Paneer Tikka pan-grilled is a delicious appetizer for any occasion. Almost everyone loves paneer, especially the kids. This quick and easy recipe results in an irresistible dish that’s sure to please both vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike!
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Why you will love this dish?
- This dish can be whipped up in no time, with all the ingredients easily found in your pantry.
- Tastes very delicious and is a good option for vegetarians.
- The leftovers can be used to make a salad or stuffed into a sandwich or bread.
- The texture of paneer is firm yet soft, allowing it to absorb spices beautifully. Unlike other cheeses, it doesn’t melt, making it incredibly versatile for various dishes, especially perfect for grilling.
Ingredients for the Paneer Tikka
- Paneer: The store-bought Paneer is a good choice. If you can make paneer at home from scratch even better. I haven't tried making it with homemade paneer though.
- Spices: A blend of spices like red chilly powder (use Kashmiri red chilly for color), turmeric, coriander powder, authentic garam masala, chaat masala, salt, and dried fenugreek leaves.
- Yogurt: Ensure the whey is drained out so it is quite thick.
- Ginger-Garlic paste: Use fresh paste for a better taste.
- Vegetable oil: This helps the Paneer to not stick to the pan, Avocado oil can be used.
- Tandoori Masala: This is optional, I usually add about ½ a teaspoon.
- Lemon: Juice of half a lemon to get the tangy taste.
- Pan with ridges: This helps get the grill effect.
How to make Paneer Tikka ?
Paneer is a cottage cheese type with a similar texture and taste. Marination is the important part, marinate the paneer in the yogurt marinade with spices for at least two hours or overnight. It tastes better if it sits in the marinade longer.
The marinade includes ginger garlic paste along with a blend of spices. If you can find Shaan's tandoori masala, it eliminates the need for the other spices in the recipe. However, if it's unavailable, you can simply skip it and rely on the spices listed in the recipe.
Steps after Marination
I grill it on my stovetop using a grill pan with ridges to get those perfect grill marks. Simply spray with oil (or use your preferred oil) and arrange the paneer on the pan.
Cook each side for about 3 to 4 minutes, ensuring the outer coating crisps up while the inside stays soft. For the best texture, it's ideal to make it just before serving. I always get amazing reviews from everyone who tries it!
Step-by-Step Process
- Step 1: Combine all the ingredients for the marinade in a bowl.
- Step 2: Mix the marinade well and line the paneer for marination and marinate well.
- Step 3: Spray some oil and line the paneer on the grill pan.
- Step 4: Flip and cook on both sides until they cook well.
- Step 5: The paneer will get nice girl marks when done.
- Step 6: Transfer to a serving bowl and serve.
What can I serve with Paneer Tikka?
Paneer Tikka makes a fantastic appetizer, paired with mint or tamarind chutney. For a more filling option, roll it into a roti or tortilla with chutney and chopped lettuce to make a delicious wrap.
It’s also great on the side with Kerala Ghee Rice or Layered Vegetable Biryani. For a twist, you can even turn it into a quesadilla with mozzarella cheese and pack it in your lunchbox!
Recipe FAQs
The best way is to make it just before serving, you can also try soaking the paneer in warm to hot water before marinating and also using any vegetable oil like avocado oil in the marination.
Pan-fry the marinated paneer lightly in a skillet with a little oil over medium heat for a crisp exterior, or microwave it on a microwave-safe plate with a splash of water to prevent dryness, ensuring it stays moist and flavorful.
You can use them in gravies like Paneer Tikka Masala (how to make paneer tikka masala), roll the paneer into a roti or tortilla with some chutney and chopped lettuce for a tasty wrap, or turn it into a quesadilla by adding mozzarella cheese for a cheesy, flavorful twist.
When stored properly in an airtight container, it can last up to a week in the refrigerator.
