Paneer Tikka is a beloved Indian dish with chunks of paneer marinated in spices and grilled to perfection. It’s a vegetarian alternative to chicken tikka and is usually enjoyed with mint chutney.
Restaurant Style Paneer Tikka Recipe
Paneer Tikka is a popular Indian appetizer that has gained widespread popularity for its tantalizing flavors and aromatic spices. It's a vegetarian alternative to chicken tikka and is loved by vegetarians and meat-eaters alike.
Ingredients
- 500 g Paneer cut into 1-inch cubes cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/2 cup Yogurt thick and whisked
- 1 tablespoon Ginger-garlic paste
- 1/4 teaspoon Turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon Red chili powder
- 1 teaspoon Garam masala
- 1/2 teaspoon Chaat masala
- 2 tablespoons Lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons Mustard oil
- to taste Salt
- 1 Capsicum cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 Onions cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 Tomatoes deseeded and cut into 1-inch pieces
- Skewers for grilling
Instructions
Marinate the Paneer:
- In a large bowl, combine the whisked yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, turmeric powder, red chili powder, garam masala, chaat masala, lemon juice, mustard oil, and salt.
- Add the paneer cubes, capsicum, onions, and tomatoes to the marinade. Mix gently until all the pieces are well-coated with the marinade.
- Cover and refrigerate the mixture for at least 1 hour, or preferably overnight for the flavors to meld.
Skewer the Paneer and Vegetables:
- If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 20 minutes to prevent burning.
- Thread the marinated paneer and vegetables onto the skewers, alternating between them.
Grill the Paneer Tikka:
- Preheat your grill, grilling pan, or oven to a medium-high temperature (200°C or 400°F if using an oven).
- Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the paneer is golden and slightly charred.
Serve:
- Once cooked, transfer the paneer tikka onto a plate.
- Squeeze some lemon juice over the tikka and sprinkle with chaat masala.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with mint-coriander chutney.
Tips and Information
Conclusion
In essence, Paneer Tikka is a celebration of flavors and textures. It’s a perfect example of how vegetarian dishes can be just as exciting and satisfying as their meat-based counterparts. Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to Indian cuisine, Paneer Tikka is a dish that’s sure to delight your taste buds.
Tips and Overview
- Paneer: Use fresh, firm paneer for the best texture. Homemade paneer can also be used.
- Marination Time: The longer the paneer marinates, the more flavorful it will be.
- Cooking Method: Paneer Tikka can be grilled on a barbecue grill, in an oven, or even on a stovetop grilling pan.
- Serving Suggestion: Paneer Tikka is a versatile dish that can be served as an appetizer, snack, or even as a main course with naan or paratha.
- Variations: Adjust the level of spices to suit your taste. You can also add other vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini to the skewers.