Enjoy the taste of authentic Indian cuisine with Paneer Tikka, a mouthwatering appetizer featuring paneer and veggies marinated in a rich yogurt blend. Easy to make in an oven, air fryer, or stove top, it's perfect as an appetizer or a main dish.
Start by mixing mustard oil and paprika in a bowl until well combined.
Add coriander, tandoori, cumin, and turmeric powders, along with salt, ginger-garlic paste, curd, and gram flour. Stir everything until it's fully mixed.
Gently toss in the paneer cubes, red and green bell peppers, and onion. Mix carefully with your hands, ensuring all pieces are evenly coated with the marinade.
Cover the bowl with a lid and let it sit for at least 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
To Make Paneer Tikka
Thread the marinated onions, bell peppers, and paneer cubes alternately onto wooden skewers.
Heat a grilling pan over medium heat, lightly oil it, and place the skewers on the pan.
Cook the paneer and veggies, turning them on all sides for even cooking, until they have a nice golden and charred texture.
Once done, remove the Paneer Tikka from the heat, and it's ready to be served and enjoyed.
To Serve
Serve the delicious Paneer Tikka with lemon wedges, green chutney, and onions, perfect as an appetizer or a side dish. For additional pairing options, check out our serving suggestions section.
Notes
Marinade and Preparation:
Paneer Selection: Opt for whole milk or malai paneer. If using store-bought paneer that's hard, soak it in warm water for 15 minutes to soften.
Marinade Mastery: For the best taste, use high-quality spice powders, thick yogurt, and mustard oil. Experiment with spices like garam masala or smoked paprika for a unique flavor.
Marinating Time: While a minimum of 30 minutes is sufficient for marinating, allowing the paneer to marinate for at least 2 hours, or ideally overnight in the fridge, will deeply infuse the flavors.
Cooking and Grilling Techniques:
Optimal and Even Cooking: For the best results, grill the paneer and veggies on medium heat for 3-5 minutes on each side. Make sure your griddle is hot before you begin. To achieve an even cook and a perfect char, regularly rotate the paneer and veggies.
Avoid Overcooking: Keep an eye on cooking time to prevent the paneer from turning rubbery.
Moisture Maintenance: Optionally, brushing the paneer with oil or butter during grilling keeps it juicy and tender.
Grilling Alternatives: If you don't have a tandoor, a grilling pan is a great substitute, closely mimicking traditional flavors.
Air-Fryer Method: Air fry at 360°F for 8 minutes, brush with oil, and air fry for an additional 2 minutes.
Oven Baking: Bake at 400°F for 10-12 minutes, brush with oil, and bake for 5 more minutes. Finish with a 2-5 minute broil for crispy exterior.