Recipes
Paneer Tikka
Serves 4
| Prep Time: 40 min
| Cook Time: 15 min
| Total Time: 55 min
You may need: Chaat Masala
Discover The Recipe
Indian paneer is a popular fresh cheese typically made from cow milk. Paneer has a mild, slightly tangy flavor and a crumbly, yet firm texture that makes it a versatile ingredient for a variety of dishes. Paneer is particularly important in vegetarian cuisine, where it is often used as a meat substitute, given its high nutritional value. High in protein, calcium, and other essential nutrients, Paneer is a healthy addition to any diet and key ingredient in many Indian dishes, like saag paneer (spinach and paneer curry) paneer butter masala (paneer in a creamy tomato sauce), and paneer bhurji (scrambled paneer with spices). Paneer is also used in sweets, such as rasgulla (paneer dumplings in syrup) and sandesh (sweetened paneer fudge).
Our chefs have crafted this authentic vegetarian Paneer Tikka recipe as a satisfying, healthy meal you can make any night of the week. First marinate cubes of paneer in a mixture of spices, fresh aromatics, herbs and yogurt, then oven bake until they are golden brown. We finish them under an oven broiler to develop a slightly crispy shell. Paneer Tikka is typically made on skewers and we prepare with fresh onion for a savory bite, and serve with a yogurt dipping sauce. Garam Masala, a staple of South Asian cooking, literally translates to 'Warm Spice' in Hindi and is used to enliven the flavor. While our blend is not fiery hot, heat will build depending on how much spice you use. The blend is balanced by cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, and star anise, for a beautiful flavor and aroma.
Ingredients
Paneer Tikka marinade:
½ inch knob ginger, diced
4 garlic cloves, diced
1 jalapeño, diced (seeds removed, if desired), optional
¾ cup mint leaves, diced
¼ cup whole milk yogurt
¼ tsp turmeric (optional, for coloring)
2 tsp Piquant Post Garam Masala
1 tsp Piquant Post Chaat Masala (optional)
1 tsp all purpose flour
½ tsp salt
Paneer Tikka Skewers:
1 block Indian Paneer cheese, cut into cubes (or use Halloumi cheese, Queso Panela, Queso Fresco, Feta cheese, Tofu, or Manchego)
½ red onion, chopped into ¾ inch pieces
Bamboo skewers
Paneer Yogurt Sauce:
1 cup whole milk yogurt
¼ cup mint leaves, chopped
¼ tsp salt
2 tsp lemon juice
Notes
If you prefer your yogurt sauce thinner, add a little water to it.
Skewer the paneer carefully and slowly to not break the paneer. You may need to use a spatula to remove from the baking sheet after broiling.
Can’t find paneer? Substitute with halloumi cheese, queso panela, feta cheese, or even tofu!
Optional ingredients add a little character and flavor but don’t sweat it if you don’t have them.
Instructions
In a large mixing bowl, combine all ingredients of the marinade. Toss with the cubes of paneer. Marinate for 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
Soak bamboo skewers in water for 10 minutes. In a small bowl, combine all ingredients of the yogurt sauce. Place in the fridge until serving.
Skewer marinated paneer cubes, alternating with red onion.
Place on a baking sheet, and bake for 10 mins, turning halfway. Turn the oven to broil. Broil for 2-3 minutes, or until golden and lightly seared. Watch closely to not char! Serve with yogurt sauce.
Alternatives & Substitutions
Garam Masala is the ultimate Indian culinary weapon. You can use it to spice up and add authentic Indian flavor to just about any dish. Try it in a red pasta sauce, sprinkle on oven-roasted veggies like carrots and onions, use in any stew, use it as a rub on lamb chops or chicken breasts, or add to sweet baked goods like brownies, pumpkin pie, or cupcakes for a delightful, unexpected twist.
Try Garam Masala in a classic Chicken Tikka Masala, or Afghan Chicken Pulao. Our Vegan Butter Chicken Meatballs is fantastic! How about our succulent Fish Kahari or Bamia?
Vegan or vegetarian? Try our Chana Masala or our Saag Tofu (spinach with tofu) or even our Potato Samsa.
Make these easy weeknight Chicken Paratha rolls.
These Kerala Beef fry is packed with loads of delicious flavor.
Be sure to leave comments and feedback on your meals and experiments in the comments for others to read.
Post pictures of your masterpiece meal on social media and tag us. We repost!
Paneer Tikka
Serves
4
Prep Time
40 min
Cook Time
15 min
Total Time
55 min
Piquant Post spice you'll need: Chaat Masala
Ingredients
Paneer Tikka marinade:
½ inch knob ginger, diced
4 garlic cloves, diced
1 jalapeño, diced (seeds removed, if desired), optional
¾ cup mint leaves, diced
¼ cup whole milk yogurt
¼ tsp turmeric (optional, for coloring)
2 tsp Piquant Post Garam Masala
1 tsp Piquant Post Chaat Masala (optional)
1 tsp all purpose flour
½ tsp salt
Paneer Tikka Skewers:
1 block Indian Paneer cheese, cut into cubes (or use Halloumi cheese, Queso Panela, Queso Fresco, Feta cheese, Tofu, or Manchego)
½ red onion, chopped into ¾ inch pieces
Bamboo skewers
Paneer Yogurt Sauce:
1 cup whole milk yogurt
¼ cup mint leaves, chopped
¼ tsp salt
2 tsp lemon juice
Instructions
In a large mixing bowl, combine all ingredients of the marinade. Toss with the cubes of paneer. Marinate for 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
Soak bamboo skewers in water for 10 minutes. In a small bowl, combine all ingredients of the yogurt sauce. Place in the fridge until serving.
Skewer marinated paneer cubes, alternating with red onion.
Place on a baking sheet, and bake for 10 mins, turning halfway. Turn the oven to broil. Broil for 2-3 minutes, or until golden and lightly seared. Watch closely to not char! Serve with yogurt sauce.
Notes
If you prefer your yogurt sauce thinner, add a little water to it.
Skewer the paneer carefully and slowly to not break the paneer. You may need to use a spatula to remove from the baking sheet after broiling.
Can’t find paneer? Substitute with halloumi cheese, queso panela, feta cheese, or even tofu!
Optional ingredients add a little character and flavor but don’t sweat it if you don’t have them.
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