Paneer Tikka

Paneer tikka or Paneer Soola or Chhena Soola is an Indian dish made from chunks of paneer/ chhena marinated in spices and grilled in a tandoor. It is a vegetarian alternative to chicken tikka and other meat dishes. It is a popular dish that is widely available in India and countries with an Indian diaspora.

Tandoori Paneer Tikka is a delicious Indian vegetarian appetizer popular at restaurants, parties, and BBQs. Cubes of paneer, bell peppers, and onion are marinated with yogurt and spices, threaded onto skewers, and cooked. Air-fryer, baking, grilling, oven, and stovetop pan instructions included for paneer tikka recipe.

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What is Paneer Tikka?

Paneer Tikka is a popular Indian dish made from cubes of paneer (Indian cottage cheese), bell peppers, and onions marinated in a spicy yogurt marinade and then roasted in a clay oven, also known as Tandoor traditionally. However, a BBQ grill, oven, air fryer, or stovetop skillet works well.

Today I am sharing both ways Paneer Tikka Recipes. One is on Stove top for that i used my .Lecreuset Grill Pan. Second way i made this in my airfryer, I iused my Gourmia Airfryer .

Paneer Tikka Ingredients:

You will need the following main ingredients to make the Paneer tikka recipe.

• Paneer (Indian Cottage Cheese): is the key ingredient, so use good quality paneer. Homemade fresh paneer works best; otherwise, you can easily find paneer at nearby Indian grocery stores or Costco. I personaly love Verka Paneer brand.
• Vegetables: I have used three colored bell peppers, and red onion cut into cubes. You may also use vegetables like mushrooms, and zucchini.
• Yogurt: Use plain full-fat hung curd or Greek yogurt for a thick creamy marinade.
• Gram Flour: also known as besan, is added to help paneer and veggies to coat well and not stick to the air fryer basket/pan. I roast it slightly in a pan on low heat until fragrant and brown, cool, and use. If you don’t have besan, then use corn flour or all-purpose flour or you can just skip this step too.
• Ginger and garlic: Either use freshly minced or paste.
• Spices: I have used turmeric, Kashmiri red chili powder, cumin powder, garam masala (or tandoori masala), chat masala, and salt.
• Oil: I use olive oil for cooking.
• Dried fenugreek leaves: Also known as Kasuri methi, give a nice flavor to the dish. If you don’t have it skip it.
• Lemon juice: use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor.
• Cilantro (coriander leaves): for garnish.

How to Make Paneer Tikka

1. Add hung curd, besan, ginger-garlic paste, turmeric powder, red chili powder, cumin powder, garam masala, chaat masala, kasuri methi, lemon juice, salt, oil in a large bowl and mix everything.

2. Then add the paneer, bell peppers, and onion. Toss well to coat. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or refrigerate for up to 24 hours.

3. Meanwhile, soak wooden skewers in cold water for at least 10 minutes, preventing them from burning in the air fryer, oven, or grilling.

4. Take a skewer, gently thread paneer, bell peppers, and onion on a skewer, alternating with each other. Similarly, prepare the remaining screwers.

Air Fryer Method

Preheat the air fryer to 360°F (180°C). Arrange all the prepared skewers inside the basket ½-inch apart in a single layer. Brush or spray some oil on the top, ensuring the paneer and veggies don’t dry out.

Cook for 5 minutes at 360°F (180°C). After 5 minutes, turn the skewers, lightly spray or brush with oil and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes.

Remove in a serving plate, squeeze some lime juice, sprinkle chaat masala, and immediately serve air fryer paneer tikka with mint Chutney.

How to Make Paneer Tikka in the Oven & Grill

Oven:

• Preheat the oven to 450°F (232°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Arrange all the prepared skewers ½-inch apart in a single layer.
• Brush or spray some oil on the top; this ensures the paneer and veggies don’t dry out.
• Bake for 10 minutes, and then broil the skewers on high for 2 to 3 minutes to get slightly charred edges.

Outdoor Grill:

• Preheat the grill.
• Line the outdoor grill with aluminum foil to prevent the paneer from sticking. Arrange all the prepared skewers ½-inch apart in a single layer.
• Brush or spray some oil on the top, ensuring the paneer and veggies don’t dry out. Cook for 10-12 minutes by turning halfway through.

How to Make Paneer Tikka on Stovetop Pan

You can make this paneer tikka recipe on the stovetop even if you don’t have an air fryer, oven, or grill. A stovetop grill pan or even a tawa or pan will work.

Heat the pan or tawa over medium-high heat, and brush or spray some oil on the pan first. Then arrange all the prepared skewers in a single layer. Again lightly brush some oil on the top. Cook from both sides until it turns golden brown.

Serving Suggestions

Serve tandoori paneer tikka with

• green Chutney
• Onion Slices
• Lemon wedges

Tips

• Marinate the paneer for at least 30 minutes or a few hours, so they absorb more flavors from the marinade.
• Don’t overcook the paneer; else, it will get chewy, dry, and hard.
• If you see your paneer tikka becoming dry, then brush some oil on them to retain the moisture.
• I highly recommend adding besan (gram flour) to the marinade. Besan flour helps the marinade to stick well onto the paneer and make it crispier.
• Cut the paneer and veggies to the same size. It helps for quick and even cooking.
• Make sure to line the skewers in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving some space between each other. Work in batches if needed.