Craving restaurant-style chilli paneer but want to make it at home? This popular Indo-Chinese dish combines crispy paneer cubes with crunchy capsicum, onions, garlic and a spicy, tangy sauce. It works as a starter for parties or as a side dish with fried rice and noodles..The best part is that you can prepare it in your own kitchen without complicated ingredients. Follow this easy recipe for delicious chilli paneer with a glossy restaurant-style coating..
Ingredients
For the paneer:-
- 250 g paneer, cut into cubes
- 3 tablespoons cornflour
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
- Water, as needed
- Oil for shallow-frying
For the sauce:
- 1 medium onion, cut into cubes
- 1 capsicum, cut into cubes
- 1 tablespoon chopped garlic
- 1 teaspoon chopped ginger
- 1–2 green chillies, chopped
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon red chilli sauce
- 1 tablespoon tomato ketchup
- 1 teaspoon vinegar
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2–3 tablespoons water
- 1 tablespoon spring onion greens, chopped
How to Make Chilli Paneer
Step 1: Prepare the paneer
In a bowl, mix cornflour, all-purpose flour, salt, black pepper and enough water to make a thick coating. Add the paneer cubes and gently coat them without breaking the pieces..
Step 2: Fry until crispy
Heat oil in a pan and shallow-fry the coated paneer cubes until golden and crisp on the outside. Remove them and place them on a plate..
Step 3: Prepare the vegetables
Heat a little oil in a wok or pan. Add chopped garlic, ginger and green chillies. Sauté briefly, then add the onion and capsicum. Cook on high heat for 2–3 minutes so the vegetables remain slightly crunchy..
Step 4: Make the chilli sauce
Add soy sauce, red chilli sauce, tomato ketchup, vinegar, black pepper and a little water. Mix well and cook for about a minute. Taste the sauce before adding extra salt because soy sauce already contains salt..
Step 5: Toss everything together
Add the fried paneer cubes and toss gently until they are coated with the sauce. Cook for another minute, then garnish with chopped spring onion greens..Your restaurant-style chilli paneer is ready to serve!
Tips for Perfect Chilli Paneer
- Use firm paneer so the cubes hold their shape while frying.
- Keep the capsicum and onions slightly crunchy for the best texture.
- Add the paneer just before serving to help it stay crisp.
- For a healthier version, use an air fryer or bake the coated paneer instead of deep-frying.
- For dry chilli paneer, use less water. For gravy chilli paneer, add more water mixed with a little cornflour slurry and simmer until the sauce thickens..
What Can You Serve With Chilli Paneer?
Chilli paneer tastes delicious with vegetable fried rice, Hakka noodles or as a standalone starter. For a complete Indo-Chinese meal, serve it alongside hot noodles and a fresh salad..
