Paneer Tikka Recipe - How to Make Panner Tikka at Home

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Paneer tikka which is very famous all over the world for its lovely aroma and taste, you must have heard about. It is a popular vegetarian alternative to the traditional chicken tikka. It is prepared in a variety of ways, and is often cooked on a barbeque grill or in an oven to bring out its smoky flavor. But not everyone has a barbeque, so we will use a griddle in this paneer tikka recipe, following which you too can easily make paneer tikka at home.

Ingredients for Paneer Tikka Recipe:

- 250 grams paneer, cut into small pieces
- 1 large capsicum, cut into pieces
- 1 large onion, cut into 1 inch pieces
- 2 tbsp oil
- 2 tbsp thick curd
- 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp red chili powder (as per taste)
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 tsp chaat masala
- salt to taste

Paneer Tikka Recipe Step by Step

Step 1:
In a mixing bowl, combine thick curd, oil, ginger-garlic paste, lemon juice, red chilli powder, garam masala, turmeric powder, ground cumin, ground coriander, chaat masala and salt. Mix all the ingredients well to make a smooth paste.

Step 2:
First of all, soak the paneer pieces in hot water for 10-15 minutes, by doing this the paneer will become soft.

Step 3:
Now add the paneer pieces, capsicum pieces and onions to the prepared marinade, and mix them well by hand, making sure each piece is well coated with the marinade. Now keep the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 1 to 2 hours or overnight to marinate.

Step 4:
Now put these pieces on a toothpick or skewer

Step 5:
Now put some oil in a non-stick pan, and after the oil becomes hot, fry the pieces of paneer and vegetables on the skewer in the pan.

Step 6:
Keep turning the skewers while roasting, keep cooking them like this till they turn golden brown in colour.

Step 7:
Once your paneer tikka is cooked well, take out the skewers in a serving plate. For extra tang, sprinkle chaat masala and a dash of fresh lemon juice, and serve hot with mint chutney or tangy tamarind chutney.

Conclusion

• If you do not have a non stick griddle, then while cooking in a plain griddle, use a little more oil so that it will not stick to the griddle.
• You can also use Kashmiri chilies to bring a deep red color to it.
• You can also use tomato, yellow capsicum and baby corn in this.
• You can also use tofu instead of paneer for paneer tikka.

FAQ

1. What is a traditional paneer tikka recipe?
An Indian snack known as paneer tikka is traditionally prepared with cubes of paneer (Indian cottage cheese) in yogurt and a mixture of spices including cumin, coriander, garam masala and red chili powder. The marinated paneer is grilled till it acquires a burnt and smoky flavour. It is often served with mint chutney and lemon wedges.

2. How to make paneer tikka at home without tandoor or grill?
If you do not have a tandoor or grill, you can make paneer tikka using a non-stick pan or in the oven. To make in a non-stick pan, simply cook the marinated paneer cubes in a pan on a medium flame till they turn golden brown in color from all the sides. For the oven method, preheat the oven to 200°C (392°F), place the sliced cheese on a baking sheet covered with parchment paper, and bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through.

3. What are the ingredients required for Paneer Tikka?
Ingredients required for paneer tikka include paneer (Indian cheese), yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, lemon juice, various spices (cumin, coriander, garam masala, red chili powder, etc.), oil, and salt. additionally, you can use vegetables like capsicum and onions for extra flavor and colour.

4. Can I use store bought paneer to make paneer tikka?
Yes, you can use store bought paneer to make paneer tikka. Make sure the paneer is fresh and not too crumbled. You can also make paneer at home for fresh taste.

5. What are some popular marinade options for paneer tikka?
Popular marinade options for paneer tikka include classic yogurt-based marinade with spices, spicy marinade with red chili powder and green chilies, tandoori marinade using tandoori masala, or creamy marinade using cream or cashew paste.

6. For how long should paneer be marinated before grilling?
For best results, marinate the paneer for at least 2-3 hours. however, marinating it in the refrigerator overnight (about 8 hours) will result in the tastiest and most tender paneer tikka.

7. What are some delicious vegetarian alternatives to the traditional paneer tikka recipe?
If you prefer an alternative to paneer, you can try using tofu or vegetables like mushrooms, baby potatoes, or cauliflower florets to make delicious vegetarian tikkas.

8. Can I make paneer tikka in the oven, and if so, what temperature and time should I use?
Yes, you can make paneer tikka in the oven. Preheat the oven to 200°C (392°F) and bake the sliced paneer for about 15-20 minutes or till it is cooked and slightly charred.

9. What are the best dishes or side dishes to serve with Paneer Tikka?
Paneer tikka goes well with mint chutney, tamarind chutney or simple green coriander chutney. It can also be served with chopped onions, lemon slices and fresh salad.

10. Are there any variations of paneer tikka that I can try, like a spicy version or a fusion twist?
You can experiment with different spice blends and marinades to make a spicier version of paneer tikka. Additionally, you can try fusion twists such as adding a teriyaki glaze, incorporating Thai curry flavor, or experimenting with barbecue sauce for a unique flavor experience.