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Paneer Tikka

Cubes of firm paneer and vegetables marinated in spiced yogurt and grilled until charred and smoky. A classic Indian appetizer that's hearty enough to anchor a vegetarian spread.

45 minEasyServes 4300 cal/serving

IndianAppetizerGrillVegetarianLow CarbEgg-FreeNut-FreeLow-SodiumPork-Free

Ingredients

  • 1 lb firm paneer, 1-inch cubes
  • 2 bell pepper (any color), 1-inch pieces
  • 1 red onion, 1-inch pieces
  • 1/2 cup whole-milk plain yogurt
  • 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tsp ginger-garlic paste
  • 1 tsp garam masala
  • 1/2 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/2 tsp ground coriander
  • 1 tsp Kashmiri chili powder (or mild paprika)
  • 1/4 tsp ground turmeric
  • 2 tbsp neutral oil (canola or vegetable)
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp chaat masala (for serving)

Instructions

  1. 1

    In a large bowl, combine 1/2 cup whole-milk plain yogurt, 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 2 tsp ginger-garlic paste, 1 tsp garam masala, 1/2 tsp ground cumin, 1/2 tsp ground coriander, 1 tsp Kashmiri chili powder (or mild paprika), 1/4 tsp ground turmeric, 2 tbsp neutral oil (canola or vegetable), and 1 tsp salt. Whisk until smooth.

  2. 2

    Add 1 lb 1-inch cubes firm paneer, 2 1-inch pieces bell pepper (any color), and 1 1-inch pieces red onion to the marinade. Toss gently to coat every piece. Cover and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes (or up to 4 hours).

  3. 3

    Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Thread the marinated firm paneer, bell pepper (any color), and red onion alternately onto skewers.

  4. 4

    Grill the skewers for 3 to 4 minutes per side, turning once or twice, until the paneer is lightly charred and the vegetables are tender.

  5. 5

    Slide the skewers off and arrange on a platter. Sprinkle with 1/2 tsp chaat masala (for serving) and serve immediately with lemon wedges and mint chutney.

Questions

Can I make Paneer Tikka dairy-free?

Not cleanly. Here the dairy (1 lb firm paneer, 1-inch cubes, 1/2 cup whole-milk plain yogurt) is the backbone of the dish, and plant-based substitutes change both its texture and its flavor. If you need strictly dairy-free, start from the dairy-free appetizer collection instead.

How long does Paneer Tikka keep?

Refrigerate leftovers within two hours and eat them within three days. Reheat in a hot skillet rather than the microwave to keep the char.

Can I halve or double Paneer Tikka?

Yes. As written it serves 4. Every ingredient in this entry carries precomputed half and double quantities, and the app's batch dial rewrites them inside each step. Doubling on the grill just takes more surface area; keep the heat zones the same.

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