Looking for the perfect paneer tikka recipe? This savory Indian dish combines marinated chunks of paneer with the smoky flavor of the grill or stovetop grill. If you’re new to Indian cuisine, this recipe will help you achieve a delicious and flavorful paneer tikka at home. From paneer tikka marination, to perfectly grilled paneer, you'll learn to transform simple ingredients into a flavorful dish.
Paneer Tikka: An Indian Street Food
Paneer tikka originates in Northern India and is found to be an irresistible appetizer worldwide. It includes soft paneer, marinated in a spiced yogurt mixture, threaded onto skewers with crunchy bell peppers and onions, and then grilled. This results in a smoky, spicy, and incredibly delicious paneer tikka that’s packed with flavor. Paneer tikka is also versatile. You can enjoy it hot off the stove or grill as a standalone appetizer with chutneys, you can simmer the grilled paneer and veggies in a creamy sauce to transform it into a paneer tikka masala, or you can add it to tortillas and make Paneer Tacos.
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The Benefits of Paneer
Paneer tikka is also full of nutrition. One serving of paneer contains:
- A good amount of protein
- Essential nutrients like calcium and vitamins A and C.
👩🏽🍳 Tips Before Making Paneer Tikka
Marinate the Paneer. For ultimate paneer tikka, marinate the paneer for 1-2 hours in a thick yogurt spice blend to infuse flavor. I recommend marinating for a minimum of 30 minutes but overnight for best results. However, I wouldn't recommend marinating overnight if your paneer is freshly made.
Grill the Paneer. Grill the marinated paneer with veggies on skewers. If you are using bamboo skewers, I recommend pre-soaking them in cold water to prevent burning.
Cooking just until golden then, (if you're comfortable and have a gas stove) slightly charring them directly on the gas stove for a soft inside and crisp outside. I used the oven method but you can also use stovetop or traditional grill methods. Use a well-ventilated area as the stovetop process can produce some smoke.
Don't be afraid of spice! This dish can be adapted to your spice tolerance. Kashmiri chili powder gives color but less spice. Red chili powder and paprika give it more spice.
📋 Ingredients for Paneer Tikka Recipe
For the Marinade
- Greek Yogurt. Greek yogurt adds a tangy and creamy element to the marinade and also helps to ensure that the paneer remains moist during the cooking process. You can also use homemade yogurt. I prefer to use low-fat Greek yogurt for this recipe for the added protein intake and decreased fat.
- Spices and herbs. Traditional Indian spices add depth and complexity to your marinade. You can adjust the proportions of these spices to suit your taste preferences. For the spices in the paneer tikka marinade, I use Kashmiri red chili powder, ginger, garlic, tandoori masala OR garam masala, turmeric, kasoori methi, paprika, black pepper, and salt
- Tomato paste - This adds an added component of color as well as flavor to the paneer tikka recipe.
- Paneer - You can make paneer at home, however, for the sake of convenience, I use store-bought paneer often. We love using the Gopi or Haldiram which I can find at our local Indian grocery store. Some local supermarkets also carry paneer now.
For the Skewers
- Mixed Bell Peppers - I like red and green as they offer a nice contrasting color with sweetness from red and a mildly bitter flavor from green. You can use any peppers you have on hand.
- Red Onions - In addition to the sweetness of sauteed red onions, I love the beautiful red hue it adds to the filling. I also love adding thinly sliced raw red onions while serving for some crunch.
Condiments
📖 How to Make Paneer Tikka
1. Make the Marinade.
- Combine the yogurt and the spices (ginger and garlic paste, garam masala, turmeric, cumin powder, Kashmiri chili powder, paprika, black pepper, salt, and kasoori methi). This will help the marinade adhere well and absorb the flavors into the paneer.
- Ideally, marinating paneer tikka for around 1 to 2 hours in the fridge works well (minimum of at least 30 minutes). I like to marinate mine overnight for optimal flavor. However, if you are making fresh paneer, I don't recommend marinating overnight as this could start to break down your paneer.
2. Assembling the Skewers.
- If using bamboo skewers, soak them in water for 15-20 minutes before use. This prevents the skewers from burning when placed on the grill or in the oven.
- To assemble them, alternate between the paneer and vegetables onto the skewers.
- Before baking, give the assembled paneer kebabs a quick spray with some oil. This simple step prevents the vegetables and paneer from drying out. Plus, it aids in getting that beautiful browning that makes your paneer tikka look as good as it tastes.
3. Cooking the Skewers.
- Stovetop (with a gas stove only). The first step is to turn on the exhaust fan or open the windows for proper ventilation. I use a stovetop grill like this one to get the grill-like texture and look. Set the skewers over a heated and greased stovetop grill. Cook them until they are golden on each side and slightly charred at the grill mark lines. If you are comfortable, you can finish by scorching the paneer tikka over an open flame for a tandoor-like flavor.
