Paneer Tikka is one of the most loved Indian starters, often served in restaurants and hotels. Soft cubes of paneer marinated in spiced yogurt, grilled to perfection, and served with mint chutney — it’s a dish that never fails to impress. The best part? You can easily make it at home with simple ingredients, and the taste will be so good that everyone will ask for it again and again.
Ingredients for Paneer Tikka
For Marinade
- 250 g paneer (cottage cheese), cut into cubes
- ½ cup thick curd (yogurt)
- 1 tbsp gram flour (besan), lightly roasted
- 1 tbsp ginger‑garlic paste
- 1 tsp red chili powder
- ½ tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp coriander powder
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 1 tsp cumin powder
- 1 tsp chaat masala
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp mustard oil (for authentic flavor)
- Salt to taste
For Garnish
- Onion rings
- Lemon wedges
- Fresh coriander leaves
Step‑by‑Step Method
1. Prepare the Marinade
- In a bowl, whisk curd until smooth.
- Add roasted gram flour, ginger‑garlic paste, and all the spices.
- Mix in mustard oil and lemon juice.
- Blend everything into a thick, smooth marinade.
2. Marinate Paneer and Veggies
- Add paneer cubes, along with sliced capsicum and onion (optional).
- Coat well with the marinade.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (longer marination gives better flavor).
3. Grill or Bake
- Preheat oven to 200°C or heat a grill pan.
- Arrange marinated paneer and veggies on skewers.
- Grill for 15–20 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden and slightly charred.
- Brush with a little butter or oil while grilling for extra taste.
4. Serve Hot
- Place paneer tikka on a plate.
- Garnish with onion rings, lemon wedges, and coriander leaves.
- Serve with green chutney for the authentic restaurant feel.
Tips for Perfect Hotel‑Style Paneer Tikka
- Use thick curd to avoid watery marinade.
- Mustard oil adds a smoky flavor — don’t skip it.
- Roast gram flour before adding; it helps marinade stick to paneer.
- For a smoky dhaba‑style taste, place a hot coal in a bowl, drizzle ghee over it, and cover the tikka for 2 minutes.
Health Angle
Paneer Tikka is a protein‑rich starter. Grilling instead of deep frying makes it healthy. Adding veggies like capsicum, onion, and tomato increases fiber and nutrition.
Conclusion
Hotel‑style Paneer Tikka is easy to make at home and tastes just as good as the restaurant version. With the right marinade and grilling technique, you’ll have a starter that’s healthy, flavorful, and always in demand.
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