Chilli Paneer (Recipe with Video)

Chilli paneer - Nothing is better than crispy paneer cubes coated in sweet and spicy sauce. Ideal as a starter or side dish, this stir fry is a classic Indo-Chinese favorite. And the very delicious way to start any meal. 

When it comes to the traditional flavors of Indo- Chinese cuisine, sweet and spicy is the way to go. The magic of Indo-Chinese dishes totally relies on the perfect balance of these two contrasting flavors. Sweet and spicy. Honestly, this is such an exciting and super delicious flavor combo.

This chilli paneer is one of those appetizers that brings you the tantalizing flavors of Indo-Chinese cuisine. Without a doubt, the whole family is going to love it. In fact, this is one of the best appetizers I've ever made. 

The perfect batter makes the paneer cubes quite crispy on the outside. The contrasting textures of crispy outside and soft inside literally makes this a winner. All purpose (plain) flour and cornflour gets mixed up with a little water to create a smooth batter. Remember smooth batter is key here to create that even coating of paneer. 

Again, as you know, I love homemade paneer. I think fresh paneer always deliver the very authentic taste. (Click here to get the recipe for homemade paneer). However, homemade or store bought - it's totally your choice. 

Once the paneer cubes are coated in the batter, these get fried until crisp and lightly browned.  I shallow fried the paneer cubes which means "much healthier " compared to the deep fried version. 

And the best part of this chilli paneer? The sweet and spicy sauce. Start by tempering ginger and garlic in hot oil, and then stir fry spring onions and bell peppers (capsicums). Now comes the sweet and spicy touch. Tomato sauce, soy sauce and chilli sauce. Give a quick stir fry, and toss the fried paneer cubes. 

Well, that's it! Paneer in sweet and spicy sauce. One quick tip - toss paneer in the sauce just before serving. That way, paneer will stay crisp and perfect.

Yield: 2

Chilli Paneer (Recipe with Video)

Print

Indo-Chinese style stir fry featuring crispy paneer coated in a lip-smacking sweet and spicy sauce

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes

Total Time 25 minutes

Ingredients

Batter:

• 2 tablespoon cornflour
• 1 teaspoon all purpose (plain) flour
• Salt to taste

Chilli paneer:

• 250 g paneer, cut into cubes
• 1 tablespoon oil
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic (garlic paste)
• 1 tablespoon minced ginger (ginger paste)
• ¼ cup slices bell peppers (capsicum)
• ¼ cup sliced spring onions
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 tablespoon tomato sauce
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• ½ tablespoon chilli sauce ( depending on your taste)
• 1 teaspoon white vinegar
• Oil for frying
• Chopped spring onions, to garnish

Instructions

1. Place all purpose (plain) flour and cornflour in a large bowl. Season with salt. Add water little by little to make smooth batter. Add paneer cubes. Toss to coat.
2. Meanwhile heat a little oil in a pan. Add paneer cubes. Fry, turning occasionally, until crispy and lightly browned on all sides. Drain on an absorbent towel. Set aside.
3. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large frying pan over medium- high heat. Add ginger and garlic. Stir fry for a minute. Add bell peppers (capsicum), spring onions and small onions. Stir fry for 1 minute or until tender. Stir in tomato sauce, soy sauce, chilli sauce and vinegar. Stir fry for few seconds. Add paneer, and toss to coat. Garnish with more spring onions.

Notes

- If you want to make sauce or gravy for this chilli paneer, combine together 1 tablespoon cornflour and 1 cup water, and add it to paneer. Bring to a boil, and simmer for few minutes
- Serve this as a starter or with rice and noodles

Nutrition Information

Yield

2

Serving Size

1
Amount Per Serving Calories 549Total Fat 44gSaturated Fat 17gTrans Fat 1gUnsaturated Fat 21gCholesterol 86mgSodium 800mgCarbohydrates 15gFiber 2gSugar 8gProtein 25g

 Like this chilli paneer recipe? Then join Nish Kitchen on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram or YouTube. Also, check out:

• How to Make Paneer
• Spicy Paneer Sandwich
• Tandoori Paneer Quesadilla
• Paneer Wrap / Paneer Kathi Roll