Chilli Paneer Gravy
Tender paneer cubes tossed in a spicy, savory, and slightly sweet gravy with crunchy onions and bell peppers. A popular Indo-Chinese dish that's a perfect side for fried rice or noodles.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 25 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare and Fry the Paneer
- b.In a mixing bowl, combine 3 tbsp cornflour, 1 tbsp all-purpose flour, ginger-garlic paste, 0.5 tsp black pepper, and 0.25 tsp salt.
- c.Gradually add about 3-4 tbsp of water, whisking to form a smooth, lump-free batter with a medium-thick consistency, similar to a pancake batter.
- d.Add the paneer cubes and gently toss to coat them evenly.
- e.Heat 4 tbsp of oil in a wok or pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully add the coated paneer cubes in a single layer. Do not overcrowd the pan; fry in batches if necessary.
- f.Fry for 3-4 minutes, turning occasionally, until all sides are golden brown and crisp.
- g.Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside on a plate.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Sauté Aromatics and Vegetables
- b.In the same wok, add the remaining 2 tbsp of oil if needed. Keep the heat on high.
- c.Add the chopped ginger, garlic, and slit green chillies. Sauté for 30-40 seconds until fragrant.
- d.Add the cubed onion and capsicum. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes. The vegetables should be tender yet crunchy.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Create the Gravy
- b.Reduce the heat to medium. Add the soy sauce, red chilli sauce, tomato ketchup, and rice vinegar. Stir well to combine.
- c.Add the remaining 0.5 tsp salt, 0.5 tsp black pepper powder, and sugar. Mix everything together.
- d.Pour in 1.5 cups of water and bring the mixture to a rolling boil.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Thicken the Gravy
- b.In a small bowl, mix the remaining 1 tbsp of cornflour with 1/4 cup of water to create a smooth, lump-free slurry.
- c.While stirring the boiling gravy continuously, slowly pour in the cornflour slurry.
- d.Continue to cook and stir for 1-2 minutes until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Combine and Serve
- b.Add the fried paneer cubes to the thickened gravy.
- c.Gently toss to coat the paneer completely. Let it simmer for just 1 minute so the paneer absorbs the flavors without becoming soggy.
- d.Turn off the heat, garnish with chopped spring onion greens, and serve immediately with fried rice or noodles.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For softer paneer, soak the cubes in warm salted water for 15 minutes before using, then pat dry.
- 2The key to authentic Indo-Chinese cooking is high heat and quick cooking to keep the vegetables crisp.
- 3Do not over-fry the paneer, as it can become hard and chewy.
- 4Always add the cornflour slurry while stirring the gravy to prevent lumps from forming.
- 5Adjust the sauces (soy, chilli, ketchup) to your personal taste for a perfect balance of spicy, sweet, and savory.
- 6Serve immediately to enjoy the best texture contrast between the crisp paneer and the smooth gravy.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegan
Replace paneer with 250g of extra-firm tofu. Press the tofu for 30 minutes to remove excess water before cubing and frying.
Dry VersionDry Version
To make Chilli Paneer Dry, reduce the water for the gravy to 1/4 cup and use only 1/2 tbsp of cornflour for the slurry. This creates a thick sauce that just coats the ingredients.
HealthierHealthier
Instead of frying, pan-sear the coated paneer cubes with 1 tbsp of oil until golden, or cook them in an air fryer at 200°C (400°F) for 8-10 minutes.
Extra VeggiesExtra Veggies
Add other vegetables like sliced mushrooms, baby corn, or different colored bell peppers along with the onions and capsicum.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Protein
Paneer is an excellent source of complete protein, which is essential for muscle repair, cell growth, and maintaining overall body function.
Source of Calcium
As a dairy product, paneer provides a good amount of calcium, which is vital for maintaining strong bones and teeth.
Rich in Antioxidants
Bell peppers, ginger, and garlic are packed with powerful antioxidants that help protect your body against damage from harmful free radicals.
Metabolism Boost
The capsaicin found in green chillies can provide a temporary boost to your metabolism, aiding in calorie burning.
Frequently asked questions
One serving of Chilli Paneer Gravy contains approximately 380-450 calories, depending on the amount of oil used for frying and the specific brands of sauces.