Chilli Paneer – Indian Chinese Style
Main Ingredients
For Paneer Batter
For Chilli Paneer Sauce
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow each step to make the recipe successfully.
Prepare Paneer Batter
In a bowl, combine maida, cornflour, black pepper powder, a pinch of food color, and salt. Add water gradually to make a smooth, thick batter. Dip the paneer cubes into this batter, ensuring they are fully coated.
Fry Paneer
Heat oil in a kadhai (wok) until hot. Carefully drop the coated paneer cubes one by one into the hot oil. Fry until they turn golden brown and crispy. Remove the fried paneer and set aside.
Lightly Fry Vegetables
In the same oil (or fresh oil if preferred), lightly fry the chopped capsicum and onion petals for a minute or two until slightly tender but still crunchy. Remove and set aside with the paneer.
Sauté Aromatics
In a clean kadhai with a small amount of oil, add the garlic and ginger. for a few seconds until fragrant. Then add the sliced green chilies and stir for about .
Prepare the Sauce
the gas flame to medium. Add the red chili sauce, soy sauce, green chili sauce, tomato ketchup, Ajinomoto, and salt to the kadhai. Stir well to combine all the sauces. Add about 1/2 cup of water and bring to a .
Thicken the Gravy
Pour in the cornflour slurry (1 tbsp cornflour mixed with 1/4 cup water) into the sauce. Stir continuously until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency. This should take about .
Combine and Serve
Add the fried paneer cubes, capsicum, and onion petals to the thickened sauce. Mix everything gently to ensure the paneer and vegetables are well coated with the sauce. Cook for another , allowing the flavors to meld. Once cooked, transfer the Chilli Paneer to a serving dish.
Before You Cook
Helpful details before you startIngredient SubstitutionsMissing something? View suitable alternatives.View 6 swaps
No Paneer?
- Extra-firm tofu, pressed and cubed — Pan-fry first for closer texture.
- Halloumi — Saltier; reduce added salt.
No Onion?
- 1 tbsp onion powder (per medium onion)
- 3 tbsp dried minced onion
- Shallots or leeks (1:1)
No Garlic (fresh)?
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder (per clove)
- 1/2 tsp garlic granules (per clove)
No All-purpose flour?
- White whole wheat flour (1:1)
- 1 cup minus 2 tbsp + 2 tbsp cornstarch (cake flour swap)
No Cornstarch?
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (per 1 tbsp cornstarch)
- Arrowroot powder (1:1)
- Tapioca starch (1:1)
No Soy sauce?
- Tamari (1:1) — Gluten-free option.
- Coconut aminos (1:1, milder & sweeter)
- Worcestershire sauce + a pinch of salt
Variations
Simple ways to adapt this recipe.
- Add other vegetables like carrots or broccoliCustomise
- Use chicken instead of paneer for Chilli ChickenIngredient swap
- Adjust the consistency of the
Adjust the consistency of the gravy by adding more or less cornflour slurry.
Helpful Tips
Small details that can improve the final result.
Your Notes
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