Discover The Secret To Perfect Homemade Paneer Tikka

Marinate paneer cubes and veggies in a yogurt-based spicy mixture, then skewer and cook on a grill, oven, or stovetop. Grill until golden, garnishing with chaat masala and coriander. Serve with chutney and lemon.

To make paneer tikka, start by preparing a marinade with yogurt, gram flour, ginger-garlic paste, and various spices. Coat paneer cubes and veggies in the marinade, then refrigerate for 30 minutes to an hour. Skewer the paneer with onions, bell peppers, and tomatoes. You can cook it in an oven, on a grill pan, or an outdoor grill until golden and slightly charred. For extra flavor, sprinkle chaat masala and garnish with fresh coriander. Serve hot with green chutney, lemon wedges, and onion rings.

Ingredients

For the Marinade:

250 grams paneer (cubed)
1/2 cup yogurt (thick and hung, or Greek yogurt)
1 tablespoon gram flour (besan)
1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
1 teaspoon red chili powder
1/2 teaspoon garam masala
1 teaspoon chaat masala
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
Salt to taste
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon oil

For Assembling:

1 onion (cut into cubes or petal-shaped)
1 bell pepper (cut into cubes)
1 tomato (cut into cubes)
Bamboo or metal skewers

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

In a mixing bowl, add the yogurt, gram flour (besan), ginger-garlic paste, and all the spices (turmeric, red chili powder, garam masala, chaat masala, cumin, coriander, and salt).
Mix everything well to ensure the spices and yogurt are combined.
Add lemon juice and oil to the marinade and give it a final stir. The consistency should be thick enough to coat the paneer and vegetables.

Step 2: Marinate the Paneer and Vegetables

Add the paneer cubes, onion, bell pepper, and tomato to the marinade. Ensure the marinade coats each piece well.
Cover the bowl and let the paneer and vegetables marinate for at least 30 minutes to an hour in the refrigerator. For a richer flavor, you can let it marinate overnight.

Step 3: Skewer the Paneer and Vegetables

Take the marinated paneer and vegetables out of the refrigerator.
Thread the paneer, onion, bell pepper, and tomato pieces onto skewers, alternating them for a colorful look.

Step 4: Cooking Options

Oven: Preheat the oven to 400 F (200 C). Place the skewers on a lined baking tray and bake for 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through. You can also broil for 2-3 minutes at the end for a charred look.
Stovetop Grill Pan: Heat a grill pan with a little oil over medium heat. Place the skewers on the pan and cook, turning occasionally, until the paneer is golden and vegetables are tender.
Outdoor Grill: Preheat the grill to medium heat. Place the skewers on the grill, cooking for about 10-15 minutes, turning as needed until the paneer has grill marks.