Pan Fried Paneer Tikka

Looking for a delicious and easy Indian dish to try at home? Pan fried paneer tikka is a flavorful and satisfying recipe that is sure to impress your taste buds. This classic dish features marinated paneer cubes and veggies, shallow fried to perfection. The combination of spices and ingredients creates a mouthwatering dish that is perfect for a special dinner or as an appetizer for a gathering. Let's dive into the unique and delicious world of pan fried paneer tikka!

What Is Pan Fried Paneer Tikka?

• Paneer tikka is a traditional Indian dish made with succulent paneer (Indian cottage cheese), marinated in a blend of flavorful Indian spices and grilled to perfection. The marination process involves combining hung curd or greek yogurt with red chili powder, cumin powder, turmeric powder, garam masala powder, ginger garlic paste, and other seasonings to create a rich and aromatic flavor profile.
• When pan-fried, the marinated paneer and veggies develop a deliciously charred exterior while remaining tender and juicy on the inside. The combination of succulent paneer with the bold flavors of Indian spices and unique seasoning makes pan-fried paneer tikka a highly satisfying and flavorful dish. It's a popular appetizer or snack that is sure to tantalize your taste buds.

Why You'll Love Pan Fried Paneer Tikka?

• Amazing Texture: The pan-fried paneer tikka has a perfect blend of soft and juicy paneer along with the crunchy and flavorful veggies. The shallow frying gives the paneer a crispy outer layer while maintaining the tenderness inside.
• High Protein Content: Paneer is a great source of protein, making this dish a nutritious option, especially for vegetarians. The marination with hung curd or greek yogurt adds even more protein to the dish.
• Rich in Calcium: Paneer is also rich in calcium, which is essential for maintaining strong bones and teeth. Including paneer in your diet can be beneficial for overall bone health.
• Good Source of Healthy Fats: The use of olive oil in this recipe adds healthy fats to the dish, which are important for heart health and overall well-being.
• Packed with Essential Nutrients: The combination of spices and veggies in the marinade provides a good mix of essential nutrients, making pan-fried paneer tikka a wholesome and balanced meal option.
• Versatile and Customizable: This recipe is adaptable to personal preferences, allowing you to add or adjust the spices and veggies to suit your taste. It's a versatile dish that can be enjoyed as an appetizer, side dish, or even a main course.

Ingredients for Pan Fried Paneer Tikka

• Paneer: Paneer is a fresh cheese common in Indian cuisine, providing a creamy and rich texture to the dish.
• Onion: Diced onions add a sweet and tangy flavor to the paneer tikka, enhancing the overall taste.
• Green Capsicum: The addition of green capsicum brings a subtle bitterness and crunch to the dish, balancing the flavors.
• Tomatoes: Diced tomatoes add a juicy and slightly acidic taste, complementing the creamy paneer.
• Olive Oil: The use of olive oil not only adds a rich flavor but also helps in achieving a crispy texture when pan frying the paneer tikka.

How To Make Pan Fried Paneer Tikka?

• To make pan fried paneer tikka, start by marinating the paneer and veggies in a flavorful mixture of hung curd or greek yogurt, spices, and olive oil. Make sure to coat the paneer and veggies well and allow them to marinate for at least 30 minutes for the flavors to infuse.
• Next, heat a pan with olive oil over medium heat and shallow fry the marinated paneer cubes and veggies until they turn a golden brown color. This step is crucial for creating a delicious and aromatic flavor in the paneer tikka.

By following these simple steps and paying attention to the marination and frying process, you can enjoy a flavorful and mouthwatering pan fried paneer tikka.

Enjoy your homemade pan fried paneer tikka!

Serving Suggestions

• Paneer Tikka: Enjoy the delicious pan-fried paneer tikka as a starter or appetizer.
• Mint Chutney: Pair the paneer tikka with a refreshing mint chutney for a burst of flavor.
• Naan or Roti: Serve the paneer tikka with some naan or roti for a complete and satisfying meal.
• Raita: Add a side of raita to balance the spiciness of the paneer tikka.
• Salad: A fresh and crisp salad with lemon vinaigrette makes a light and healthy accompaniment to the paneer tikka.
• Rice: For a heartier meal, serve the paneer tikka with fragrant steamed rice.

Tips for Pan Fried Paneer Tikka

Preparation Duration:

• The marination process for the paneer tikka takes about 30 minutes, so be sure to factor that into your cooking timeline.
• You can also prepare the marinade a day in advance and let the paneer cubes soak up the flavors overnight for a more intense taste.

Cooking Techniques:

• Heat the pan with olive oil over medium heat for the perfect texture and color on the paneer cubes.
• Shallow fry the marinated paneer pieces over low heat, turning both sides until they turn a beautiful golden brown, which takes about 5 to 6 minutes.

Importance of Garnishing:

• Don't forget to garnish your paneer tikka with some fresh coriander leaves and a squeeze of lemon for a pop of color and added freshness.
• Garnishing not only enhances the presentation of your dish but also adds a burst of flavor to each bite.

