhances its flavors. Additionally, Paneer Tikka is a crowd-pleaser, which makes it perfect for parties or family dinners!
How to Make Paneer Tikka -- Restaurant Style
Step by Step Instruction
1. Prepare the Marinade
- First, in a mixing bowl, add thick yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, red chili powder, turmeric powder, garam masala, coriander powder, cumin powder, chaat masala, lemon juice, and salt.
- Then, mix well until everything is combined and forms a smooth marinade.
- Then add 2 tablespoons of oil and crushed kasuri methi (if you want) for extra flavor.
2. Marinate the Paneer and Vegetables
- Next, add the paneer cubes, capsicum, onion, and tomato to the marinade. Gently coat all the pieces evenly.
- After that, cover the bowl and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. For deeper flavors, it’s best to marinate for 2 hours or even overnight.
3. Prepare for Grilling
- If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 20 minutes to prevent burning while grilling.
- Then, thread the marinated paneer cubes and vegetables onto the skewers, alternating between paneer, onion, capsicum, and tomato.
4. Cooking the Paneer Tikka
Grilling in Oven
- For grilling in the oven, preheat it to 200°C (392°F).
- Line a baking tray with aluminum foil and lightly grease it with oil.
- Place the skewers on the tray and grill for 15-20 minutes, turning them halfway through. You can brush some oil on the paneer and vegetables while turning.
- In the last 2-3 minutes, switch to broil mode to get a nice charred effect.
On a Stovetop Grill Pan
- For a stovetop grill pan, heat it on medium-high and lightly grease it.
- Place the skewers on the pan and cook for 10-15 minutes, turning frequently for even cooking.
5. Serve the Paneer Tikka
- Once the paneer tikka is cooked, carefully remove the skewers.
- Then, sprinkle some chaat masala and drizzle lemon juice on top.
- Serve the paneer tikka hot with mint chutney and sliced onions for extra flavor!
Cooking Techniques
Grilling
- Grilling, for instance, gives the paneer a delicious smoky flavor and nice char marks, which makes it crispy on the outside. On the other hand, baking in the oven is another great option. It cooks the tikka evenly while keeping it juicy inside.
Pan-Frying
- Pan-frying can add a delicious crunch, but you need to watch it closely so it doesn't burn.
Serving Style
- You can pair it with mint chutney, which adds a refreshing taste. Next, serving it with naan is a good choice.
- Rice can be a tasty side that complements the flavors. Finally, you might want to add some sliced onions and lemon wedges for extra zing.
Personal Variations
- You can try different marinades, like adding yogurt with herbs for a fresh taste. Next, you could use seasonal vegetables, such as zucchini or bell peppers, for extra color and flavor.
- Adding spices like smoked paprika for a smoky kick. Finally, you might mix in a bit of cheese for a creamy twist.
Storage & Reheat Tips
1. Paneer Tikka can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
2. To reheat it, just place it in a preheated oven or grill for a few minutes until it’s warm. However, avoid using the microwave, as it can make the paneer rubbery.
Pairing Drinks
- You can have lassi, a cool yogurt drink that balances the spice. Next, masala chai is a warm, spiced tea that adds a cozy touch.
- Lemonade is refreshing and helps cleanse your palate. Finally, you might try mocktails, like a fruity punch, for a fun and colorful drink.
Event Hosting Tips
- Create a tikka platter by arranging the grilled skewers neatly on a large plate. This makes it easy for guests to grab them.
- Next, add dips like mint chutney and yogurt sauce on the side for extra flavor. Then, include some fresh veggies like cucumber and onion to complement the tikka.
- Don’t forget to provide napkins and small plates for your guests. This way, they can enjoy the delicious Paneer Tikka mess-free!
Tips & Tricks
1. Marinate Longer: First, let the paneer marinate for at least 2 hours, or even overnight. This helps the flavors soak in better.
2. Soak Skewers: If you're using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 20 minutes before grilling. This prevents them from burning.
3. Turn Frequently: While cooking, remember to turn the skewers often. This ensures the paneer cooks evenly on all sides.
