Paneer Tikka Recipe is one of the most popular and delicious Indian appetizers. Made with soft and fresh paneer cubes marinated in a mix of yogurt and spices, this dish is grilled or cooked to perfection, giving it a smoky and charred flavor. Whether served as a starter, snack, or side dish, Paneer Tikka is a treat for the taste buds and loved by people of all ages.
What is Paneer Tikka?
Paneer Tikka is a North Indian dish where cubes of paneer (Indian cottage cheese) are marinated in a spiced yogurt mixture, skewered with vegetables like onions, bell peppers, and tomatoes, and then grilled or baked. It is a vegetarian alternative to Chicken Tikka and is often served with green chutney and a sprinkle of chaat masala.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Simple steps and readily available ingredients make it perfect for any occasion.
- Healthy and Nutritious: High in protein and low in carbs.
- Customizable: You can adjust the spice level and add your favorite veggies.
Ingredients List for Paneer Tikka Recipe
- Paneer (Cottage Cheese)
- English: 200g paneer (cut into cubes)
- Hindi: 200 ग्राम पनीर (क्यूब्स में कटा हुआ)
- Punjabi: 200 ਗ੍ਰਾਮ ਪਨੀਰ (ਕਿਊਬਜ਼ ਵਿੱਚ ਕੱਟਿਆ ਹੋਇਆ)
- Thick Yogurt (Curd)
- English: 1/2 cup thick yogurt
- Hindi: 1/2 कप गाढ़ा दही
- Punjabi: 1/2 ਕੱਪ ਮੋਟਾ ਦਹੀ
- Ginger-Garlic Paste
- English: 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
- Hindi: 1 बड़ा चम्मच अदरक-लहसुन का पेस्ट
- Punjabi: 1 ਚਮਚ ਅਦਰਕ-ਲਹਸਣ ਪੇਸਟ
- Turmeric Powder
- English: 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
- Hindi: 1/2 छोटा चम्मच हल्दी पाउडर
- Punjabi: 1/2 ਛੋਟਾ ਚਮਚ ਹਲਦੀ ਪਾਉਡਰ
- Red Chili Powder
- English: 1 tsp red chili powder
- Hindi: 1 छोटा चम्मच लाल मिर्च पाउडर
- Punjabi: 1 ਛੋਟਾ ਚਮਚ ਲਾਲ ਮਿਰਚ ਪਾਉਡਰ
- Garam Masala
- English: 1/2 tsp garam masala
- Hindi: 1/2 छोटा चम्मच गरम मसाला
- Punjabi: 1/2 ਛੋਟਾ ਚਮਚ ਗਰਮ ਮਸਾਲਾ
- Cumin Powder
- English: 1/2 tsp cumin powder
- Hindi: 1/2 छोटा चम्मच जीरा पाउडर
- Punjabi: 1/2 ਛੋਟਾ ਚਮਚ ਜੀਰਾ ਪਾਉਡਰ
- Coriander Powder
- English: 1 tsp coriander powder
- Hindi: 1 छोटा चम्मच धनिया पाउडर
- Punjabi: 1 ਛੋਟਾ ਚਮਚ ਧਨੀਆ ਪਾਉਡਰ
- Chaat Masala
- English: 1/2 tsp chaat masala
- Hindi: 1/2 छोटा चम्मच चाट मसाला
- Punjabi: 1/2 ਛੋਟਾ ਚਮਚ ਚਾਟ ਮਸਾਲਾ
- Kasuri Methi (Dried Fenugreek Leaves)
- English: 1 tsp Kasuri Methi
- Hindi: 1 छोटा चम्मच कसूरी मेथी
- Punjabi: 1 ਛੋਟਾ ਚਮਚ ਕਸੂਰੀ ਮੇਥੀ
- Salt
- English: Salt to taste
- Hindi: स्वादानुसार नमक
- Punjabi: ਸਵਾਦ ਅਨੁਸਾਰ ਨਮਕ
- Mustard Oil
- English: 1 tbsp mustard oil
- Hindi: 1 बड़ा चम्मच सरसों का तेल
- Punjabi: 1 ਚਮਚ ਸਰਸੋਂ ਦਾ ਤੇਲ
- Onion
- English: 1 medium onion (cut into squares)
- Hindi: 1 मध्यम प्याज (चौकोर टुकड़ों में कटा हुआ)
- Punjabi: 1 ਦਰਮਿਆਨਾ ਪਿਆਜ਼ (ਚੌਕੋਰ ਟੁਕੜਿਆਂ ਵਿੱਚ ਕੱਟਿਆ ਹੋਇਆ)
- Green Bell Pepper
- English: 1 medium green bell pepper (cut into squares)
- Hindi: 1 मध्यम हरी शिमला मिर्च (चौकोर टुकड़ों में कटी हुई)
- Punjabi: 1 ਦਰਮਿਆਨੀ ਹਰੀ ਸ਼ਿਮਲਾ ਮਿਰਚ (ਚੌਕੋਰ ਟੁਕੜਿਆਂ ਵਿੱਚ ਕੱਟੀ ਹੋਈ)
