What Is Paneer Tikka? A Spicy Grilled Indian Cheese

Paneer tikka is a popular Indian dish of marinated and grilled paneer cheese. Cubes of mild paneer cheese are marinated in a spicy yogurt sauce, then skewered and grilled until lightly charred. The result is a delicious dish bursting with flavor.

  • Paneer is a mild, soft cheese made by curdling milk with lemon juice or vinegar. It has a texture similar to tofu and absorbs flavors well.

  • The marinade typically contains yogurt or curd, spices like chili powder, garam masala, and turmeric, and aromatics such as garlic and ginger. The yogurt helps tenderize the paneer while the spices infuse it with lots of flavor.

  • Paneer tikka is usually bright red or orange in color from chili powder and turmeric. The cheese cubes are threaded onto skewers and grilled in a tandoor or over hot coals, which gives them a smoky char.

  • Paneer tikka can be served as a snack, appetizer or main dish. It is often accompanied by mint chutney, onions, lemon wedges and naan bread to soak up the flavorful marinade.

If you’ve never tried Indian grilled cheese before, paneer tikka is a delicious place to start. The combination of spicy, smoky and creamy flavors is utterly addictive. Whether cooking it yourself or ordering from an Indian takeout, your taste buds will thank you for discovering this cheesy treat. Paneer tikka brings new meaning to comfort food with an Indian twist!



How to Make the Best Paneer Tikka Marinade

To make the perfect paneer tikka marinade, you'll want to gather some essential Indian spices. The key is using the right blend and amounts to pack in lots of flavor without overpowering the subtle creamy taste of the paneer.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup yogurt or curd

  • 1 tbsp chili powder (or to taste)

  • 1 tsp garam masala

  • 1 tsp ground cumin

  • 1 tsp ground coriander

  • 1/2 tsp ground cardamom

  • 1/4 tsp ground cloves

  • 2 tbsp fresh lemon or lime juice

  • 2 tbsp grated fresh ginger

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1/4 cup chopped cilantro

  • Salt to taste



Combine all the ingredients into a smooth paste. You can use an immersion blender or food processor to blend until creamy. Add a bit of water as needed to reach your desired consistency.

Massage the marinade into 1-inch cubes of paneer and let sit for at least 2 hours or up to overnight. The longer it marinates, the more flavor it will absorb.

Skewer the marinated paneer onto bamboo sticks or metal skewers and grill over high, direct heat, turning occasionally, until lightly charred, about 10-15 minutes total. Serve hot with mint chutney or your favorite Indian sides like naan, rice, or veggies.

Your taste buds will thank you for the layers of spices in this rich, tangy marinade. Paneer tikka makes a great appetizer for any Indian meal or a unique dish to bring to your next cookout. Fire up the grill and get ready for a burst of flavor in every bite!

Grilling the Perfect Paneer Tikka - Tips and Tricks

To make the perfect paneer tikka, getting the grilling just right is key. Follow these tips to make the tastiest, most tender paneer tikka possible.

Marinate the paneer

Let the paneer marinate in the spices for at least 30 minutes to infuse it with lots of flavor. Turn the pieces occasionally so all sides are coated in the marinade. The longer it sits, the more flavor it will absorb. Don't marinate for more than 2 to 3 hours though or the texture can get mushy.

Use wooden skewers

Wooden skewers allow the paneer to get nicely charred without sticking. Soak the skewers in water for 30 minutes before threading the paneer on to prevent burning. Metal skewers conduct too much heat and the paneer can end up burnt on the outside before heating through.

Grill over high, direct heat

Get your grill as hot as possible before adding the paneer. Place the skewers over direct heat and cover with the lid. Check after 2 to 3 minutes and flip the skewers. The paneer is ready when it's lightly charred and feels firm to the touch, about 5 to 7 minutes total.

Brush with oil or butter

While the paneer is grilling, brush it with melted coconut oil, ghee or butter. This will help it get nicely browned and prevent sticking. Flip the skewers and brush the other side as well.



Don't overcrowd the grill

Don't overload the grill with too many skewers at once or the temperature will drop too much. Grill the skewers in batches if needed, keeping the lid closed as much as possible in between. Overcrowding the grill is a surefire way to end up with undercooked, pale paneer.

