An Indo-Chinese classic that strikes the ideal mix between sweet and spicy, Honey Chilli Paneer is sure to be a hit with any palate. I can’t wait to tell you all about this meal, which has crunchy paneer (Indian cottage cheese) mixed in a sugary, spicy sauce with garlic, ginger, chili sauce, and honey.
In order to make Honey Chilli Paneer, first cover the paneer cubes in a cornflour, salt, and pepper mixture. Then fry them until they are crispy and golden brown. At the same time, make a tasty sauce by heating up some garlic and ginger in some oil until they smell good. Then, add some chili sauce, soy sauce, and honey to make a sticky, sweet glaze.
After cooking, toss the paneer cubes in the honey chili sauce to cover them evenly and glaze them. Chop some spring onions and sprinkle some sesame seeds on top for a crunchy and flavorful garnish.
Honey Chilli Paneer is a popular dish in Indo-Chinese cuisine, and in this blog post I will explain what goes into making it, how to prepare it, and why its taste profile is so exciting. Honey Chilli Paneer’s sweet and spicy flavor will be a hit whether you eat it as an appetizer or a main dish. Now is the time to immerse ourselves in Honey Chilli Paneer!
Honey Chilli Paneer Recipe
Ingredients
For Honey Chilli Paneer:
- 400 g Paneer Indian cottage cheese, cut into cubes
- 2 tablespoons Cornstarch or cornflour
- 1/4 cup All-purpose flour
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Vegetable oil for frying
For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons Vegetable oil
- 3-4 cloves Garlic minced
- 1 inch Ginger grated
- 2 Green chilies finely chopped
- 1 Onion diced
- 1 Bell pepper capsicum, diced
- 2 tablespoons Tomato ketchup
- 2 tablespoons Chili sauce or Sriracha sauce
- 1 tablespoon Soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons Honey
- 1 teaspoon Vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Cornstarch or cornflour dissolved in 2 tablespoons water
- Spring onions chopped, for garnish
- Sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Paneer
- In a bowl, mix cornstarch, all-purpose flour, salt, and black pepper.
- Toss the paneer cubes in the flour mixture until evenly coated.
Step 2: Fry the Paneer
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Carefully add the coated paneer cubes to the hot oil and fry until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove the fried paneer cubes from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
- In the same skillet or wok, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil.
- Add minced garlic, grated ginger, and chopped green chilies to the hot oil. Sauté for a minute until fragrant.
- Stir in diced onions and bell peppers. Cook until the vegetables are slightly tender.
- Add tomato ketchup, chili sauce (or Sriracha sauce), soy sauce, honey, and vinegar to the pan. Mix well to combine.
- Pour the cornstarch mixture into the pan, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens and coats the vegetables.
Step 4: Combine Paneer and Sauce
- Add the fried paneer cubes to the sauce in the skillet or wok.
- Toss gently until the paneer is coated evenly with the sauce.
- Cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the paneer to absorb the flavors of the sauce.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
- Garnish Honey Chilli Paneer with chopped spring onions and sesame seeds for added flavor and visual appeal.
- Transfer the dish to a serving platter.
- Serve hot as an appetizer or as a main course with steamed rice or noodles.
Notes
Tips and Information
- Paneer Texture: For a softer texture, you can soak the paneer cubes in warm water for 15-20 minutes before coating them with flour.
- Adjusting Spice Level: Control the spiciness of the dish by adjusting the quantity of green chilies and chili sauce according to your taste preference.
- Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables such as carrots, broccoli, or mushrooms to the dish for added texture and nutrition.
- Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare the fried paneer and sauce separately in advance and combine them just before serving to maintain the crispy texture of the paneer.
- Serving Suggestions: Honey Chilli Paneer pairs well with fried rice, noodles, or as a filling for wraps or sandwiches for a delicious fusion meal.
Ultimately, Honey Chilli Paneer is a mouthwatering Indo-Chinese meal that fuses the savory flavors of chili sauce with sweet honey to make a dish that will satisfy all diners. Whether you eat it as a starter or a main meal, this dish’s sweet and spicy tastes harmonize to create an unforgettable experience. Indulge in the mouth-watering Honey Chilli Paneer and take a voyage through the world of flavors with your loved ones.