A beloved dish in Indian restaurants, Chilli Paneer is the perfect blend of crisp-coated paneer tossed in a bold, garlicky, peppery sauce. Whether you serve it dry as a starter or with gravy as a main course, its irresistible flavors will leave everyone craving more!
Ingredients (Serves 2-3)
For the Paneer:
- 250g paneer, cut into diamond-shaped or cube pieces
- Salt to taste
- Pinch of black pepper powder
- 3 tbsp cornflour (divided, for coating)
- Splash of water (helps cornflour bind well)
- Oil, for frying
For the Chilli Sauce:
- 1 tbsp oil
- 2 tbsp finely chopped onion
- 4 tbsp finely chopped garlic (adds strong flavor)
- 1 tbsp finely chopped ginger
- 1 tsp green chili paste (adjust to spice preference)
- 2-3 slit green chilies
- 1 tbsp chopped coriander stems
- 200ml hot water or vegetable stock
- 2 tsp dark soy sauce
- 1 tbsp light soy sauce
- 1 tsp vinegar
- Pinch of white pepper powder
- Salt to taste (use carefully; soy sauce adds saltiness)
For Tossing & Garnish:
- ½ onion, cut into petals
- 1 diced capsicum
- 2 tbsp spring onion bulbs
- 2 tbsp chopped coriander leaves
- Spring onion greens (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Coat & Fry the Paneer
I. Cut paneer into diamond-shaped or cubes.
II. In a bowl, mix salt, black pepper, and 2 tbsp cornflour. Toss to coat the paneer.
III. Sprinkle some water, then add remaining 1 tbsp cornflour, tossing again for a thin coating.
IV. Heat oil to 170°C and fry paneer on high flame until light golden brown.
V. Remove and drain excess oil.
2. Prepare the Sauce
I. Heat 1 tbsp oil in a wok.
II. Add onions, garlic, ginger, green chilies, and coriander stems. Stir-fry on high flame for 1-2 minutes.
III. Pour in hot water or vegetable stock, followed by soy sauces, vinegar, white pepper, and salt.
IV. Mix cornflour slurry (1 tbsp cornflour + 2 tbsp water) and slowly add it to thicken the sauce.
3. Toss Everything Together
I. Add fried paneer, onion petals, capsicum, spring onion bulbs, and chopped coriander.
II. Toss quickly on high flame for 1 minute.
III. Garnish with spring onion greens and serve hot!
Variations
- Make it Gravy-style: Add extra stock and more cornflour slurry, and serve with fried rice or noodles.
- Spicier Version: Increase green chilies and black pepper.
- Crispy Paneer: Use air-fried or shallow-fried paneer for a healthier alternative.