Description
Paneer Tikka is a popular Indian appetizer made with marinated paneer (Indian cottage cheese) and veggies, roasted or grilled for a smoky, spiced, and tender treat. This easy oven recipe captures authentic flavors and makes a perfect party snack or appetizer.
Ingredients
150g Greek yogurt or thick yogurt (1/2 cup + 1–2 tbsp)
1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
2 tbsp mustard oil (or oil of choice)
2 tsp coriander powder
1 tsp chaat masala
1 tsp Kashmiri red chili powder
3/4 tsp garam masala
1/4 tsp red chili powder (adjust to taste)
1 tsp kasuri methi (crushed)
1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
Juice of 1 lemon
2 tbsp chopped cilantro
2 tbsp chopped mint
300g paneer, cut into large cubes (about 2 heaping cups)
1 large onion, cut into 1-inch cubes
1 large bell pepper, cut into 1-inch cubes (use red and green)
Cilantro mint chutney (for serving)
Onion slices (for serving)
Lemon wedges (for serving)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk the yogurt until smooth. If using regular yogurt, strain it first for a thick consistency.
- Add ginger-garlic paste, mustard oil, coriander powder, chaat masala, Kashmiri red chili powder, garam masala, red chili powder, kasuri methi, and salt. Whisk until well combined.
- Add lemon juice, chopped cilantro, and mint. Mix well to make a fragrant marinade.
- Add paneer cubes, onion, and bell pepper to the marinade. Toss gently to coat everything evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (up to 4 hours, or overnight for best flavor).
- Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C) for 15-20 minutes.
- Thread the marinated paneer, onion, and bell pepper onto skewers, alternating ingredients.
- Arrange the skewers on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Lightly spray with oil.
- Bake for 10 minutes at 450°F (230°C).
- Switch oven to broil and broil the skewers for 2-3 minutes, until the paneer and veggies get a slight char.
- Remove from oven, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the tikka, and sprinkle with chaat masala. Serve hot with cilantro mint chutney, onion slices, and lemon wedges.
Notes
- Marinate longer for deeper flavor; 4 hours or overnight is best.
- For vegan tikka, substitute paneer with firm tofu and use plant-based yogurt.
- Add other veggies like mushrooms, tomatoes, or zucchini if desired.
- Grill the skewers for extra smokiness if you have a grill.
- Do not overcook paneer to prevent it from becoming chewy.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Oven
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/5 recipe (2 skewers)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 25mg