Chilli Paneer Recipe – A Flavorful and Spicy Indo-Chinese Delight

Chilli Paneer is a popular Indo-Chinese appetizer made with crispy fried paneer cubes tossed in a spicy, tangy sauce with bell peppers, onions, and green chilies. It’s perfect as a starter or side dish when paired with fried rice or noodles.

Ingredients

For the Paneer:

• Paneer (cubed): 250g

• Cornflour: 2 tbsp

• All-purpose flour (maida): 2 tbsp

• Rice flour: 1 tbsp

• Red chili powder: 1 tsp

• Ginger-garlic paste: 1 tsp

• Salt: to taste

• Water: as required

• Oil: for frying

For the Chilli Paneer Gravy:

• Oil: 2 tbsp

• Onion (chopped): 1 medium

• Capsicum (bell pepper, chopped): 1 medium

• Green chilies: 3-4 (slit or chopped)

• Ginger-garlic paste: 1 tbsp

• Soy sauce: 1 tbsp

• Tomato ketchup: 1 tbsp

• Vinegar: 1 tsp

• Red chili sauce: 1 tbsp (adjust to spice level)

• Green onions: for garnish

• Salt: to taste

• Water: 1/2 cup (for gravy)

• Cornflour: 1 tsp (mixed with 1/4 cup water to make a slurry)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Fry the Paneer

1. Ingredients

   :

   • 250g paneer cubes

   • 2 tbsp cornflour

   • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (maida)

   • 1 tbsp rice flour

   • 1 tsp red chili powder

   • 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste

   • Salt to taste

   • Water (as required)

2. Process:

   1. In a bowl, mix cornflour, all-purpose flour, rice flour, red chili powder, ginger-garlic paste, and salt.

   2. Add water gradually to form a thick batter.

   3. Coat the paneer cubes in the batter and deep-fry them in hot oil until golden and crispy. Remove and drain excess oil on paper towels.

   4. Tip: Ensure the oil is hot enough for frying to make the paneer crispy.

Step 2: Prepare the Chilli Paneer Gravy

1. Ingredients

   :

   • 2 tbsp oil

   • 1 medium onion (chopped)

   • 1 medium capsicum (chopped)

   • 3-4 green chilies (slit or chopped)

   • 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste

   • 1 tbsp soy sauce

   • 1 tbsp tomato ketchup

   • 1 tsp vinegar

   • 1 tbsp red chili sauce (adjust to spice level)

   • Salt to taste

   • 1/2 cup water

   • 1 tsp cornflour (mixed with 1/4 cup water to make a slurry)

2. Process:

   1. Heat 2 tbsp oil in a pan or wok over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté for a minute until they become translucent.

   2. Add chopped capsicum and green chilies. Stir-fry for 2 minutes.

   3. Add ginger-garlic paste and sauté until fragrant.

   4. Stir in soy sauce, tomato ketchup, red chili sauce, and vinegar. Cook for 1-2 minutes.

   5. Add 1/2 cup water and bring the mixture to a boil.

   6. Add the cornflour slurry to the pan to thicken the gravy. Stir well and cook for 1-2 minutes until the sauce coats the vegetables.

   7. Tip: If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can add a little more cornflour slurry

Step 3: Combine Paneer and Gravy

1. Process:

   1. Add the crispy fried paneer cubes to the prepared gravy. Toss gently to coat the paneer in the sauce.

   2. Cook for another 2-3 minutes so the paneer absorbs the flavors of the gravy.

   3. Tip: Don’t cook the paneer too long in the gravy to keep it crispy.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

1. Garnishing

   :

   • Green onions (for garnish)

2. Process

   :

   1. Garnish the Chilli Paneer with chopped green onions.

   2. Serve hot with fried rice, steamed rice, or noodles.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

1. Frying Paneer:

   • Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying the paneer cubes to make them crispy.

   • Use a non-stick pan or wok for frying to avoid sticking.

2. Adjust Spice Levels:

   • Adjust the amount of red chili sauce and green chilies depending on your desired spice level.

   • For a milder version, use less chili sauce and omit the green chilies.

3. For Crispy Paneer:

   • Coat the paneer cubes evenly in the batter and fry them until they are crispy. This will help them retain their crunch even after being added to the sauce.

MORE RECIPE

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2 Paneer Tikka Masala

3 Bhindi Masala Recipe

4 Baingan Bharta Recipe 

5 Aloo Paratha Recipe