Paneer Tikka Recipe

Paneer Tikka, a favorite dish of kids, is easy to make at home. This paneer tikka recipe is the perfect choice for lunch or dinner. Paneer cubes are immersed in a creamy curd-based mixture with ginger, garlic, and spices, then gently cooked until soft and smoky.

Paneer tikka is one of those timeless recipes that brings together rich flavors and a comforting taste in every bite. This paneer tikka recipe is simple, home-friendly, and doesn’t need a fancy tandoor or grill. The biggest advantage is its ease – just marinate paneer cubes in curd, cream cheese, and spices, let them soak in the flavors, and cook on a low flame. The result is a soft, smoky, and creamy delight that pairs perfectly with naan, roti, or even as a standalone starter. Another plus point is its versatility – you can replace paneer with tofu for a vegan twist or even try mock meat for variety. The addition of aromatic spices like cloves, cinnamon, and black cumin makes it deeply flavorful while the lemon juice and coriander give it a fresh, zesty finish.

On the flip side, there are a few small cons. Paneer tikka is a little heavy because of curd, cream cheese, and butter, so it may not be the best option for those watching calories. It also requires at least 30 minutes of marination for the flavors to really develop, which means you can’t make it instantly if you’re in a hurry.

Why You’ll Love This Paneer Tikka Recipe

This Paneer Tikka recipe is something different; every bite of it feels like a shower of richness and spice. he curd and cream cheese keep the paneer soft and juicy, while the mix of chili powder, cloves, cinnamon, and lemon juice adds just the right balance of heat and freshness.

Another reason this recipe is different is that we can use this as a starter for a function, lunch, or family dinner

In the end, this paneer tikka recipe is not just about taste; it’s about comfort, simplicity, and the joy of sharing a flavorful dish with your loved ones.

Tips & Variations for Paneer Tikka Recipe

To make your paneer tikka recipe even better, here are some useful tips and creative variations you can try:

• Use Fresh Paneer – Soft, fresh paneer makes a big difference. If it feels too firm, soak it in warm water for 10 minutes before marinating.
• Cook on Low Flame – Slow cooking helps the spices blend into the paneer while keeping it soft and juicy.
• Smoky Touch – For that authentic tandoor-like flavor, you can add a piece of hot charcoal in the pan with a little ghee and cover it for a few minutes.
• Healthy Twist – Replace cream cheese with hung curd to reduce calories without losing the creamy texture.
• Vegan Option – Use tofu instead of paneer and plant-based yogurt for marination.

Method of preparation:- Paneer Tikka

1. Grind onion, ginger and garlic in a mixer.
2. Add cream cheese and curd to make a smooth paste.
3. Mix all the ingredients.
4. Cut paneer into square pieces and soak them in curd mixture and keep it in a large vessel for half an hour.
5. Heat on very low flame for 15 minutes.
6. Turn it on a serving plate and apply butter on top and garnish with chopped coriander. Serve hot.

For 4 persons.

Variation:

For chilli mockdeck, use chunks of mockdeck instead of paneer. Before cooking, the mockdeck should be washed with hot water containing the juice of half a lemon.

Variation: Use deep fried pieces of soft tofu instead of paneer for spicy bean curd.

Ingredients:

Per person: ~475 calories

• 500 grams cheese
• 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger
• 4 cloves garlic minced
• 1 small onion chopped
• juice of 1 lemon
• ½ tsp black cumin seeds
• 1 large cardamom crushed
• ½ teaspoon ground cloves
• ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp chili powder
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 cup curd
• 2 tbsp cream cheese
• ghee or butter
• ¼ cup fresh coriander, finely chopped