Paneer Tikka Recipe is a tasty Indian snack prepared using marinated paneer cubes barbecued to perfection. See step-by-step how to prepare authentic paneer tikka at home.
Paneer Tikka – Restaurant Style Recipe to Make at Home
Paneer Tikka Recipe is a favorite among North Indian appetizers, enjoyed both by vegetarians and non-vegetarians. The soft paneer cubes are marinated in a spicy mix of yogurt-based sauce and then grilled to perfection. Be it served on skewers, in tandoor, or pan-fried, it’s a dish that guarantees to lift any meal instantly.This is a step-by-step guide to making restaurant-quality Paneer Tikka at home with basic ingredients – no tandoor required! Let’s get into the history, ingredients, cooking techniques, and some secrets to make your Paneer Tikka even more special.
What is Paneer Tikka?
It is the veg version of the popular chicken tikka. We replace chicken with paneer, a fresh cheese obtained by curdling milk with vinegar or lemon juice.
The paneer cubes are marinated with a mixture of thick curd (yogurt), spices such as red chili powder, turmeric, garam masala, and other delectable seasonings. They are skewered with vegetables such as bell peppers and onions, and grilled or baked until smoky and charred.
Paneer Tikka Origin
It has its origins in the Mughal period and North Indian cooking. Traditionally prepared in a tandoor (clay oven), it became a hit vegetarian appetizer in Indian restaurants worldwide.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Easy to prepare at home
No tandoor required
Grills, bake, or pan-fry
Perfect for BBQs, parties, or evening snacks
Full of protein and taste
Can be customized with vegetables
Paneer Tikka ingredients
For Marinade:
200g paneer (cut into cubes)
1 cup thick curd/yogurt (hung curd preferable)
1 tsp ginger-garlic paste
1 tsp red chili powder (Kashmiri for color)
½ tsp turmeric powder
1 tsp garam masala
½ tsp chaat masala
½ tsp coriander powder
1 tsp lemon juice
1 tbsp besan (gram flour)
Salt to taste
1 tbsp oil
For Tikka:
1 onion (cubed)
1 capsicum (red/green/yellow, cubed)
1 tsp oil for brushing
Step-by-Step Recipe: How to Make Paneer Tikka
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
In a bowl, put the curd, ginger-garlic paste, all the spices, lemon juice, besan, and oil. Mix smooth. Taste and adjust salt or spice level.
Step 2: Add Paneer and Veggies
Gently add the paneer cubes, onion, and bell peppers to the marinade. Mix lightly so the cubes don’t break. Cover and let it marinate for at least 1 hour in the refrigerator (overnight is best).
Step 3: Skewer and Prepare
Thread the marinated paneer, onions, and capsicums alternately on skewers. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes beforehand.
Step 4: Cook Paneer Tikka
Option 1 – Tawa/Grill Pan:
Heat oil in a non-stick tawa or grill pan. Put the skewers and cook on a medium flame. Turn frequently until all sides turn golden brown and lightly charred.
Option 2 – Oven:
Preheat oven to 200°C (392°F). Put skewers in a foil-lined or parchment-lined tray. Bake for 15–20 minutes, turning halfway through, and then broil for 2–3 minutes for charred edges.
Option 3 – Air Fryer:Air fry at 180°C for 10–12 minutes or till golden brown and crispy.
Serving Suggestions
Serve hot with mint chutney and lemon wedges.
Sprinkle some chaat masala before serving for added tanginess.
You can also wrap it in roti or naan to create Paneer Tikka Rolls.
Excellent as a party starter for parties, BBQs, or as a side dish for dinner.
Tips to Make Perfect Paneer Tikka
Employ hung curd to make thick marinade which sticks well.
Marinate overnight for best results.
Employ Kashmiri chili powder for bright red color with not much spiciness.
Avoid overcooking paneer – it becomes rubbery. Cook just until golden.
Use smoky flavor by employing dhungar method (coal smoke).
FAQs about Paneer Tikka
- Can I prepare Paneer Tikka without the use of skewers?
Yes! Just put marinated pieces straight onto a greased pan or baking sheet.
- Can I store leftovers?
Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for 1–2 days. Reheat on tawa or microwave.
- Can I make it vegan?
Yes! Use tofu instead of paneer and plant-based yogurt instead of curd.
- Can I cook Paneer Tikka in microwave?
You may use convection mode or microwave grill if you have it.
Conclusion
Paneer Tikka is not merely an appetizer – it’s an Indian flavor celebration. With the perfect marinade and cooking method, you can make restaurant-style goodness in your home kitchen without a tandoor. It’s protein-packed, versatile, and a crowd-pleaser every time.
So the next time you decide to have a dinner, get-together, or simply long for something spicy and smoky – try out this Paneer Tikka recipe. Your taste buds will bless you!
For more such tasty easy (Breakfast, Main-Course, Snacks and Cakes and Desserts recipes) check out our Recipes Page
Share with your loved once search us on Google with Recipes.shaikh digital studio
“Made one of our recipes? Tag us @recipes_shaikhdigitalstudio We love featuring your kitchen magic!”📸 Follow us on Instagram for Reels, Tips, and Tasty Vibes!