Variations for Pan Fried Paneer Tikka

• Vegetable Options: Instead of using the traditional onion, capsicum, and tomato, try experimenting with other vegetables such as mushrooms, bell peppers, or even broccoli for a different flavor and texture.
• Spice Mix: Feel free to adjust the spice levels to your preference. You can add more red chili powder for extra heat or reduce it for a milder flavor. You can also try adding different spices like coriander powder, chaat masala, or even a pinch of cinnamon for a unique twist.
• Protein Substitution: If you're not a fan of paneer, you can easily swap it out for tofu, chicken, or even mixed vegetables like potatoes and cauliflower. The marinade will work well with any protein or vegetable of your choice.
• Grilled Variation: Instead of pan-frying, you can also grill the marinated paneer and vegetables for a smoky flavor. This can be done on an outdoor grill or an indoor grill pan for a different cooking method.
• Citrus Infusion: Experiment with different citrus fruits for a tangy twist. Try using orange or lime juice instead of lemon juice for a refreshing and citrusy flavor.
• Garnish Options: Get creative with the garnishes. Consider adding a sprinkle of chaat masala, fresh cilantro, or even a dollop of mint chutney on top for an extra burst of flavor and freshness.

By trying out these variations, you can personalize the pan-fried paneer tikka to your liking and create a unique and delicious dish every time. Enjoy the process and have fun experimenting with different ingredients!

How to Store Pan Fried Paneer Tikka

• Proper Storage: After preparing the pan fried paneer tikka, store any leftover marinated paneer and veggies in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will maintain the freshness and flavors of the dish.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: It's important to use fresh paneer, veggies, and dairy products for the marination to ensure the best taste and texture of the pan fried paneer tikka.
• Separate Storage: If you have leftover marinated paneer and veggies, store them separately to prevent the flavors from mingling and to maintain their individual freshness.
• Refrigerate promptly: Once the pan fried paneer tikka is prepared, refrigerate any leftovers promptly to ensure food safety and to preserve the flavors.
• Consume within 2-3 days: For the best taste and quality, consume the stored pan fried paneer tikka within 2-3 days of preparation.
• Avoid Freezing: Due to the dairy-based marinade, it's best to avoid freezing the pan fried paneer tikka as it can change the texture and taste of the dish.

Following these simple storage tricks will help maintain the freshness and flavors of the delicious pan fried paneer tikka.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use regular yogurt instead of hung curd or greek yogurt?

• Yes, you can use regular yogurt, but make sure to strain it using a cheesecloth to get the thick consistency similar to hung curd or greek yogurt.

Can I use any other oil for pan-frying instead of olive oil?

• Yes, you can use any other high-heat cooking oil like canola oil or vegetable oil for pan-frying the paneer tikka.

Can I use different vegetables for the marinade?

• Absolutely! Feel free to use your favorite vegetables for the marinade. Bell peppers, mushrooms, and cherry tomatoes are great options to consider.

How can I adjust the spice level to my preference?

• You can adjust the spice level by increasing or reducing the amount of red chili powder in the marinade. Start with a smaller amount and add more to suit your taste.

Can I grill the paneer instead of pan-frying it?

• Yes, you can absolutely grill the marinated paneer and vegetables instead of pan-frying them for a different flavor profile. Just ensure that they are cooked through.

Can I prepare the marinade in advance?

• Yes, you can prepare the marinade in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. This can save time when you're ready to cook the paneer tikka.

Recipe Card

Pan Fried Paneer Tikka

Serving Size: 4

Prep Time: 40 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Ingredients:

• 250 grams paneer
• 1 medium sized onion, diced
• 1 green capsicum, diced
• Few diced tomatoes
• 4 tbsp olive oil
• 200 grams hung curd or greek yogurt
• 2 tsp red chili powder
• 1/2 tsp cumin powder
• 1/4 tsp turmeric powder
• 1/2 tsp garam masala powder
• Salt to taste
• 1 tbsp ginger garlic paste
• 1&1/2 tsp crushed kasoori methi / dried fenugreek leaves
• 1/2 fresh lemon juice

Instructions:

• In a wide bowl, add hung curd or greek yogurt.
• Add red chili powder, cumin powder, turmeric powder, garam masala powder, salt, ginger garlic paste, fenugreek leaves, lemon juice, and olive oil.
• Whisk well until well combined. Check the taste and add more seasonings if needed.
• Add half of the marinade over the veggies and mix well until well coated.
• Add the remaining marinade over the paneer cubes and mix well until combined.
• Cover and keep them aside for 30 minutes.
• Heat a pan with olive oil over medium heat.
• When the oil heats, add marinated paneer cubes and then add the marinated veggies.
• Shallow fry the marinated paneer pieces by turning both sides over low heat till it turns brown (about 5 to 6 minutes).
• Remove from the heat and transfer to the serving dish.

Enjoy your delicious pan fried paneer tikka!

Step-By-Step Instructions:

In a wide bowl, add hung curd or greek yogurt. Then add red chili powder, cumin powder, turmeric powder, garam masala powder, salt, ginger garlic paste, fenugreek leaves, lemon juice and olive oil.

Whisk well until well combined. Check the taste and add more seasonings if needed.

Add half of the marinade over the paneer cubes and mix well until combined.

Then add the remaining marinade over the veggies and mix well until well coated.

Cover and keep them aside for 30 minutes.

Heat a pan with olive oil over medium heat.

When the oil heats, add marinated paneer cubes and then add the marinated veggies.

Shallow fry the marinated paneer pieces by turning both sides over low heat till it turns brown. (about 5 to 6 minutes)

Remove from the heat and transfer to the serving dish.