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Paneer Tikka Recipe

Paneer Tikka is a popular Indian appetizer made from marinated paneer (cottage cheese) cubes skewered and grilled until charred. The marinade includes yogurt, spices like red chili powder and garam masala, and ginger-garlic paste, giving the paneer rich flavor. Served hot with mint chutney, it’s a favorite vegetarian starter or snack.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course paneer
Cuisine Indian
Servings 4
Calories 1800 kcal

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

  • Firstly, mix yogurt, lemon juice, spices, and ghee or oil. Ensure the marinade is thick enough to coat the paneer evenly.
  • Tip: Let the marinade sit for 30 minutes so the flavors blend together. I once forgot this, and it was so bland!

Marinate the Paneer

  • Next, cut the paneer into cubes and coat them thoroughly with the marinade. Tip: Let it marinate for 2 hours or overnight for even more flavor. Trust me, the longer, the better!

Grill or Bake the Paneer

  • Grill/Tandoor: If you have a grill or tandoor, cook the paneer on skewers until it's golden and charred.
  • Oven Baking: If you don't have a grill, no worries! Simply bake at 400°F/200°C for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
  • Stovetop Grill Pan: Alternatively, you can use a grill pan on the stove for that smoky effect.

Serve with Garnishes

  • Once your Paneer Tikka is perfectly grilled, serve it with fresh onions, cilantro, and a squeeze of lemon.
  • For extra flavor, drizzle mint chutney on the side. As a friend once told me, "Chutney is the secret to making Paneer Tikka unforgettable!"

Notes

Variations

1. Tandoori-Style Paneer Tikka

    • Marinate the paneer with a special tandoori masala for that deep, vibrant flavor. It’s like taking a trip to a fancy restaurant! ✨ I remember the first time I had this at a wedding, and the flavors were so bold, I couldn’t stop eating! 

2. Vegan Paneer Tikka

    1. Alternatively, swap the paneer for tofu and use plant-based yogurt to create a delicious vegan alternative. Not only does it taste just as good, but it's also perfect for your vegan friends! 
    1. Tip: If you’ve never tried tofu, it absorbs all the spices and flavors, just like paneer! 

3. Smoked Paneer Tikka

    • For a true smoky flavor, place a piece of hot charcoal in a bowl, drizzle some ghee over it, and cover it quickly to let the smoke infuse into the paneer. It’s like a magic trick for your taste buds!  My uncle did this once at a barbecue, and it was so cool! The paneer tasted like it was cooked in a tandoor! 

4. Mini Paneer Tikka Wraps

    • Instead of skewers, wrap the grilled paneer in naan or paratha with some fresh veggies and mint chutney. It’s the perfect party snack and super fun to eat! I made these once for a school party, and everyone loved grabbing their own mini wrap! It was a hit! 

5. Paneer Tikka Pizza

    • Top a pizza with grilled Paneer Tikka instead of the usual chicken or meat. It’s a fusion of Indian and Italian flavors that will blow your mind! 
    • Tip: This is an awesome way to get your pizza fix and enjoy some extra flavor at the same time. 

Tips for Perfect Paneer Tikka 

Use Fresh, Firm Paneer: Always use fresh, firm paneer to keep it from becoming soggy after grilling. It makes a big difference!
Let the Marinade Rest: After mixing the marinade, let it rest for at least 30 minutes—better yet, 2 hours. This allows the flavors to develop fully.
Don't Overcook the Paneer: Grill the paneer just long enough to get that perfect char. If you cook it too long, it can become dry.
Customize Spice Levels: Adjust the chili powder or garam masala to match your taste. Whether you like it mild or spicy, you can make it your own!

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts
Paneer Tikka Recipe
Amount per Serving
Calories
1800
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
110
g
169
%
Saturated Fat
 
45
g
281
%
Polyunsaturated Fat
 
10
g
Monounsaturated Fat
 
25
g
Cholesterol
 
350
mg
117
%
Sodium
 
1000
mg
43
%
Potassium
 
1000
mg
29
%
Carbohydrates
 
90
g
30
%
Fiber
 
10
g
42
%
Sugar
 
10
g
11
%
Protein
 
100
g
200
%
Vitamin A
 
2000
IU
40
%
Vitamin B1
 
0.4
mg
27
%
Vitamin B2
 
0.7
mg
41
%
Vitamin B3
 
6
mg
30
%
Vitamin B5
 
2
mg
20
%
Vitamin B6
 
0.5
mg
25
%
Vitamin B12
 
2
µg
33
%
Vitamin C
 
40
mg
48
%
Vitamin E
 
2
mg
13
%
Vitamin K
 
15
µg
14
%
Calcium
 
900
mg
90
%
Iron
 
7
mg
39
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
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