Chilli Paneer – Indo-Chinese Style

Step 1: Prepare Paneer

Cut 200g paneer into 1-inch cubes.

Step 2: Season Paneer

Transfer the paneer cubes to a plate. Add 1/2 tsp salt, 1 tbsp soya sauce, 1 tsp vinegar, 1 tbsp tomato sauce, and 2 tbsp corn flour to the paneer.

Step 3: Marinate Paneer

Mix gently with your hands until all paneer pieces are evenly coated with the marinade.

Step 4: Fry Paneer

Heat 3 tbsp oil in a pan. Add the coated paneer and fry until golden brown on all sides, about 3-4 minutes. Remove the fried paneer and set aside.

Step 5: Sauté Aromatics

In another pan, heat 2 tbsp oil. Add 1 tbsp chopped garlic and 2-3 slit green chillies. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 6: Add Vegetables

Add 1 large diced onion and 1 large diced capsicum to the pan. Stir-fry for 2 minutes until the vegetables are slightly tender-crisp.

Step 7: Season Vegetables

Add 1/2 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper to the vegetables.

Step 8: Add Sauces

Pour in 1 tbsp soya sauce, 1 tbsp tomato sauce, and 1 tbsp spicy red chilli sauce. Stir well to combine all ingredients.

Step 9: Combine with Paneer

Add the previously fried paneer cubes to the pan. Toss everything together to coat the paneer and vegetables evenly with the sauce.

Step 10: Thicken Sauce

Pour in the corn slurry (1 tbsp corn flour mixed with 1/4 cup water). Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens and coats the paneer and vegetables.

Step 11: Serve and Garnish

Transfer the Chilli Paneer to a serving plate. Garnish with chopped coriander leaves and sesame seeds before serving hot.

• Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying paneer to get a crispy exterior without absorbing too much oil.

• Do not overcook the vegetables; they should remain slightly crisp for the best texture.

• Adjust the amount of green chillies and spicy red chilli sauce according to your spice preference.

• Add other vegetables like carrots, broccoli, or baby corn for more variety.

• For a gravy version, add more corn slurry and water to achieve desired consistency.

• Replace paneer with tofu for a vegan option.