Paneer Tikka
Craving restaurant style Paneer Tikka at home? You’re not alone! This flavorful North Indian delight is a favorite among vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike. Whether it’s a party, a weekend treat, or a simple evening snack, Paneer Tikka fits perfectly. The best part? You can make it easily at home without a tandoor or complicated equipment and it tastes just as good, if not better, than the ones you get in restaurants!
What is Paneer Tikka?
Paneer Tikka is a popular Indian appetizer where cubes of paneer (Indian cottage cheese) are marinated in a spiced yogurt-based mix, skewered with vegetables like onions and capsicum, and then grilled or baked to smoky perfection. It’s served hot with mint chutney and lemon wedges, and it always steals the show.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 250 grams paneer (cut into cubes)
- 1/2 cup thick yogurt (curd)
- 1 tablespoon gram flour (besan)
- 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon chaat masala
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt to taste
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1 onion (cut into chunks)
- 1 capsicum (cut into chunks)
Step-by-Step Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
In a mixing bowl, add thick curd, gram flour, ginger-garlic paste, red chili powder, turmeric, garam masala, chaat masala, lemon juice, salt, and oil. Mix everything until smooth and lump-free.
Step 2: Marinate the Paneer
Add the paneer cubes, onion chunks, and capsicum pieces into the marinade. Gently coat them well. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This allows the flavors to soak into the paneer and vegetables.
Step 3: Grill or Bake
You can cook the paneer tikka in multiple ways:
- Oven: Preheat to 200°C. Arrange the marinated pieces on skewers and bake for 15–20 minutes, flipping once halfway through.
- Tawa (Pan): Heat a non-stick pan with a little oil. Cook the pieces on medium flame until golden brown and slightly charred.
- Air Fryer: Preheat and cook at 180°C for 10–12 minutes.
Step 4: Serve Hot
Serve your sizzling hot paneer tikka with green mint chutney, onion rings, and lemon wedges. Sprinkle a little chaat masala on top for an extra zing!
Tips for Best Taste:
- Use fresh, soft paneer for best results.
- Thick curd ensures the marinade sticks well.
- Don’t skip chaat masala – it adds that restaurant-style punch.
- Marinating for longer (up to 4 hours) deepens the flavor.
With this simple and delicious Paneer Tikka recipe, you can surprise your family and guests with a dish that looks and tastes straight out of a fine-dining restaurant. No one will believe you made it at home! So go ahead, try it out, and watch everyone lick their fingers clean.
