Paneer Tikka
Photo: Anil Sharma on Pexels
Punjabi / TandooriVegetarianGluten-free

Paneer Tikka

पनीर टिक्का

India's most popular vegetarian starter and one of the most satisfying things to eat off a skewer anywhere in the world. Paneer Tikka takes thick cubes of fresh Indian cottage cheese (paneer), marinated in a vibrant mixture of yogurt, Kashmiri chilli powder, spices, and lemon juice, then threaded on skewers with chunks of capsicum, red onion, and tomato, and cooked at high heat in a tandoor oven (or under a grill) until charred at the edges while remaining soft, creamy, and slightly smoky inside. The paneer absorbs the tandoor smoke and the marinade simultaneously, creating something that is simultaneously crispy on the surface, yielding within, and explosively flavoured. Served with green mint chutney and sliced onion rings sprinkled with chaat masala and lemon, Paneer Tikka is the starter that makes vegetarians glad and non-vegetarians forget they aren't.

Total
40 min
Serves
4
Level
Easy

Prep 20 min · Cook 20 min

Ingredients

4 servings

Method

  1. Marinate: Combine yogurt, Kashmiri chilli powder, ginger paste, garlic paste, garam masala, cumin, turmeric, lemon juice, mustard oil, besan, and salt in a bowl. Whisk until smooth. Add paneer cubes, capsicum, onion wedges, and tomatoes. Toss gently to coat everything thoroughly. Marinate for at least 30 minutes at room temperature, or up to 4 hours in the fridge.

    About 15 min

    Tip: Mustard oil gives authentic tandoori flavour. If unavailable, use neutral oil with a drop of toasted sesame oil.

  2. Skewer: Thread the marinated paneer alternating with capsicum, onion, and tomato onto soaked wooden skewers or metal skewers. Leave a small gap between pieces for even heat penetration.

    About 5 min

  3. Cook: Method 1 (Grill/Broiler): Preheat grill/broiler to its highest setting. Place skewers on a foil-lined tray. Cook 8-10 minutes, turning once, until the paneer is charred in spots and the vegetables are slightly caramelised. Method 2 (Pan): Heat a grill pan or cast iron pan over very high heat. Cook skewers for 3-4 minutes per side until nicely charred. Sprinkle with chaat masala immediately. Serve with green chutney, lemon wedges, and sliced onion rings.

    About 15 min

    Tip: High heat is essential for char without drying out the paneer. Don't move the skewers too frequently.

Nutrition per serving (estimate)

Calories
360
Protein
24 g
Carbs
10 g
Fat
26 g
Fibre
2 g
Sugar
4 g
Sodium
560 mg

Contains: dairy

All Indian recipes

Recipe by Boon Tools.