Dragon Paneer
Crispy fried paneer cubes tossed in a fiery, tangy, and slightly sweet sauce with crunchy cashews and bell peppers. This popular Indo-Chinese appetizer is a flavor explosion that's impossible to resist.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 20 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Paneer Batter
- b.In a mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, 9 tsp (3 tbsp) of cornflour, ginger garlic paste, Kashmiri red chilli powder, black pepper powder, and 0.5 tsp of salt.
- c.Gradually add about 6 tbsp of water, whisking continuously to form a smooth, thick batter. The consistency should be like pancake batter, thick enough to coat the paneer cubes without being runny.
- d.Add the paneer cubes to the batter and toss gently until each piece is evenly coated.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Fry the Paneer
- b.Heat 2 cups of oil in a wok or deep pan over medium-high heat. The oil is ready when a small drop of batter sizzles and rises to the surface immediately.
- c.Carefully slide the battered paneer cubes into the hot oil one by one, ensuring they don't stick together. Do not overcrowd the pan; fry in 2-3 batches.
- d.Fry for 3-4 minutes, turning occasionally, until the paneer is golden brown and crispy on all sides.
- e.Using a slotted spoon, remove the fried paneer and drain on a wire rack or a plate lined with paper towels. Set aside.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Sauté Aromatics and Vegetables
- b.Heat 2 tbsp of oil in a separate large wok or pan over high heat.
- c.Once the oil is shimmering, add the chopped garlic, ginger, and slit green chillies. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- d.Add the cashews and sauté for another 30-45 seconds until they turn a light golden color.
- e.Add the cubed onion and capsicum. Continue to stir-fry on high heat for 2-3 minutes. The vegetables should be slightly tender but still retain a distinct crunch.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Prepare and Add the Sauce
- b.Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the light soy sauce, red chilli sauce, tomato ketchup, rice vinegar, sugar, and the remaining 0.25 tsp of salt. Stir well to combine everything.
- c.In a small bowl, mix the remaining 1 tsp of cornflour with 2 tbsp of water to create a lump-free slurry.
- d.Pour the cornflour slurry into the wok, stirring continuously. Cook for about 1 minute until the sauce thickens slightly and becomes glossy.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Combine and Serve
- b.Add the crispy fried paneer cubes to the wok with the thickened sauce.
- c.Increase the heat to high and toss everything gently for 30-60 seconds, ensuring the paneer is evenly coated with the sauce.
- d.Turn off the heat immediately to prevent the paneer from becoming soggy. Garnish with freshly chopped spring onion greens.
- e.Serve hot as an appetizer or a side dish.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the crispiest paneer, use firm, low-moisture paneer. You can press it under a heavy weight for 20 minutes to remove excess water.
- 2Ensure your wok is very hot before you start stir-frying the vegetables. This high heat is key to achieving the characteristic 'wok hei' flavor and keeping the veggies crisp.
- 3Have all your ingredients chopped and sauces measured before you start cooking. Indo-Chinese cooking is very fast-paced.
- 4To prevent the paneer from losing its crispiness, toss it in the sauce just before you are ready to serve.
- 5Adjust the amount of red chilli sauce and green chillies to match your preferred spice level.
- 6For a deeper red color without extra heat, you can add a pinch of food-grade red color or a bit more Kashmiri red chilli powder to the sauce.
Adapt it for your goals.
Protein Swap
Replace paneer with firm tofu (pressed well), mushrooms, or boneless chicken pieces for a different take on the dish.
Healthier VersionHealthier Version
Instead of deep-frying, coat the paneer in the batter and bake at 200°C (400°F) for 15-20 minutes or air fry until golden and crisp.
Add Nuts & SeedsAdd Nuts & Seeds
Along with cashews, you can add a tablespoon of toasted sesame seeds or peanuts for extra crunch and flavor.
Sweeter TangSweeter Tang
For a sweet and sour profile, add 1-2 tablespoons of pineapple juice or a few chunks of pineapple to the sauce.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Protein
Paneer is an excellent source of high-quality protein, which is crucial for muscle building, tissue repair, and overall body function.
Source of Calcium
As a dairy product, paneer provides a good amount of calcium, essential for maintaining strong bones and healthy teeth.
Energy Boosting
The combination of protein from paneer, carbohydrates from the batter, and healthy fats from cashews provides a significant and sustained energy boost.
Contains Healthy Fats
Cashews contribute monounsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health and can help in managing cholesterol levels.
Frequently asked questions
One serving of Dragon Paneer contains approximately 490-520 calories. The exact number can vary based on the amount of oil absorbed during frying and the specific brands of sauces used.