Paneer Tikka Recipe is a quintessential dish in Indian cuisine, celebrated for its rich flavors and versatility. Whether you’re planning a special dinner or a casual gathering, Paneer Tikka serves as an appetizing starter that never fails to impress.
Paneer Tikka Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Mixing bowls
- 1 Skewers (wooden or metal)
- 1 Grill or oven
- 1 Basting brush
- 1 Tongs
- 1 Baking tray (if using an oven)
- 1 Aluminum foil (optional)
Ingredients
For the Marinade:
- 200 g Paneer (cubed into 1-inch pieces)
- ½ cup thick yogurt (hung curd)
- 2 tbsp gram flour (besan)
- 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
- 1 tsp red chili powder
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 1 tsp chaat masala
- 1 tsp cumin powder
- 1 tsp coriander powder
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp mustard oil (optional, for a smoky flavor)
- Salt to taste
For the Tikka:
- 1 large onion (cut into 1-inch pieces)
- 1 large capsicum (cut into 1-inch pieces)
- 1 large tomato (cut into 1-inch pieces, remove seeds)
- 2 tbsp butter or ghee (for basting)
For Garnishing:
- Fresh coriander leaves (chopped)
- Lemon wedges
- Chaat masala
Instructions
1. Prepare the Marinade:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the thick yogurt, gram flour, ginger-garlic paste, red chili powder, turmeric powder, garam masala, chaat masala, cumin powder, coriander powder, lemon juice, mustard oil (if using), and salt.
- Mix well to form a smooth and thick marinade.
2. Marinate the Paneer:
- Add the paneer cubes, onion, capsicum, and tomato pieces to the marinade.
- Gently mix to coat everything evenly. Ensure that the paneer and vegetables are well covered in the marinade.
- Cover the bowl and let it rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to penetrate the paneer.
3. Preheat the Grill/Oven:
- If using a grill, preheat it to medium-high heat.
- If using an oven, preheat to 200°C (392°F). Line a baking tray with aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
4. Skewer the Paneer and Vegetables:
- Thread the marinated paneer cubes, onions, capsicum, and tomato pieces onto the skewers, alternating between each to create a colorful sequence.
- Leave a small gap between each piece to ensure even cooking.
5. Cook the Paneer Tikka:
- If grilling: Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally. Baste with butter or ghee halfway through to keep the paneer moist.
- If using an oven: Place the skewers on the prepared baking tray and bake for 15-20 minutes, turning once halfway. Baste with butter or ghee during baking. For a charred effect, turn on the broiler for the last 2-3 minutes.
6. Serve:
- Once the paneer tikka is cooked and has a nice char on the edges, remove from the grill or oven.
- Sprinkle some chaat masala over the top for extra flavor.
- Garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves and serve hot with lemon wedges on the side.
Notes
This recipe offers a deliciously smoky and flavorful Paneer Tikka that pairs wonderfully with naan, roti, or even as an appetizer with green chutney.
Originating from the North of India, this dish involves marinated paneer (Indian cottage cheese) cubes, skewered with vegetables like bell peppers and onions, and grilled to perfection. The smoky flavor, combined with the spicy, tangy marinade, makes Paneer Tikka a favorite among vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike. It’s also a healthy option, rich in protein and calcium, and can be made in a tandoor, oven, or even on a stovetop.
More Vegetarian Recipes:
Ingredients:
- For the Marinade:
- 1 cup thick yogurt (preferably hung curd)
- 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon garam masala powder
- 1 teaspoon chaat masala
- 1 teaspoon cumin powder
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon mustard oil (or any cooking oil)
- Salt to taste
- For the Paneer Tikka:
- 250 grams paneer, cut into cubes
- 1 large onion, cut into squares
- 1 large capsicum (bell pepper), cut into squares
- 1 large tomato, cut into squares (remove seeds)
- Wooden or metal skewers
- Butter or oil for basting
Instructions:
- Prepare the Marinade:
- In a large mixing bowl, add thick yogurt and whisk until smooth.
- Mix in ginger-garlic paste, red chili powder, turmeric powder, garam masala, chaat masala, cumin powder, lemon juice, and mustard oil.
- Season the marinade with salt to taste and mix well to form a smooth, thick paste.
- Marinate the Paneer and Vegetables:
- Add the paneer cubes, onion squares, capsicum, and tomato squares into the marinade.
- Gently mix to coat the paneer and vegetables evenly with the marinade.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for better flavor absorption.
- Skewering:
- If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 15-20 minutes to prevent them from burning.
- Thread the marinated paneer and vegetables onto the skewers alternately. You can arrange them in a pattern like onion, paneer, capsicum, and tomato.
- Grilling the Paneer Tikka:
- Tandoor or Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 200°C (392°F). Place the skewers on a baking tray lined with aluminum foil or parchment paper. Brush the paneer and vegetables with butter or oil. Grill for 10-15 minutes, turning halfway through, until the paneer is golden brown and slightly charred at the edges.
- Stovetop Method: Heat a grill pan or non-stick tawa (griddle) over medium heat. Add some butter or oil to the pan. Place the skewers on the hot pan and cook for 7-10 minutes, turning them occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Serving:
- Once done, remove the Paneer Tikka from the skewers onto a serving platter.
- Sprinkle some chaat masala and garnish with lemon wedges and fresh coriander leaves.
- Serve hot with green chutney and onion rings.
Tips for Perfect Paneer Tikka:
- Ensure the yogurt is thick to prevent the marinade from becoming watery.
- Mustard oil adds a distinct flavor; however, it can be substituted with regular cooking oil.
- Do not overcook the paneer, as it can become rubbery. It should be soft and succulent.
- For extra smokiness, you can use the traditional ‘dhungar’ method by placing a hot coal in the marinade bowl, adding a few drops of ghee, and covering it immediately. Let it sit for a few minutes before proceeding with the grilling.
Conclusion:
Paneer Tikka is a delightful and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With this recipe, you can easily make restaurant-style Paneer Tikka at home, impressing your family and guests with your culinary skills. Whether served as an appetizer or paired with naan and a side of salad, Paneer Tikka is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.