Grilled Paneer Skewers
Succulent cubes of soft paneer, crisp bell peppers, and onions are bathed in a smoky, spiced yogurt marinade and grilled to perfection. This classic appetizer, also known as Paneer Tikka, is bursting with flavor and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 15 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Paneer and Vegetables
- b.Cut the paneer, bell peppers, and onion into uniform 1-inch cubes. Separate the layers of the onion.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Make the Marinade
- b.In a small, dry pan over low heat, lightly roast the besan for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Let it cool completely.
- c.In a large mixing bowl, whisk the thick yogurt, mustard oil, grated ginger, minced garlic, and lemon juice until smooth.
- d.Add the cooled roasted besan and all the powdered spices: Kashmiri red chili powder, turmeric, coriander, cumin, and garam masala. Add the salt.
- e.Crush the kasuri methi between your palms and add it to the bowl. Whisk everything together until you have a thick, lump-free marinade.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Marinate the Paneer and Vegetables
- b.Gently add the cubed paneer, bell peppers, and onions to the marinade.
- c.Use your hands or a spatula to carefully coat everything evenly.
- d.Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Assemble and Grill the Skewers
- b.Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
- c.Thread the marinated paneer and vegetables onto the soaked skewers, alternating between them. A good pattern is bell pepper, onion, paneer, and repeat.
- d.Lightly brush the grill grates with oil to prevent sticking.
- e.Place the skewers on the hot grill and cook for 10-12 minutes, turning them every 2-3 minutes, until the paneer is golden brown and the vegetables have light char marks.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Garnish and Serve
- b.Remove the skewers from the grill onto a serving platter.
- c.Sprinkle with chaat masala, garnish with fresh chopped coriander, and serve immediately with mint chutney and lemon wedges.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the best marinade, use thick, hung curd (or Greek yogurt). If your curd is watery, hang it in a muslin cloth for 30-60 minutes to drain excess whey.
- 2Roasting the besan is a crucial step to remove its raw taste and add a nutty flavor to the marinade.
- 3Ensure your grill is properly preheated. A hot grill sears the outside of the paneer quickly, keeping it soft and moist inside.
- 4Avoid overcooking the paneer, as it can become dry and rubbery. Grill just until you see golden-brown spots and char marks.
- 5If you don't have a grill, you can cook these in a preheated oven at 200°C (400°F) for 15-20 minutes, or in an air fryer at 180°C (350°F) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- 6For a smokier flavor, you can place a small bowl with a hot piece of charcoal in the marinade bowl, drizzle with ghee, cover, and let it smoke for 5 minutes before adding the paneer.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegan
Replace paneer with firm tofu (pressed to remove water) and use a thick, plant-based yogurt for the marinade.
healthyHealthy
Reduce the oil to a minimum for brushing the grill. Serve with a large side of green salad instead of heavier accompaniments.
quickQuick
Skip the long marination. A 15-minute marination at room temperature will still give good flavor if you're short on time.
kid friendlyKid friendly
Reduce the chili powder and garam masala by half to make it less spicy. You can also add other kid-friendly veggies like cherry tomatoes or zucchini.
Why this is on our healthy list.
High in Protein
Paneer and yogurt are excellent sources of high-quality protein, which is essential for muscle repair, growth, and overall body function.
Rich in Vitamins and Minerals
Bell peppers are loaded with Vitamin C, an important antioxidant, while paneer provides a good amount of calcium for bone health.
Aids Digestion
The spices used in the marinade, such as ginger, cumin, and coriander, are known to have digestive benefits and can help stimulate metabolism.
Supports Bone Health
As a dairy product, paneer is a great source of calcium and phosphorus, both of which are crucial for maintaining strong and healthy bones.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, it can be very healthy. It's high in protein from paneer and yogurt, and packed with vitamins from the vegetables. Grilling is a low-fat cooking method. To keep it healthy, use minimal oil and serve with fresh salad.