Discover The Secret To Homemade Chilli Paneer With This Easy Recipe

Chilli Paneer is a delectable fusion dish combining crispy fried paneer cubes with vibrant sautéed vegetables in a spicy and tangy sauce. The paneer is coated in a seasoned flour batter, fried until golden, and then tossed in a sauce made with soy sauce, chili sauce, and tomato ketchup. Garlic, ginger, and green chilies add depth to the flavor, while a cornflour slurry thickens the sauce to a glossy consistency. Cubed onions and bell peppers bring crunch and color to the dish. Finished with a garnish of spring onion greens, it can be enjoyed as a starter or paired with fried rice or noodles. It’s a delightful mix of textures and bold flavors.

Ingredients:

• For Paneer Coating:
  • 250g paneer, cut into cubes
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (maida)
  • 2 tablespoons cornflour
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper powder
  • 1/4 cup water
• For Stir-Fry:
  • 2 tablespoons oil
  • 1 medium onion, cubed
  • 1 green bell pepper, cubed
  • 1 red bell pepper, cubed
  • 2 green chilies, slit
  • 2 teaspoons minced garlic
  • 1 teaspoon minced ginger
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon red chili sauce
  • 1 tablespoon tomato ketchup
  • 1/2 teaspoon vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon cornflour mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
  • Salt to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper powder
  • Spring onion greens, chopped (for garnish)

Step-By-Step Recipe:

Step 1: Prepare the Paneer

• In a mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, cornflour, salt, and black pepper powder. Gradually add water to form a smooth, thick batter.
• Dip the paneer cubes into the batter, ensuring they are evenly coated.
• Heat oil in a pan or deep fryer. Shallow fry or deep fry the coated paneer cubes until golden brown and crisp. Remove and drain on paper towels.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

• Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat.
• Add minced garlic, ginger, and slit green chilies. Stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.
• Add cubed onions, green bell peppers, and red bell peppers. Stir-fry on high heat for 2-3 minutes, keeping the vegetables slightly crisp.

Step 3: Prepare the Sauce

• Lower the heat slightly and add soy sauce, red chili sauce, tomato ketchup, and vinegar to the pan. Mix well to coat the vegetables evenly.
• Sprinkle salt and black pepper powder as per taste. Be cautious with salt as the sauces already contain salt.

Step 4: Thicken the Sauce

• Add the prepared cornflour slurry to the pan while stirring continuously.
• Cook the mixture for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens to a glossy consistency.

Step 5: Combine Paneer with Sauce

• Gently add the fried paneer cubes to the pan. Toss everything together carefully to coat the paneer with the sauce and vegetables.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

• Turn off the heat and garnish the chilli paneer with chopped spring onion greens.
• Serve hot as a starter or pair with fried rice or noodles for a complete meal.

Enjoy this restaurant-style chilli paneer made easily at home.