- Red Bell Pepper
- English: 1 medium red bell pepper (cut into squares)
- Hindi: 1 मध्यम लाल शिमला मिर्च (चौकोर टुकड़ों में कटी हुई)
- Punjabi: 1 ਦਰਮਿਆਨੀ ਲਾਲ ਸ਼ਿਮਲਾ ਮਿਰਚ (ਚੌਕੋਰ ਟੁਕੜਿਆਂ ਵਿੱਚ ਕੱਟੀ ਹੋਈ)
- Tomato
- English: 1 medium tomato (cut into chunks)
- Hindi: 1 मध्यम टमाटर (टुकड़ों में कटा हुआ)
- Punjabi: 1 ਦਰਮਿਆਨਾ ਟਮਾਟਰ (ਟੁਕੜਿਆਂ ਵਿੱਚ ਕੱਟਿਆ ਹੋਇਆ)
Step-by-Step Instructions Paneer Tikka Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk the yogurt until smooth.
- Add ginger-garlic paste, turmeric powder, red chili powder, garam masala, cumin powder, coriander powder, chaat masala, kasuri methi, and salt.
- Add mustard oil and mix everything well.
Step 2: Marinate Paneer and Vegetables
- Add paneer cubes, onions, bell peppers, and tomato pieces to the marinade.
- Gently mix to coat all pieces evenly without breaking the paneer.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours for better flavor absorption).
Step 3: Skewer the Paneer and Veggies
- Take wooden or metal skewers and alternate the paneer and vegetables.
- Ensure the pieces are tightly packed but not squished together.
Step 4: Grill or Cook
- Oven Method: Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking tray with parchment paper. Place the skewers and grill for 10-12 minutes. Flip halfway and cook until slightly charred.
- Stovetop Method: Heat a grill pan with a little oil. Place the skewers and cook on medium flame, turning occasionally until evenly charred.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve hot with mint chutney and lemon wedges.
- Sprinkle some chaat masala and garnish with fresh coriander leaves.
- Pair it with butter naan or tandoori roti for a complete meal.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
- Calories: 220
- Protein: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fat: 16g
- Fiber: 2g
- Calcium: 20% of daily value
Tips for Perfect Paneer Tikka
- Use fresh and firm paneer for best results.
- Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning.
- Adjust spices according to your taste preference.
- For a smoky flavor, place a burning charcoal piece in a bowl, pour some ghee, and cover the marinade for a minute.
FAQs
Can I make Paneer Tikka without an oven?
Yes, you can cook it on a stovetop using a grill pan or a regular tawa. You can also use an air fryer for an oil-free version.
What can I substitute for paneer?
If you’re vegan, tofu is an excellent substitute for paneer in this recipe.
How to store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat on a tawa or in the oven before serving.
Conclusion
The Paneer Tikka Recipe is a simple yet flavorful dish that never impresses. It’s the perfect blend of spices and the smoky charred flavor makes it a favorite for parties, gatherings, and even weeknight dinners. Try this recipe today and bring the magic of Indian cuisine to your plate!
