Paneer Tikka Masala
Craving Curry? Let's Make Some Magic!
Fancy a taste of India, mate? Ever wondered how to make that amazing paneer tikka masala you get at your favorite restaurant? Well, grab your apron.
We're about to dive in. It’s easier than you think! This dish is bursting with creamy, tomatoey, and subtly spicy flavors.
Honestly, your taste buds will thank you.
What's the Story with Tikka Masala Anyway?
While technically a British Indian creation, paneer tikka masala borrows heavily from Indian paneer dishes . It's a celebration of vibrant spices and creamy textures.
Don't be intimidated. Our easy paneer tikka masala recipe is designed for all skill levels. This recipe yields four servings.
It will take you just over an hour from start to finish.
Why This Recipe Rocks (Besides the Taste, Obvs)
This masala paneer recipe is packed with protein thanks to the paneer. The tomato based sauce provides a good dose of vitamins.
Homemade paneer tikka masala is perfect for a cozy night in. It's impressive enough for a dinner party. What makes it truly special is the balance of flavors.
The creamy tomato sauce is perfect to scoop up some naan bread!
Ready to gather your ingredients for this Authentic Paneer Tikka Masala ? Let's go!
Ingredients & Equipment
Right, let's dive into what you'll need for a fantastic paneer tikka masala . Honestly, it's easier than you think! It is one of the best Indian Meal Recipes you can find.
I've been making it for ages, and I've tweaked it over time. This version is my go-to, especially when I am craving the Indian Paneer Dishes .
Main Ingredients
First, the stars of the show. We want Indian Paneer that is good
Paneer: 1 pound (450g) cut into 1 inch cubes. Look for paneer that's firm. Avoid anything slimy. Trust me on this one!
Yogurt: 1 cup (240ml) plain, full fat or Greek. This makes the paneer super tender!
Ginger Garlic Paste: 1 tablespoon (15ml) . Fresh is best but pre-made works in a pinch.
Lemon Juice: 1 tablespoon (15ml) . Adds a bit of zing.
Garam Masala: 1 teaspoon (5ml) . The backbone of the flavour. It is the magic for any Masala Paneer Recipe .
Turmeric Powder: 1 teaspoon (5ml) . For that lovely colour and earthy taste.
Red Chili Powder: 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) (adjust to your liking). Spice it up or keep it mild.
Salt: 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) . Seasoning is key!
Oil or Ghee: 1 tablespoon (15ml) (for marinade), 2 tablespoons (30ml) (for sauce). Ghee adds richness, but oil works too.
Onion: 1 medium , finely chopped.
Bell Pepper: 1 green , chopped (optional). I love the crunch!
Crushed Tomatoes: 1 (28 ounce/794g) can .
Heavy Cream: 1 cup (240ml) (or coconut cream for dairy-free). This is for that Creamy Tomato Paneer Curry we all love.
Water or Broth: 1/2 cup (120ml) .
Sugar: 1 tablespoon (15ml) (optional, to balance acidity).
Cilantro: Fresh, chopped, for garnish.
Seasoning Notes
Spices are what make this Authentic Paneer Tikka Masala sing! Don't be afraid to experiment a bit.
- Garam Masala + Turmeric + Cumin + Coriander: The classic combo.
- Ginger Garlic Paste: Seriously, don't skip this.
- No Garam Masala? Use equal parts coriander, cumin, cardamom, black pepper, and cinnamon.
Equipment Needed
You don't need fancy stuff! This Easy Paneer Tikka Masala Recipe is all about keeping it simple.
- Mixing bowls and whisk.
- Grill pan or skillet. A frying pan works fine!
- Large pot or Dutch oven.
- Tongs or spatula.
Unleashing the Magic: Perfecting the Paneer Tikka Masala Cooking Method
Alright, let's talk about the real deal: cooking Paneer Tikka Masala . It's not just chucking stuff in a pot. Trust me; I've had my fair share of kitchen disasters.
This Indian Paneer dish, when done right, is pure magic!
Prep Like a Pro: Your Mise en Place Matters
Before we even think about lighting the hob, get your stuff together. Chop your onions, measure your spices. It saves a world of stress.
Seriously, that's essential mise en place. Plus, it makes you feel like a proper chef. Time saving tip? Pre-chop your veggies the night before! Just keep them in the fridge, obviously.
Cooking Paneer Tikka Masala: Step by Delicious Step
Here is how you can make this awesome Indian Meal Recipes for your family or friends:
- Marinate the paneer in yogurt and spices for at least 20 minutes .
- Grill or pan-fry the paneer until lightly browned. About 5 to 7 minutes works, depending on your heat.
- Sauté onions and optional bell pepper until soft.
- Add your ginger garlic paste and dry spices. Cook for 1 minute , stirring constantly. Don't burn them.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, water, and sugar (if using). Simmer for 15 minutes .
- Add cream and salt. Simmer 5 more minutes .
- Gently stir in the paneer. Cook for 5 minutes .
- Garnish with cilantro and serve this Recipe With Paneer hot.
Pro Tips for Restaurant Style Paneer Tikka Masala
Want that restaurant quality taste at home? Here are the tips for delicious and Authentic Paneer Tikka Masala :
- Don't over marinate . This is because Paneer becomes crumbly. Trust me, I learned this the hard way.
