Paneer Satay
Tender paneer cubes and colorful vegetables marinated in a rich, aromatic Southeast Asian peanut sauce, then grilled to perfection. This vegetarian appetizer is a delightful fusion of flavors, perfect for parties or as a flavorful snack.
For 4 servings
6 steps. 15 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare Skewers and Vegetables
- b.If using bamboo skewers, soak at least 12 of them in water for 30 minutes to prevent them from burning during grilling.
- c.While the skewers soak, chop the paneer, red bell pepper, and red onion into uniform 1-inch pieces.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Make the Peanut Sauce
- b.In a blender or a medium bowl, combine the peanut butter, coconut milk, tamari, lime juice, maple syrup, ginger paste, garlic paste, lemongrass paste, turmeric powder, coriander powder, and red chili paste.
- c.Blend or whisk until completely smooth. Add 1-2 tablespoons of water if the sauce is too thick; it should be the consistency of a thick dressing.
- d.Pour about one-third of the sauce into a small bowl, cover, and set aside in the refrigerator. This will be your dipping sauce.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Marinate the Paneer and Vegetables
- b.In a large bowl, add the paneer cubes, bell pepper squares, and onion pieces.
- c.Pour the remaining two-thirds of the peanut sauce over them.
- d.Gently toss everything together until the paneer and vegetables are evenly coated. Let it marinate for at least 20 minutes at room temperature, or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator for deeper flavor.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Assemble the Skewers
- b.Thread the marinated paneer and vegetables onto the soaked skewers, alternating between them. A good pattern is onion, bell pepper, paneer, and repeat.
- c.Leave about an inch of space at both ends of the skewer for easy handling.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Grill the Satay
- b.Preheat a grill pan or outdoor grill to medium-high heat. Brush the grates with vegetable oil.
- c.Place the skewers on the grill, ensuring they don't overcrowd the pan. Cook in batches if necessary.
- d.Grill for 3-4 minutes per side, turning occasionally, until the paneer is golden brown with light char marks and the vegetables are tender-crisp. The total cooking time will be about 12-15 minutes.
- 6
Step 6
- a.Serve
- b.Arrange the hot paneer satay on a serving platter.
- c.Garnish with crushed roasted peanuts and freshly chopped cilantro.
- d.Serve immediately with the reserved peanut dipping sauce on the side.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the smoothest sauce, use a blender. If whisking by hand, slightly warm the coconut milk and peanut butter to help them combine easily.
- 2Do not overcook the paneer, as it can become tough and rubbery. Grill just until it's heated through and has nice grill marks.
- 3If you don't have a grill, you can bake the skewers in a preheated oven at 200°C (400°F) for 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through.
- 4Use firm or extra-firm paneer so it holds its shape on the skewers during grilling.
Adapt it for your goals.
Protein Swap
This marinade works wonderfully with extra-firm tofu, tempeh, or hearty mushrooms like cremini or portobello.
Spicier VersionSpicier Version
Increase the amount of red chili paste or add finely chopped bird's eye chili to the marinade for extra heat.
Nut Free AlternativeNut-Free Alternative
For a nut-free version, substitute the peanut butter with sunflower seed butter or tahini. The flavor profile will change but will still be delicious.
Why this is on our healthy list.
High in Protein
Paneer and peanuts are excellent sources of protein, which is essential for muscle repair, growth, and overall body function.
Source of Healthy Fats
The peanuts and coconut milk provide monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health and can help in managing cholesterol levels.
Rich in Calcium
Paneer is a dairy product rich in calcium, a vital mineral for maintaining strong bones and teeth.
Frequently asked questions
One serving of Paneer Satay, which is about 3 skewers, contains approximately 410-430 calories. This can vary based on the exact brands of peanut butter and coconut milk used.