4. Add Extra Flavor: Finally, feel free to sprinkle some chaat masala on top before serving. It adds a delicious extra kick!
FAQs
To make Paneer Tikka at home, marinate paneer cubes and vegetables in a spiced yogurt mixture, then grill, bake, or cook on a stovetop until charred and flavorful.
Paneer Tikka can be a healthy dish when made with minimal oil and fresh ingredients. It's high in protein and calcium, making it a nutritious vegetarian option.
Yes, Paneer Tikka can be cooked on a stovetop using a grill pan or tawa. It can also be cooked in an air fryer for a healthier version.
Paneer should be marinated for at least 30 minutes, but for deeper flavors, it’s recommended to marinate for 2 hours or overnight.
Paneer Tikka can become dry if overcooked or if the paneer used is too firm. To avoid this, cook paneer tikka on high heat for a short time and brush with oil while grilling.
Common vegetables used with Paneer Tikka include bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes. They complement the flavor and texture of the paneer.
Yes, store-bought paneer works well, but you can soak it in warm water for 10-15 minutes before marinating to soften it.
Paneer Tikka is typically served with mint chutney, sliced onions, and lemon wedges. It pairs well with naan or roti as a meal.
Let me know how you like this recipe by leaving a review and follow us on Pinterest, Facebook and Twitter
Paneer Tikka Recipe
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 400 gram Paneer (cottage cheese) cut into cubes
- 1 Capsicum (bell pepper) large, cut into cubes
- 1 Onion large, cut into cubes
- 1 Tomato large, deseeded and cut into cubes
- Wooden skewers or metal skewers (for grilling)
For the Marinade:
- ½ Cup Thick yogurt (curd)
- 1 tablespoon Ginger-garlic paste
- 1 teaspoon Red chili powder
- ½ teaspoon Turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon Garam masala
- 1 teaspoon Coriander powder
- ½ teaspoon Cumin powder
- ½ teaspoon Chaat masala
- 1 tablespoon Lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves) (optional)
- Salt to taste
- 2 tablespoon Oil
Instructions
Prepare the Marinade
- First, in a mixing bowl, add thick yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, red chili powder, turmeric powder, garam masala, coriander powder, cumin powder, chaat masala, lemon juice, and salt.
- Then, mix well until everything is combined and forms a smooth marinade.
- Then add 2 tablespoons of oil and crushed kasuri methi (if you want) for extra flavor.
Marinate the Paneer and Vegetables
- Next, add the paneer cubes, capsicum, onion, and tomato to the marinade. Gently coat all the pieces evenly.
- After that, cover the bowl and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. For deeper flavors, it’s best to marinate for 2 hours or even overnight.
Prepare for Grilling
- If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 20 minutes to prevent burning while grilling.
- Then, thread the marinated paneer cubes and vegetables onto the skewers, alternating between paneer, onion, capsicum, and tomato.
Cooking the Paneer Tikka
Grilling in Oven
- For grilling in the oven, preheat it to 200°C (392°F).
- Line a baking tray with aluminum foil and lightly grease it with oil.
- Place the skewers on the tray and grill for 15-20 minutes, turning them halfway through. You can brush some oil on the paneer and vegetables while turning.
- In the last 2-3 minutes, switch to broil mode to get a nice charred effect.
On a Stovetop Grill Pan
- For a stovetop grill pan, heat it on medium-high and lightly grease it.
- Place the skewers on the pan and cook for 10-15 minutes, turning frequently for even cooking.
Serve the Paneer Tikka
- Once the paneer tikka is cooked, carefully remove the skewers.
- Then, sprinkle some chaat masala and drizzle lemon juice on top.
- Serve the paneer tikka hot with mint chutney and sliced onions for extra flavor!
Notes
Cooking Techniques
Grilling
- Grilling, for instance, gives the paneer a delicious smoky flavor and nice char marks, which makes it crispy on the outside. On the other hand, baking in the oven is another great option. It cooks the tikka evenly while keeping it juicy inside.
Pan-Frying
- Pan-frying can add a delicious crunch, but you need to watch it closely so it doesn't burn.
Leave a Reply