Chilli Paneer – Indo-Chinese Style
Recipe Summary
- This recipe guides you through making a delicious Indo-Chinese Chilli Paneer. Cubes of paneer are marinated, fried, and then stir-fried with onions, capsicum, and a spicy, savory sauce, creating a flavorful and satisfying dish.
All Ingredients - For Paneer Marinade
- Paneer 200 g
- Salt 1/2 tsp
- Soya Sauce 1 tbsp
- Vinegar 1 tsp
- Tomato Sauce 1 tbsp
- Corn Flour 2 tbsp
- Oil 3 tbsp
All Ingredients - For Chilli Paneer
- Oil 2 tbsp
- Chopped Garlic 1 tbsp
- Green Chillies 2-3, slit
- Onion 1 large, diced into petals
- Capsicum (Green Bell Pepper) 1 large, diced
- Salt 1/2 tsp
- Black Pepper 1/2 tsp
- Soya Sauce 1 tbsp
- Tomato Sauce 1 tbsp
- Spicy Red Chilli Sauce 1 tbsp
- Corn Slurry (1 tbsp corn flour + 1/4 cup water) 1/4 cup
- Coriander Leaves 1 tbsp, chopped (for garnish)
- Sesame Seeds 1 tsp (for garnish)
Tools You'll Need
- Pan
Don't have an ingredient? Try these swaps
No Paneer?
- Extra-firm tofu, pressed and cubed — Pan-fry first for closer texture.
- Halloumi — Saltier; reduce added salt.
No Cornstarch?
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (per 1 tbsp cornstarch)
- Arrowroot powder (1:1)
- Tapioca starch (1:1)
No Garlic (fresh)?
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder (per clove)
- 1/2 tsp garlic granules (per clove)
No Onion?
- 1 tbsp onion powder (per medium onion)
- 3 tbsp dried minced onion
- Shallots or leeks (1:1)
No Cilantro?
- Flat-leaf parsley (1:1, milder)
- Fresh mint (in chutneys, salads)
⚠ Contains Allergens
Step-by-Step Instructions
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 . 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 until fragrant.
Step 6: Add Vegetables
Add 1 large diced onion and 1 large diced capsicum to the pan. Stir-fry for 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 , 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.
Pro Tips
• 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.
Recipe Variations
• 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.
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