How to Make Flavorful Tandoori Paneer Tikka

Tandoori Paneer Tikka: A Perfect Vegetarian Starter

Tandoori Paneer Tikka is a beloved vegetarian dish that brings the authentic taste of Indian cuisine right to your table. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, having a family meal, or just craving something flavorful, this dish is a perfect fit. The smoky aroma and vibrant spices make it a favorite appetizer at Indian restaurants, and now you can recreate it in your own kitchen with ease.

This tandoori paneer tikka recipe is not only delicious but also a healthier alternative to many other starters, as it is made with paneer (Indian cottage cheese) that is grilled to perfection. It’s rich in protein, making it an ideal vegetarian dish for people of all ages.

In this recipe, we’ll take you through the entire process step by step. From selecting the right paneer to marinating it with a mix of spices, and finally grilling it to a smoky, charred perfection, we’ve got you covered. Let’s get started!

Servings:

This recipe serves 4 people. Perfect for a family get-together or a small gathering of friends.

Ingredients for Tandoori Paneer Tikka:

To make this delicious paneer tikka, you will need the following ingredients:

• 250 grams of paneer (Indian cottage cheese), cut into cubes

• 1/4 cup thick yogurt (preferably full-fat)

• 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste

• 1 tablespoon red chili powder

• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder

• 1 teaspoon garam masala

• 1 teaspoon cumin powder

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• 1 tablespoon oil (vegetable or olive oil)

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (for crispiness)

• Salt to taste

• Fresh coriander leaves for garnish

• Sliced onions and lemon wedges for serving

These simple ingredients are all you need to make this amazing dish. If you don’t have all the spices, you can substitute some, but using traditional Indian spices will really give this dish its authentic flavor.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Tandoori Paneer Tikka:

Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s dive into making this lip-smacking tandoori paneer tikka at home.

Step 1: Prepare the Paneer

The first step in making tandoori paneer tikka is to prepare the paneer. Take your paneer blocks and cut them into bite-sized cubes. If your paneer is too soft, you can press it gently to remove excess water, as this will help the marinade adhere better. If you’re using store-bought paneer, make sure it’s fresh for the best texture.

Step 2: Prepare the Marinade

In a large mixing bowl, combine the following ingredients:

• Yogurt: This is the base of the marinade and gives the paneer its creamy texture.

• Ginger-garlic paste: This adds an aromatic base to the dish.

• Red chili powder, turmeric powder, cumin powder, and garam masala: These spices are key to creating the rich flavor of tandoori tikka.

• Lemon juice: This helps tenderize the paneer and adds a tangy flavor.

• Oil: Oil helps the marinade coat the paneer evenly and gives it a nice crisp texture when grilled.

• Cornstarch: This ensures that the tikka becomes crispy on the outside while remaining tender on the inside.

• Salt: Add salt to taste.

Mix all of these ingredients together to form a smooth marinade. The consistency should be thick enough to coat the paneer cubes evenly.

Step 3: Marinate the Paneer

Now it’s time to add the paneer cubes into the marinade. Gently toss the paneer in the marinade, making sure each cube is well-coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or preferably for 2-3 hours to allow the flavors to seep into the paneer. The longer you marinate, the more intense the flavors will be.

Step 4: Preheat the Grill or Oven

While the paneer is marinating, preheat your grill or oven. If you’re using a grill, preheat it to medium-high heat. If you’re using an oven, preheat it to 400°F (200°C). You can also use a grill pan if you don’t have access to an outdoor grill. Make sure the grill is well-oiled so that the paneer doesn’t stick.

Step 5: Skewer the Paneer

After the paneer has marinated, thread the paneer cubes onto skewers. You can use wooden or metal skewers, depending on what you have available. If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 30 minutes before using them to avoid burning.

Arrange the paneer cubes evenly on the skewers. For extra flavor, you can also add onion slices or bell pepper slices between the cubes.

Step 6: Grill the Tandoori Paneer Tikka

Once the skewers are ready, place them on the grill or in the oven. If you’re using a grill, cook for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking and to get a nice char. If you’re using an oven, place the skewers on a baking tray and bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the paneer is golden and slightly charred.

For that classic smoky flavor, you can use the dhungar method. Simply place a small piece of burning charcoal in a bowl, place it in the oven or on the grill, and pour a teaspoon of ghee (clarified butter) over the charcoal. This will infuse the paneer with a smoky aroma, mimicking the tandoor effect.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Once the tandoori paneer tikka is cooked to perfection, remove it from the grill or oven. Garnish the paneer with some fresh coriander leaves and serve it hot with sliced onions, lemon wedges, and a side of your favorite mint chutney or tomato ketchup. The tangy, spicy tikka pairs perfectly with these accompaniments.

Tips for the Perfect Tandoori Paneer Tikka:

• Use thick yogurt: Make sure your yogurt is thick to ensure that the marinade sticks well to the paneer.

• Marinate for longer: Let the paneer marinate for a few hours to get maximum flavor and tenderness.

• Don’t overcook: Paneer cooks quickly, so make sure you don’t overcook it. You want it soft and juicy on the inside with a slightly crispy exterior.

• Experiment with spices: Feel free to adjust the spice levels based on your preference. You can add extra chili powder for heat or some dried fenugreek leaves (kasuri methi) for an earthy flavor.

FAQs About Tandoori Paneer Tikka

1. Can I make Tandoori Paneer Tikka without a grill?
Yes, you can! If you don’t have access to a grill, you can bake the marinated paneer in the oven or cook it on a stovetop grill pan. Just make sure to preheat your oven or pan before cooking for the best results.

2. Can I use store-bought paneer for this recipe?
Absolutely! Store-bought paneer works just fine for this recipe. However, if possible, try to use fresh, high-quality paneer for the best taste and texture.

3. Can I make this recipe in advance?
Yes, you can marinate the paneer a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. when you’re ready to cook, just skewer and grill it. This saves you time if you’re preparing for a gathering.

4. What can I serve with Tandoori Paneer Tikka?
Tandoori paneer tikka pairs wonderfully with naan, roti, or rice. You can also serve it with a side of fresh salad, chutneys, or pickles for added flavor.

5. Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes, you can make a vegan version of tandoori tikka by using tofu instead of paneer and substituting dairy yogurt with a plant-based yogurt.

Stay Tuned for More Delicious Recipes!

We hope this tandoori paneer tikka recipe has got your taste buds excited! With its smoky, spicy flavors and crispy texture, it’s bound to become a family favorite. Keep checking back for more mouthwatering recipes that will bring the taste of India right to your home.

If you’ve tried this recipe or have any questions, feel free to leave a comment below. We love hearing from you and are always happy to help with any tips or suggestions. Stay tuned for more amazing recipes coming your way!

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