Paneer Tikka: The Perfect Vegetarian Grilled Delight

Paneer Tikka is a quintessential Indian dish that perfectly balances flavors, textures, and aromas. With its succulent cubes of paneer (Indian cottage cheese), vibrant vegetables, and smoky essence, this dish is an ideal starter for any occasion. Whether it’s a barbecue, a festive gathering, or a family dinner, Paneer Tikka never fails to impress. This recipe leverages a rich, aromatic marinade using tandoori masala, made from 15 single-origin, freshly harvested spices. The dish pairs wonderfully with tangy green chutney and pickled onions, offering a perfect balance of spicy, sour, sweet, and umami flavors.

Ingredients

For this Paneer Tikka recipe, you’ll need:

• 6 tablespoons neutral oil (like canola or rapeseed), divided
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 4 tablespoons Tandoori Masala (crafted from 15 single-origin spices)
• 1¼ teaspoons kosher salt, divided
• 12 ounces paneer, cut into 1-inch cubes (we love Sach Foods for high-quality paneer)
• 1 red onion, cut into 1½-inch pieces
• 1 red bell pepper, seeded, ribs removed, and cut into 1½-inch pieces
• 1 green bell pepper, seeded, ribs removed, and cut into 1½-inch pieces
• Metal or wooden skewers (if using wooden skewers, soak them for 20 minutes before use)
• Green chutney (for serving)
• Pickled onions (for serving)

The Perfect Marinade for Paneer Tikka

The secret to a mouthwatering Paneer Tikka lies in its marinade. Combining fresh spices and ingredients to coat the paneer allows the flavors to deeply penetrate, making every bite rich and flavorful. Here’s how to craft the perfect marinade:

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together:

   • 3 tablespoons of neutral oil (canola or rapeseed works well for its neutral flavor)
   • 2 tablespoons of lemon juice (this adds a refreshing tang to cut through the richness of the paneer)
   • 4 tablespoons of Tandoori Masala (crafted with 15 freshly harvested spices for that iconic smoky-spicy flavor)
   • 1/2 teaspoon of salt

2. Add the paneer cubes to the marinade and gently toss to coat them evenly. Ensure every piece of paneer is generously covered in the oil and spice mixture. The Tandoori Masala, with its balanced blend of spicy, earthy, sweet, and sour notes, will infuse the paneer with irresistible flavors.

3. Cover and refrigerate the marinated paneer for at least 6 hours, though overnight is preferable. This resting time allows the paneer to absorb the spices fully, ensuring each bite is packed with flavor.

Preparing the Vegetables

While the paneer marinates, prepare the vegetables that will accompany the paneer on the skewers:

1. In a separate bowl, toss the onions, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper with the remaining 3 tablespoons of oil and 3/4 teaspoon of salt. The oil and salt will help the vegetables retain moisture while grilling and balance out their natural sweetness with a touch of savory flavor.

Skewering the Paneer and Vegetables

Now comes the fun part—assembling the skewers. This process allows you to alternate between paneer and vegetables, creating visually appealing and delicious kebabs:

1. Remove the marinated paneer from the refrigerator.
2. Begin by skewering one piece of paneer, followed by a couple of onion petals, a piece of green bell pepper, and then a piece of red bell pepper. Continue this process, ensuring each skewer has at least three pieces of paneer with interspersed vegetables for a balanced kebab.
3. Repeat with the remaining paneer and vegetables, transferring the finished skewers to a plate or baking sheet.

Grilling Paneer Tikka

Paneer Tikka is best enjoyed when grilled, as it imparts a lovely char and smoky flavor to the dish:

1. Preheat your grill: If using a gas grill, set it to medium-high heat. For a charcoal grill, prepare it as usual until the coals are hot and glowing.
2. Brush the grill grate with oil to prevent the paneer and vegetables from sticking.
3. Place the prepared skewers on the grill, cooking each side for about 2 to 3 minutes. You’re aiming for a light char on the paneer and tender-crisp vegetables. The paneer should be soft on the inside while the outer edges develop a golden-brown crust.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the grilled Paneer Tikka hot, with tangy green chutney and crunchy pickled onions on the side. The green chutney adds a refreshing herbal note with hints of mint and coriander, while the pickled onions provide a zesty crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft, smoky paneer.

Why You’ll Love This Paneer Tikka

• Flavorful Marinade: The Tandoori Masala, crafted with 15 freshly harvested spices, infuses the paneer with a symphony of flavors—spicy, sour, sweet, earthy, and umami. This perfect balance is what makes Paneer Tikka an unforgettable dish.
• Paneer’s Richness: High-quality paneer, such as Sach Foods paneer, brings a rich and creamy texture to every bite. The marination process allows the paneer to absorb the spices while maintaining its soft and velvety center.
• Vegetarian-Friendly: Paneer Tikka is a fantastic vegetarian alternative to meat-based kebabs. It offers the same satisfaction, with a unique twist that’s lighter but just as flavorful.
• Grill Perfection: Grilling the paneer and vegetables adds a smoky char that enhances the overall taste and texture, making it perfect for summer barbecues or festive gatherings.

Tips for Perfect Paneer Tikka:

1. Marinate Overnight: The longer you marinate the paneer, the more flavorful it becomes. If time permits, marinating overnight will make a world of difference.
2. Use Fresh Spices: Using freshly ground or high-quality tandoori masala is key to achieving the right flavor balance. The spices should be aromatic and vibrant.
3. Don’t Overcook Paneer: Paneer cooks quickly. Make sure to only grill each side for 2 to 3 minutes to prevent it from becoming tough and chewy.
4. Serve Immediately: Paneer Tikka tastes best when served hot off the grill. The paneer remains soft, and the flavors are at their peak.

With 365 Spicery (LV Spices), your Paneer Tikka experience reaches new heights of flavor. Our specially crafted Tandoori Masala, made from 15 single-origin, freshly-harvested spices, delivers the perfect balance of spicy, sour, sweet, earthy, and umami flavors that elevate every bite. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue or preparing a weeknight meal, 365 Spicery ensures that your Paneer Tikka is always bursting with authentic, rich flavors. Bring the essence of traditional Indian spices to your kitchen with 365 Spicery—where quality and flavor meet excellence.