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I still remember the first time I tried paneer chilli at a bustling street food stall in Mumbai. The sizzling sound of paneer frying, the aroma of garlic and soy sauce, and the chef’s quick movements as he tossed everything together in a flaming wok—it was love at first bite!
Since then, I have tried numerous versions of this dish, from restaurant-style to homemade. But nothing beats the comfort of making it in your own kitchen, where you can control the spice level, adjust the flavors, and make it just the way you like. Whether you are a fan of crispy dry paneer chilli or prefer a rich, saucy version, this recipe has got you covered.
So, let’s dive into the world of flavors and learn how to make this delicious Paneer Chilli at home!
Why You Will Love This Paneer Chilli Recipe
✅ Quick & Easy – Takes less than 30 minutes to prepare.
✅ Restaurant-Style Taste – Authentic Indo-Chinese flavors.
✅ Customizable – Adjust spice levels to your preference.
✅ Perfect for Any Meal – Enjoy as a snack, appetizer, or main dish.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For Paneer Marination
- Paneer (Cottage Cheese) – 200g (cut into cubes)
- Cornflour (Cornstarch) – 3 tbsp
- Salt – ½ tsp
- Black Pepper Powder – ½ tsp
- Water – 2 tbsp
- Oil – For frying
For Stir-Fry Sauce
- Onion – 1 (chopped)
- Bell Pepper (Capsicum) – 1 (thinly sliced)
- Green Chilies – 2-3 (chopped)
- Ginger-Garlic Paste – 1 tbsp
- Soy Sauce – 1 tbsp
- Green Chili Sauce – 1 tbsp
- Tomato Ketchup – 1 tbsp
- Honey – 1 tsp (optional)
- Salt – To taste
- Spring Onions – For garnish
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
1. Marinate the Paneer
In a mixing bowl, combine paneer cubes, cornflour, salt, black pepper powder, and water. Toss everything well to coat the paneer evenly. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes.
2. Fry the Paneer
Heat oil in a pan and shallow-fry or deep-fry the marinated paneer pieces until they turn golden and crispy. Remove them onto a paper towel to drain excess oil.
3. Prepare the Sauce
In the same pan, heat 1 tbsp oil and sauté ginger-garlic paste and green chilies until fragrant. Add chopped onions and bell peppers, and stir-fry on high heat for 2-3 minutes until slightly crunchy.
4. Add the Sauces
Pour in the soy sauce, green chili sauce, and tomato ketchup. Mix well and cook for a minute. If you prefer a sweeter touch, add honey.
5. Toss the Paneer
Add the fried paneer cubes to the sauce and toss everything together until the paneer is well coated. Cook for another 2-3 minutes on low heat.
6. Garnish & Serve
Garnish with chopped spring onions and serve hot with fried rice, noodles, or as a standalone appetizer.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approximate Values)
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Protein: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fat: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 400mg
Tips for the Perfect Paneer Chilli
✔ Use fresh, soft paneer for the best texture.
✔ Cook on high flame for an authentic smoky flavor.
✔ For a gravy version, add cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water) and simmer for a minute.
FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make paneer chilli without deep frying?
Yes, you can air-fry or shallow-fry the paneer to reduce oil consumption while still keeping it crispy.
2. How do I make paneer chilli spicier?
Increase the amount of green chilies, red chili flakes, or black pepper to enhance the spice level.
3. Can I use tofu instead of paneer?
Yes, tofu is a great vegan alternative to paneer and works well in this recipe.
4. How do I prevent paneer from becoming chewy?
Avoid overcooking the paneer and always use fresh, soft paneer for the best results.
5. What can I serve with paneer chilli?
Paneer chilli pairs well with fried rice, Hakka noodles, or steamed jasmine rice.
6. Can I store leftover paneer chilli?
Yes, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a pan before serving.
7. Is this recipe gluten-free?
Traditional soy sauce contains gluten, so use a gluten-free soy sauce alternative if needed.
Thank You for Reading!
Thank you for visiting our blog and trying out this Paneer Chilli Recipe! We hope you enjoy making it as much as we enjoyed sharing it with you. If you liked this recipe, please share it with your friends and family.
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Happy Cooking! 😊