- Fresh spices are key! They make all the difference.
- You can actually make the sauce ahead of time and keep it in the fridge. This will save you time the next day.
The secret to amazing Paneer Tikka Masala lies in the sauce. Remember to simmer gently, not boil. You want a rich, Creamy Tomato Paneer Curry , not a watery mess.
And honestly, don’t skimp on the cream. You deserve it. This Easy Paneer Tikka Masala Recipe deserves all the love.
I hope you have fun cooking! A little bit of effort turns out great with this Masala Paneer Recipe ! I hope I could give you ideas for your own Homemade Paneer Tikka Masala .
Recipe Notes: Cracking the Code to Perfect Paneer Tikka Masala
So, you're about to dive into making Paneer Tikka Masala ? Fantastic! I am excited you are trying this Indian Meal Recipes .
Honestly, this recipe is a belter. Here are a few extra bits and bobs to keep in mind for the best Homemade Paneer Tikka Masala experience.
Presentation Power: Plating like a Pro
Alright, first impressions matter! For plating, pile that gorgeous Creamy Tomato Paneer Curry into a bowl. Sprinkle fresh coriander on top.
Serve it with a side of fluffy basmati rice or warm naan bread. I like to add a dollop of yogurt on top.
Makes it look proper fancy, you know?
And drinks? A chilled glass of mango lassi would be smashing with this! Or even a simple sparkling water with a slice of lime.
Storage Savvy: Keeping it Fresh
Got leftovers? Lucky you! To store, let the Masala Paneer Recipe cool down completely. Then, pop it into an airtight container.
It'll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. Honestly, it tastes even better the next day because the flavours have had time to meld.
You can freeze it too! Just be aware that the sauce might separate a bit when you defrost it. Stir it well when reheating.
For reheating, microwave works. You can also heat it up gently in a saucepan on the hob.
Mix it Up: Variations on a Theme
Fancy a change? You can totally adapt this Indian Paneer Dishes . For a dairy-free version, swap the yogurt and cream for coconut yogurt and cream. Works a treat.
Or, chuck in some extra veggies! Cauliflower, potatoes, or even mushrooms would be lovely. Use seasonal ingredients for extra flavour.
Nutrition Nuggets: Goodness in Every Bite
Paneer Tikka Masala is not only delicious but also pretty good for you. It's packed with protein from the paneer and fibre from the tomatoes.
Plus, all those spices have amazing health benefits. Turmeric, for example, is a powerful anti inflammatory. Each serving has around 450-550 calories, so keep that in mind.
Right then, you're all set! Give this Easy Paneer Tikka Masala Recipe a go. I'm sure you'll nail it. Don't be afraid to experiment a bit and make it your own! You are making Authentic Paneer Tikka Masala .
Now go have fun in the kitchen! You are going to have Restaurant Style Paneer Tikka Masala at your home. The next time you think about Recipe With Paneer , come back to this Recipe Notes to remember the details.
I know these Indian Paneer tips will help you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make paneer tikka masala ahead of time? I'm planning a dinner party, you see.
Absolutely! The sauce for paneer tikka masala can be made a day or two in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just add the paneer right before serving to prevent it from getting soggy. It is quite like batch cooking gravy on boxing day to save time!
How can I make my paneer tikka masala even creamier? Mine sometimes turns out a bit thin.
For a richer, creamier paneer tikka masala, try adding a tablespoon or two of cashew paste to the sauce while it's simmering. You can also use full fat cream or even a dollop of Greek yogurt at the end for extra richness. Make sure to simmer gently and not boil, as boiling can cause the sauce to split!
What's the best way to store leftover paneer tikka masala? Will it still taste good the next day?
Leftover paneer tikka masala can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually meld together even more overnight, so it often tastes even better the next day! When reheating, do so gently over low heat, adding a splash of water or milk if needed to loosen the sauce.
Avoid microwaving if you want to maintain the paneer's texture.
I'm not a big fan of spicy food. How can I reduce the heat in this paneer tikka masala recipe?
No worries, mate! You can easily reduce the heat in your paneer tikka masala by using less red chili powder or omitting it altogether. You can also remove the seeds from any fresh chili you might be using. A dollop of yogurt or cream at the end can also help to mellow out the spice.
Is there a good vegetarian substitute for paneer in paneer tikka masala?
If you're looking for a paneer substitute in your tikka masala, tofu is an excellent choice. Use extra firm tofu and press out as much water as possible before marinating and cooking it.
Other good options include halloumi (which doesn't melt!), or even mixed vegetables like cauliflower, bell peppers, and potatoes for a veggie packed version. It is a perfect way to ensure your vegan and vegetarian friends can enjoy a great meal with you.
How can I grill the paneer for my paneer tikka masala if I don't have a grill?
No grill, no problem! You can easily pan-fry the marinated paneer in a skillet over medium high heat until it's lightly browned on all sides. Alternatively, you can bake it in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Another option is to use your oven's broiler, keeping a close eye to prevent burning. Regardless, you'll get a tasty result! The charred flavour of the Paneer really adds character to the dish.
Paneer Tikka Masala
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 450-550 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 30-40g |
| Fiber | 3-5g |