- Oven Method. This is the method I prefer. Set the skewers over an oven tray lined with parchment paper. Bake in a preheated oven at 425°F for about 15 minutes, rotating them every 5 minutes. Keep an eye on them to ensure they do not burn. You can finish these by broiling them in the last 2-3 minutes. Again, same as the stove top method, if you are comfortable, you can finish by scorching the paneer tikka over an open flame.
- Air Fryer. For this method, place the skewers in the air fryer at 425°F and air fry the paneer for about 15-20 minutes, rotating every 5 minutes.
🍽 Serving Ideas
After cooking, I like to sprinkle chaat masala right before serving. You can serve the paneer tikka with a side of cilantro chutney. These vibrant, fresh chutneys add a burst of flavor that complements the smoky, grilled flavors of the paneer tikka. Also, you can add a touch of sweetness and tang with tamarind chutney. For an added kick, try this lasan ni chutney (garlic chutney) as an addition to this paneer tikka recipe. Additionally, a squeeze of lemon juice just before serving adds a touch of brightness that balances the rich flavors of the dish.
💭 FAQs
- Can I use tofu instead of paneer?
Tofu is a great alternative if you're looking for a low fat alternative. If you are looking to make this a vegan dish, switch out the Greek yogurt for coconut yogurt. You can also use another protein option such as tempeh or seitan. - What is the difference between paneer tikka and paneer masala?
Paneer tikka is an appetizer of grilled paneer skewers, whereas paneer tikka masala is a saucy dish of grilled paneer in a spicy tikka masala gravy. Enjoy the flavorful distinction between the two! - Can I make paneer tikka with other vegetables?
Yes! Some options include mushrooms, zucchini, or eggplant. Get creative with your vegetables! - Can I make paneer tikka without skewers?
Absolutely! If you don't have any skewers, you can arrange the pieces of marinated paneer and vegetables on a tray lined with parchment paper. Roast the pieces according to the oven directions. Cook for a slightly less amount of time as they will cook faster with this method.
From the perfect marinade to grilling and serving, every aspect of this dish is delicious. Whether you’re experimenting with paneer or have made it many times before, this homemade paneer tikka is a must to add to your weekly menu!
More Paneer Recipes to Try
If you loved this Paneer Tikka recipe, please let me know in the comments below! I’d love to connect with you on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest
📖 Recipe
Paneer Tikka Recipe
Ingredients
- 14 oz Paneer, cubed (large enough for skewers)
- ½ cup greek yogurt, or thick yogurt + 2-3 tablespoons water
- 1 inch ginger, minced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon tandoori masala or garam masala
- 2 teaspoons turmeric
- 1 teaspoon cumin powder
- 1 teaspoon Kashmiri chili powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons kasoori methi
Vegetables for Skewers
- 1 medium bell pepper, cut into large chunks
- 1 medium red onion, cut into large chunks
Instructions
Marinate the Paneer
- In a medium bowl, combine the yogurt, ginger and garlic paste, garam masala, turmeric, cumin powder, Kashmiri chili powder, paprika, black pepper, salt, and kasoori methi. Combine well then add the paneer cubes. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 2 hours or overnight.
Assembling the Skewers.
- If using bamboo skewers, remember to soak them in water for 15-20 minutes before use. This prevents the skewers from burning when placed on the grill or in the oven.
- On each skewer, rotate a piece of bell pepper, onion, then paneer to ensure even cooking.
Cooking the Skewers.
- Stovetop Method (with a gas stove only). Set the skewers over a heated and greased stovetop grill. Cook them until they are golden on each side and slightly charred at the grill mark lines. If you are comfortable, you can finish by scorching the paneer tikka over an open flame.
- Oven Method. Set the skewers over an oven tray lined with parchment paper. Spray each kebab with cooking spray or brush them with ghee or oil. Bake in a preheated oven at 425°F for about 15 minutes, rotating them every 5 minutes. Keep an eye on them to ensure they do not burn. Finish these by broiling them in the last 2-3 minutes. If you are comfortable, you can finish by scorching the paneer tikka over an open flame.
Serve!
- Garnish with chaat masala, lemon wedges, and chopped cilantro. You can serve with a side of cilantro chutney, garlic chutney, or tamarind chutney.
Notes
- If you don't have any skewers, you can arrange the pieces of marinated paneer and vegetables on a tray lined with parchment paper. Roast the pieces according to the oven directions. Cook for a slightly less amount of time as they will cook faster with this method.
- If you have an outdoor grill, you can also use this recipe for a great, smokey flavor.
Nutrition Info
Jgohel
Great
This is super delicious
Jgohel
Great
This is super delicious and well described
Payal
Perfect for vegetarian grilling option! So many flavours!