Paneer Tikka Recipe: The Flavorful Indian Appetizer You’ll Love

Paneer Tikka Recipe: It is one of the most loved Indian appetizers, known for its smoky flavor, spicy marination, and melt-in-the-mouth texture. It’s a classic North Indian dish made from soft paneer (Indian cottage cheese) cubes marinated in a spiced yogurt mixture and grilled until golden and slightly charred. You can easily make this delicious dish at home using a grill, oven, or even a simple tawa (pan).

Ingredients

For the Marinade:

200–250 g paneer (cut into medium cubes)
½ cup thick curd (yogurt)
1 tablespoon gram flour (besan)
1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
1 teaspoon red chili powder
½ teaspoon turmeric powder
1 teaspoon garam masala
1 teaspoon roasted cumin powder
1 teaspoon coriander powder
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon oil
Salt to taste

For Vegetables:

1 small onion (cut into square pieces)
1 small capsicum (green bell pepper, cut into cubes)
1 tomato (optional, cut into cubes)

Paneer Tikka Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade: In a mixing bowl, add thick curd, gram flour, ginger-garlic paste, lemon juice, oil, and all the spices. Mix well until smooth. The marinade should be thick enough to coat the paneer properly.
Step 2: Add Paneer and Vegetables: Add the paneer cubes, onion, and capsicum to the marinade. Gently mix everything so that each piece is evenly coated. Be careful not to break the paneer cubes. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours for better flavor).
Step 3: Skewer the Paneer and Veggies: If using skewers, arrange the marinated paneer, onion, and capsicum alternately. You can use wooden skewers (soaked in water for 10 minutes) or metal ones.
Step 4: Cook the Paneer Tikka On Tawa (Pan): Heat 1–2 tablespoons of oil in a non-stick pan! Place the skewers or marinated pieces on the tawa! Cook on medium heat, turning occasionally, until golden brown and slightly charred on all sides.
Cook the Paneer Tikka In Oven/Grill: Preheat oven to 230°C (450°F), Arrange skewers on a greased tray, Bake for 10–12 minutes, turning once in between, for a smoky flavor, you can brush a little butter or ghee before serving.