Related Recipes made with Paneer
If you tried this Paneer Tikka Pan Grilled Recipe or any other recipe on my blog, please leave a 🌟 star rating and a 📝 comment below. I love hearing from you!
Paneer Tikka Pan Grilled
Ingredients
For Marination
- 1 cup yogurt plain(whey and water removed )
- 1 tbsp Ginger garlic paste
- 1 - 2 tsp Tandoori masala Shaan's brand(optional)
- 2 tsp Chilly powder Kashmiri for red color
- ½ tsp Coriander powder
- ½ tsp Garam Masala
- ½ tsp Chaat masala
- 1 tsp fenugreek leaves powdered
- ½ slice lemon juice
- 1 block Paneer Cut into big squares
- 3-4 tbsp Oil
- ¼ tsp salt or as desired (Shaan Masala also has enough salt)
Instructions
- Take all the ingredients used for marination in a bowl.
- Make a paste of the marinade.
- Mix the paneer in the marinade and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
- Heat a pan , spray some oil and transfer the paneer to the pan.
- Flip and cook on both sides for about 3 to 4 minutes until it is cooked.
- Squeeze a little lemon and sprinkle a little Chaat masala while serving if you like.
- You could also grill a few vegetables like bell peppers and onions to go with it.
- Paneer Tikka can be served with mint chutney or ketchup.
Video
Notes
- For the perfect Paneer Tikka, use thick yogurt with the whey and water drained out to keep the marinade from getting runny.
- Adding Kashmiri chili powder gives the paneer a beautiful bright red color without too much spice.
- Prepare the paneer with the marinade ahead of time, and grill it just before serving for the best results.
- To prevent the paneer from becoming too hard, soak it in warm to hot water before marinating.
- The oil in the marinade helps retain moisture, ensuring the paneer stays tender.
- For an extra zing, sprinkle Chaat masala and a squeeze of lemon just before serving for a delightful tangy kick!
The paneer tikka looks so appetizing and tempting. The pan-grilled paneer is a hit in get together.
That's true Lathiya absolutely a crowd pleaser at parties and very tempting and delicious indeed. Thank you so much!
Yum! I've never had paneer tikka but I love paneer and I love chicken tikka so I bet this is right up my alley!
Wonderful to know that you love Chicken Tikka , the masala aka spices used in the Paneer tikka is exactly the same . Pretty sure you will love this dish. I would love to hear if you try this .Thank you so much for stopping by!
I love paneer but can't buy it ready made where I live. I've been wanting to make some myself and this grilled paneer recipe is inspiring me to do it!
Ah! I see . I used store bought paneer for my recipe . To make paneer at home is quite simple, by boiling milk , adding about two teaspoon of lemon and straining using a cheesecloth. However it will be easier if you have the ready made paneer . Hope you get to try this sometime. Enjoy! Thank you so much for the comments.
This sounds like a perfect cheese appetizer.
Thank you so much Larena, it is a wonderful appetizer that is loved by most folks.
Wow this sounds great. Always looking for new recipes. Thanks for sharing.
You will absolutely love this dish. It is loaded with flavors .Thank you so much for the comments !
I love paneer and am always looking for new paneer recipes. This one is really good. Love it!
So glad to hear you love Paneer as well .This recipe is really delicious .Thank you so much Nart , for the wonderful feedback and review , much appreciated!
So yummy!! I would love to add this over a salad:))). Love pan grilled cheeses.
Thank you so much Sonila! Yes this would be a great addition to salad.
That's so tempting. Delicious.
Thank you so much Lathiya!
Perfectly cooked!!!
Thank you!
Looks amazing!!!❤
Thank you!
How I missed this beautiful post.. Super yummy 😋
Thank you dear , this was an old post before we connected I think.Thank you so much!
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oh wow! Thank you so much dear Esme.I will definitely check it out .
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Hi Esme, I have created a post on it
Thank you so much, what a fantastic post. ♥
It's my pleasure!
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Gorgeous!
Thank you so much Shadee!