Recipe
Craving that sizzling, spicy, tangy Chilli Paneer from your favorite restaurant? Good news you don’t need to head out or order in. With a few simple ingredients and some clever tips, you can recreate restaurant-style Chilli Paneer right in your own kitchen. It’s not only more affordable but also fresher and easily customizable.
Chilli Paneer is a popular Indo-Chinese dish loved for its bold flavors and vibrant colors. Whether served as an appetizer or paired with fried rice or noodles, it’s always a crowd-pleaser. The best part? You don’t need to be a professional chef to nail it.
Choosing the Right Paneer
Start with fresh, firm paneer. If possible, use homemade paneer or buy from a trusted dairy. Cut the paneer into medium sized cubes not too big, not too small. This ensures each piece soaks up the sauces and remains soft yet crisp on the outside.
Getting That Perfect Crunch
Restaurant-style Chilli Paneer often has a light crispy coating. To achieve this, make a quick batter with cornflour, all-purpose flour, salt, and a touch of water. Coat each paneer cube and shallow or deep fry until golden brown. You’ll be surprised how much this step elevates the texture.
Sauteing with Flavors
The magic of Chilli Paneer lies in its sauce. In a hot wok or pan, sauté chopped garlic, green chilies, ginger, and onions until they release their aroma. Add diced capsicum for crunch and color. Then toss in soy sauce, red chili sauce, a splash of vinegar, and a little ketchup for sweetness. Add salt and pepper as needed. You can add a cornstarch slurry to slightly thicken the sauce and coat the paneer evenly.
Final Toss and Garnish
Once your sauce is ready, add the fried paneer and toss well on high heat. The key here is speed don’t let the paneer sit too long or it’ll lose its crunch. Garnish with spring onion greens and a few sesame seeds if you like.
Enjoy It Your Way
You can serve Chilli Paneer dry as a starter or make it semi gravy to enjoy with rice or noodles. Want a healthier version? Air fry or bake the paneer instead of deep-frying, and reduce the oil in the sauce.
Recreating restaurant-style dishes at home is satisfying you control the ingredients, spice level, and quality. Once you try this homemade Chilli Paneer, you might not want to order it out again!
