Chilli Paneer Recipe: Restaurant-Style Indo-Chinese Delight at Home

When it comes to Indo-Chinese cuisine, Chilli Paneer is an all-time favorite! Whether you’re a spice lover or just someone who enjoys a flavorful bite, this dish is the perfect fusion of crispy paneer cubes tossed in a spicy, tangy sauce with crunchy veggies.

In this blog, you’ll find two delicious versions of Chilli Paneer:

• Dry Chilli Paneer – Perfect as a starter or snack.
• Chilli Paneer with Gravy – Ideal to pair with fried rice or noodles.

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What is Chilli Paneer?

Chilli Paneer is a popular Indo-Chinese dish made with cubes of paneer (Indian cottage cheese), stir-fried with bell peppers, onions, and coated in a spicy soy-chili based sauce. It’s usually served as:

• A dry appetizer in restaurants.
• A semi-gravy or full gravy main dish at dinner tables.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Paneer:

• Paneer (cubed) – 250 grams
• Cornflour – 3 tbsp
• All-purpose flour (Maida) – 2 tbsp
• Salt & Pepper – to taste
• Water – to make batter
• Oil – for frying

For the Sauce:

• Onion (cubed) – 1
• Capsicum/Bell Peppers – 1 (cut in squares)
• Green Chilies – 2 (slit)
• Garlic (minced) – 1 tbsp
• Soy Sauce – 1 tbsp
• Red Chili Sauce – 1 tbsp
• Tomato Ketchup – 2 tbsp
• Vinegar – 1 tsp
• Cornflour slurry – 1 tbsp cornflour + 3 tbsp water
• Spring Onion Greens – for garnish
• Water – ½ cup (only for gravy version)

Also Read: mountain-comfort-how-to-make-chana-madra-at-home

Step-by-Step Recipe

1. Marinate & Fry the Paneer

1. Make a smooth batter by mixing cornflour, maida, salt, pepper, and a little water.
2. Coat paneer cubes and deep/shallow fry them until golden brown.
3. Keep aside on tissue paper to remove excess oil.

2. Prepare the Base

1. Heat 1 tbsp oil in a pan. Add minced garlic and green chilies.
2. Toss in cubed onions and capsicum. Sauté on high flame for 2-3 minutes.
3. Add soy sauce, chili sauce, ketchup, and vinegar. Mix well.

3. Dry Version:

1. Add fried paneer to the sauce. Toss quickly on high heat.
2. Garnish with spring onion greens and serve hot as a starter.

4. Gravy Version:

1. Add ½ cup water after adding sauces.
2. Mix and bring to a simmer.
3. Add cornflour slurry and stir till the sauce thickens.
4. Add fried paneer, coat well, and simmer for 2-3 minutes.
5. Garnish and serve hot with rice or noodles.

Pro Tips for Perfect Chilli Paneer

Use fresh, soft paneer for best texture.
Don’t overcook the veggies; they should stay crunchy.
Toss paneer on high flame to get that restaurant-style smoky effect.
Adjust spice levels according to taste.

Serving Suggestions

• Dry Chilli Paneer goes well with:
  Hakka Noodles | Veg Fried Rice | As a party appetizer
• Gravy Chilli Paneer is best with:
  Steamed Rice | Burnt Garlic Noodles | Stir-fried Veggies

Chilli Paneer Recipe Image