How to Make Paneer Tikka Masala: A Flavor-Packed Recipe Guide

Welcome to the ultimate Paneer Tikka Masala recipe! This iconic Indian dish combines perfectly grilled paneer cubes smothered in a creamy, spiced gravy. Whether you’re new to Indian cuisine or a long-time fan, this recipe will transport you straight to flavor heaven. Let’s dive in!

About Paneer Tikka Masala

Paneer Tikka Masala is a beloved vegetarian dish, often seen as the star of Indian restaurant menus worldwide. The dish is a comforting combination of grilled paneer (Indian cottage cheese) that’s marinated in spices, and then simmered in a rich, velvety tomato-based gravy. What makes this recipe so irresistible is the balance of smoky, spicy, and creamy flavors that dance on your taste buds.

Many say it’s one of the best ways to enjoy paneer, and we couldn’t agree more. Let’s explore the magic behind this popular Indian delicacy and get ready to recreate it in your kitchen.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s get cooking! Here’s how to make the best Paneer Tikka Masala right in your kitchen.

Preparation

Start by cutting your paneer into cubes, ensuring they’re evenly sized so they cook uniformly. Then, make the marinade. Combine yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, ginger, and a blend of spices. Coat the paneer cubes in this mixture and let them marinate for at least 30 minutes—this will infuse them with flavor.

mix up

Make Gravy

While the paneer marinates, it’s time to make the gravy. Warm oil in a pan and cook the onions until they turn golden brown. Add garlic and ginger for that unmistakable aroma. Once soft, blend in tomatoes, followed by the spice mix. Let everything simmer until the gravy thickens and the spices fully bloom.

Grill the Paneer

To give the paneer its signature smoky flavor, grill or broil the marinated cubes until they’re slightly charred on the edges. This step adds a delicious, slightly smoky taste that pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce.

Combining Grilled Paneer with Creamy Gravy

Combine to Make the Paneer Tikka Masala Gravy

Once the paneer is grilled to perfection, add it to the gravy and let it simmer for a few minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together, making sure every bite is infused with that rich, spiced sauce. Serving Suggestions

Paneer Tikka Masala is a complete meal on its own, but if you’re looking for some delicious pairings, try serving it with:

  • Garlic naan or butter naan for a soft and fluffy bread to scoop up the sauce.
  • Steamed basmati rice to soak up every last drop of the gravy.
  • A fresh cucumber raita or salad to balance the richness of the dish.
  • For a festive touch, garnish with chopped cilantro and a swirl of fresh cream.

Vegan Variation

Looking for a plant-based twist on this classic? You can easily swap out the dairy in this recipe for vegan-friendly options.

  • Paneer: Use tofu or vegan paneer for the same texture and protein-rich option.
  • Yogurt: Substitute with coconut yogurt or a cashew-based yogurt for a creamy texture.
  • Cream: Use coconut cream or cashew cream as a rich, dairy-free alternative.

You’ll still get that creamy, spicy goodness without compromising on flavor!

Tips & Notes

  • Marinate for longer: If you have time, marinate the paneer overnight for a deeper, more intense flavor.
  • Adjust the spice levels: Feel free to customize the heat of the dish by adding more or less chili powder to suit your taste.
  • For extra richness: Add a bit of butter or ghee to the gravy while it simmers.
  • Use fresh ingredients: Fresh tomatoes and ginger-garlic paste can elevate the flavor of the dish.
Paneer Tikka Masala

Paneer Tikka Masala Recipe

408bf6920f0cee8f8581f82b7e13f8b9?s=30&d=mm&r=gTim RAY
This rich, creamy Paneer Tikka Masala combines perfectly grilled paneer cubes in a spiced, velvety gravy. It’s the perfect blend of smoky, spicy, and creamy flavors, guaranteed to impress your guests.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Grilling Time 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Course Dinner
Servings 4
Calories 300 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Grill or Oven for grilling paneer
  • 1 Pan for cooking gravy
  • 1 Knife for chopping ingredients

Ingredients
  

  • 300 grams of Paneer Cut into cubes
  • 1/2 cup Yogurt Full-fat or plant-based for vegan
  • 1 tablespoon Lemon juice Freshly squeezed
  • 1 tablespoon Ginger-garlic paste Fresh or store-bought
  • 1 teaspoon Chili powder Adjust to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon Turmeric Ground
  • 1 teaspoon Garam masala Ground
  • 1 teaspoon Cumin powder Ground
  • salt to taste
  • 2 tablespoons oil For cooking (vegetable or canola)
  • 1 medium onion Finely chopped
  • 2 medium Tomatoes Chopped or pureed
  • 1/4 cup cream Optional, for a richer gravy

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the marinade: In a bowl, combine yogurt, lemon juice, ginger-garlic paste, chili powder, turmeric, garam masala, cumin powder, and salt. Add the paneer cubes and coat them thoroughly. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.
  • Cook the gravy: Heat oil in a pan and sauté the onions until golden. Add ginger and garlic, then cook for another minute. Add tomatoes and let the mixture simmer until the gravy thickens.
  • Grill the paneer: Preheat your grill or oven and grill the marinated paneer cubes until they’re slightly charred (about 10 minutes).
  • Combine: Add the grilled paneer to the gravy and simmer for a few minutes. Add cream if desired and stir well.
  • Serve: Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with naan or rice.

Notes

  • For a vegan version, substitute paneer with tofu and use plant-based yogurt and cream.
  • The recipe can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I prepare Paneer Tikka Masala in advance?
Yes! In fact, the flavors develop even more when allowed to sit overnight in the fridge. Reheat and enjoy the next day.

Can I use store-bought paneer?
While homemade paneer is always the best, store-bought paneer works just fine for this recipe. Just be sure to soak it in hot water for 15-20 minutes to soften it.

Is this recipe spicy?
The level of spice can be easily adjusted to your preference. For a gentler heat level, just cut back on the chili powder.

Conclusion

And there you have it—your very own Paneer Tikka Masala that’s bursting with flavor, color, and love. Whether you’re preparing it for a special dinner or a weeknight meal, this recipe is sure to impress. Enjoy it with family and friends, and remember, cooking is all about fun and creativity. Feel free to play with the ingredients to create a version that’s uniquely yours!

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