Authentic Indian Paneer Tikka Recipe – Smoky, Spiced & Irresistible
Authentic Indian Paneer Tikka Recipe – Smoky, Spiced & Irresistible
Introduction
Paneer Tikka is a popular Indian appetizer made with cubed paneer (Indian cottage cheese) marinated in spiced yogurt, skewered, and grilled to perfection. It is a vegetarian alternative to Chicken Tikka and is loved for its smoky, charred edges and flavorful, juicy interior.
This dish is commonly served as a starter in Indian restaurants and is often accompanied by mint chutney and lemon wedges. Whether cooked on a grill, oven, or stovetop, this authentic Paneer Tikka recipe will give you the restaurant-style taste at home!
Paneer Tikka Recipe
Ingredients
🔹 For the Marinade:
- 200g paneer, cut into cubes
- ½ cup thick yogurt (hung curd)
- 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder
- ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon cumin powder
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- 1 teaspoon chaat masala
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves, crushed)
- 1 tablespoon mustard oil or ghee
- Salt to taste
🔹 For the Vegetables (Optional):
- ½ cup bell peppers (red, yellow, green), cut into cubes
- ½ cup onions, cut into cubes
🔹 For Garnishing & Serving:
- Mint-coriander chutney
- Lemon wedges
- Chaat masala for sprinkling
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
1️⃣ In a bowl, whisk together yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, red chili powder, turmeric, garam masala, cumin, coriander, chaat masala, kasuri methi, mustard oil, lemon juice, and salt until smooth.
Step 2: Marinate the Paneer & Vegetables
1️⃣ Add paneer cubes, bell peppers, and onions to the marinade.
2️⃣ Gently toss to coat everything evenly.
3️⃣ Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 1 hour for deeper flavors.
Step 3: Skewer the Paneer & Vegetables
1️⃣ Thread paneer cubes, bell peppers, and onions alternately onto skewers.
Step 4: Cooking Methods
🔥 Option 1: Grilled Paneer Tikka (Best for Smoky Flavor)
1️⃣ Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
2️⃣ Place skewers on the grill and cook for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until charred and golden brown.
🔥 Option 2: Oven-Baked Paneer Tikka
1️⃣ Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C).
2️⃣ Place skewers on a greased baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
3️⃣ For a charred look, broil for 2-3 minutes at the end.
🔥 Option 3: Stovetop Paneer Tikka (Quick & Easy)
1️⃣ Heat 1 tablespoon oil or ghee in a non-stick pan.
2️⃣ Place marinated paneer and vegetables in the pan and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until charred.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!
1️⃣ Remove Paneer Tikka from the skewers.
2️⃣ Sprinkle with chaat masala and garnish with lemon wedges.
3️⃣ Serve hot with mint-coriander chutney.
Tips & Variations
✔ Extra Smoky Flavor – Use the dhungar method (burning charcoal placed inside the bowl of paneer with ghee) for an authentic tandoori taste.
✔ Make It Vegan – Substitute paneer with tofu and use dairy-free yogurt.
✔ Crispier Texture – Add a little gram flour (besan) to the marinade to make the coating crispier.
✔ Spicier Version – Increase red chili powder or add green chilies to the marinade.
Final Thoughts
Paneer Tikka is a perfectly spiced, smoky, and juicy dish that’s easy to make at home! Whether grilled, baked, or pan-fried, this flavor-packed appetizer will impress every time.
Would you like a Pinterest-style image or a tandoori-style variation? Let me know! 🧀🔥✨
