Paneer Tikka Recipe - Smoky Restaurant Style with Tandoori Masala

Paneer Tikka is India's favorite vegetarian appetizer! Marinated paneer cubes grilled to perfection with a smoky flavor. This restaurant-style recipe uses our Weekend Cooking Combo's Tandoori Masala for authentic taste. Perfect for parties, BBQs, or as a starter!

Ingredients

For the Marinade:

• 400g paneer (cut into cubes)
• 1 cup thick yogurt (hung curd)
• 2 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
• 2 tbsp Tandoori Masala from Phoran Weekend Cooking Combo
• 1 tsp Phoran Premium Turmeric Powder
• 1 tsp red chili powder
• 1 tsp garam masala
• 1 tsp chaat masala
• 2 tbsp gram flour (besan) - roasted
• 2 tbsp mustard oil or cooking oil
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• Salt to taste

For Grilling:

• 1 large capsicum (cubed)
• 1 large onion (cubed)
• 1 large tomato (cubed)
• Oil for brushing
• Butter for basting
• Charcoal for smoking (optional)

For Serving:

• Mint chutney
• Lemon wedges
• Onion rings
• Chat masala for sprinkling

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Paneer

Cut paneer into 1.5-inch cubes. If using store-bought paneer, soak in warm water for 10 minutes to soften. Pat dry completely before marinating.

Step 2: Make the Marinade

In a large bowl, whisk thick yogurt until smooth. Add ginger-garlic paste, Tandoori Masala from our Weekend Cooking Combo, Phoran Turmeric, red chili powder, garam masala, chaat masala, roasted gram flour, oil, lemon juice, and salt. Mix well to form a smooth, thick marinade.

Step 3: Marinate

Add paneer cubes to the marinade. Gently coat each piece. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (overnight is best for maximum flavor). The longer it marinates, the better it tastes!

Step 4: Prepare Vegetables

Cut capsicum, onion, and tomato into similar-sized cubes as paneer. You can lightly marinate them too for extra flavor.

Step 5: Skewer

Thread marinated paneer, capsicum, onion, and tomato alternately on skewers. Leave small gaps between pieces for even cooking.

Step 6: Grill/Cook

Oven Method: Preheat oven to 200°C. Place skewers on a baking tray. Brush with oil. Grill for 15-20 minutes, turning once halfway. Baste with butter.
Stovetop Method: Heat a grill pan. Cook skewers on medium-high heat, turning frequently until charred spots appear (12-15 minutes).
Tandoor/BBQ: Grill over charcoal for authentic smoky flavor (10-12 minutes).

Step 7: Add Smoky Flavor (Optional but Recommended)

Heat a small piece of charcoal until red hot. Place in a small bowl, put the bowl in the center of your paneer tikka dish. Add 1 tsp ghee on the charcoal and immediately cover with a lid. Let it smoke for 2-3 minutes. This gives restaurant-style smoky flavor!

Step 8: Serve

Remove from skewers or serve on skewers. Sprinkle chat masala, drizzle lemon juice, and serve hot with mint chutney and onion rings!

Pro Tips for Perfect Paneer Tikka

• Use Phoran Weekend Cooking Combo - Our hand-blended Tandoori Masala has the perfect spice balance
• Premium Turmeric matters - Phoran Turmeric with high curcumin adds color and health benefits
• Hung curd is essential - Thick yogurt prevents watery marinade
• Roast the gram flour - Raw besan tastes bitter
• Don't skip marination time - Minimum 2 hours for flavor penetration
• High heat for charring - Creates those delicious charred spots
• Smoking technique - Game-changer for authentic tandoor flavor

Why Phoran Weekend Cooking Combo?

Our Weekend Cooking Combo includes authentic Tandoori Masala hand-blended by Deepa Shah. It contains the perfect ratio of spices including kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves) which gives that signature tandoori aroma. No need to buy 10 different spices - we've done the work for you!

Health Benefits

This recipe uses Phoran Premium Turmeric with 3-5% curcumin content, providing anti-inflammatory benefits. Paneer is rich in protein and calcium, making this a nutritious appetizer!

Variations

Achari Paneer Tikka: Add pickle masala to marinade
Malai Paneer Tikka: Add cream and reduce spices for milder version
Hariyali Paneer Tikka: Add mint-coriander paste for green tikka
Afghani Paneer Tikka: Use white pepper and cream for pale color

Complete Your Meal

Pair your Paneer Tikka with other Phoran recipes:
- Make Biryani with our Complete Biryani Spice Kit
- Try our authentic Panch Phoran for Bengali dal
- Explore our Indian Spice Starter Kit for more cooking adventures

Serving Ideas

As Appetizer: Serve on skewers with chutney
In Wraps: Make paneer tikka rolls with roti
With Rice: Serve over jeera rice or biryani
In Gravy: Make paneer tikka masala by adding to tomato gravy

Prep Time: 20 minutes + 2 hours marination
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
Serves: 4 people
Difficulty: Easy

This Paneer Tikka is guaranteed to be a hit! Order the Phoran Weekend Cooking Combo for authentic Tandoori Masala and other street food favorites. Also check out our Premium Turmeric for the best color and health benefits!