Serve immediately

Paneer tikka is best served immediately after grilling. The paneer will stay firm for 30 minutes or so after cooking but can get rubbery if left too long. Garnish with lemon wedges, chopped cilantro, onions and enjoy your perfect paneer tikka!

Serving Suggestions for Paneer Tikka

Paneer tikka is best served and enjoyed fresh off the grill while still hot. However, there are a few other ways you can serve this delicious Indian grilled cheese:

With rice or naan

The classic way to enjoy paneer tikka is with basmati rice, jeera rice or garlic naan to soak up the flavorful marinade. The starch helps balance out the richness of the paneer and veggies.

In a wrap or salad

For a lighter option, fill whole wheat wraps or lettuce cups with the grilled paneer, tomatoes, peppers and your favorite chutneys or dressings. The freshness of the veggies pairs perfectly with the warm, melted cheese.

As a snack

Paneer tikka also makes a great snack or appetizer. Simply spear the pieces onto toothpicks or small skewers and serve with cooling raita, mint chutney or tamarind chutney on the side for dipping.

In a curry

For extra flavor, add the grilled paneer tikka pieces to your favorite curry like butter chicken, palak paneer or korma. The smoky, charred bits of cheese add texture and richness to the saucy curries. Simmer for just a few minutes until the curry is warmed through.

With kebabs

For a heartier meal, serve the paneer tikka with your choice of kebabs like chicken tikka, seekh kebab or malai kebab and a side of masala fries. The combination of cheese and kebabs is always a winning one.

However you choose to enjoy your paneer tikka, the possibilities are endless. This versatile Indian dish is perfect for any occasion and suits any taste or diet. So fire up that grill and get cooking—your delicious, melted paneer awaits!

Paneer Tikka FAQ - Your Pressing Questions Answered

Paneer Tikka FAQ - Your Pressing Questions Answered

Paneer tikka is an Indian grilled cheese that’s irresistibly spicy and flavorful. No wonder you have so many questions about how to make it! Here are the answers to your most frequently asked paneer tikka questions:

What type of cheese is paneer?

Paneer is an Indian cottage cheese made from cow’s or buffalo’s milk. It has a mild flavor and firm, crumbly texture that holds up well to grilling. If paneer isn’t available, halloumi or extra-firm tofu can work as substitutes.

What spices are in the marinade?

The marinade usually contains a blend of chili peppers or chili powder to give paneer tikka its signature kick of heat, along with garlic, ginger, coriander, cumin, and turmeric. Yogurt helps tenderize the cheese and also balances out the spiciness. Mint or cilantro add a refreshing herbal flavor.

How long should I marinate the paneer?



For the most flavor, marinate the paneer cubes for at least 2 to 3 hours or up to overnight. Turn the pieces occasionally so they absorb the marinade evenly. If you’re short on time, 30 to 60 minutes will still impart good flavor.

What can I serve paneer tikka with?

Paneer tikka is often served as a snack or appetizer, but also pairs well with rice, naan bread, or a fresh salad. Mint chutney, mango chutney, or tomato ketchup also make great accompaniments for dipping.

Can I make paneer tikka in advance?

Yes, paneer tikka can be prepared ahead of time. Simply marinate the paneer as directed, then skewer and grill until lightly charred. Let cool, then refrigerate for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until the cheese is warmed through. Your guests will love the blend of flavors in this dish!

Conclusion

So there you have it, a recipe for the ultimate Indian grilled cheese experience. With a few simple ingredients and some patience while grilling, you’ve made yourself a batch of spicy paneer tikka that will transport your taste buds. The creamy paneer provides a perfect base for the vibrant spices and chillies to shine through. One bite of the smoky, chargrilled paneer and you’ll be planning your next dinner party just so you have an excuse to make another batch to share with friends. What are you waiting for? Fire up that grill and get ready for a flavor explosion in your mouth. Your belly will thank you, and your guests will be begging you to make this again. Spicy paneer tikka, an Indian grilled cheese perfected. You’re welcome!