1.Introduction
Paneer Tikka is one of the most loved Indian appetizers, known for its smoky, spicy, and slightly tangy flavors. Traditionally, it’s cooked in a tandoor (clay oven), giving it that signature charred taste. But the good news is, you don’t need a tandoor to make restaurant-style paneer tikka at home!
With just a tawa (griddle or pan), you can achieve the same flavors, crispy texture, and golden-brown charred marks. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for parties, snacks, or even as a side dish. Let’s dive into this foolproof paneer tikka on tawa recipe!
2.Ingredients You’ll Need
Before we begin, let’s gather all the ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Marinade:
½ cup thick curd (yogurt) – Preferably hung curd or Greek yogurt for a thick consistency.
1 tbsp gram flour (besan) – Helps in binding the marinade to the paneer.
1 tbsp mustard oil – Gives an authentic taste and smoky flavor.
1 tsp ginger-garlic paste – Enhances flavor.
1 tsp red chili powder – Adjust as per spice preference.
½ tsp turmeric powder – Adds a nice golden color.
1 tsp garam masala – For the perfect balance of spices.
1 tsp roasted cumin powder – Adds a smoky taste.
½ tsp chaat masala – For a tangy kick.
1 tsp lemon juice – Brings freshness to the dish.
Salt to taste
For the Paneer Tikka:
250g paneer – Cut into 1-inch cubes.
1 medium onion – Cut into square chunks.
1 small bell pepper (red, yellow, or green) – Cut into square pieces.
1 tomato (optional) – Cut into chunks.
Oil or butter – For pan-frying.
For Serving:
Mint chutney
Onion rings
Lemon wedges
Step-by-Step Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
Take a mixing bowl and add thick curd (make sure it’s not watery).
Add ginger-garlic paste, mustard oil, besan, and all the spices – red chili powder, turmeric, garam masala, cumin powder, chaat masala, and salt.
Mix well until everything is combined into a thick, smooth paste.
Add lemon juice and give it one final mix.
Pro Tip: If your marinade looks too thick, add a teaspoon of water. If it’s too runny, add more besan.
Step 2: Coat the Paneer & Vegetables
Add paneer cubes, onions, bell peppers, and tomatoes to the marinade.
Gently mix so that each piece is well-coated. Be careful not to break the paneer.
Cover it and allow it to marinate for a minimum of 30 minutes. For the best flavor, keep it in the refrigerator for 2-3 hours.
Step 3: Cooking on Tawa
Heat a non-stick or cast-iron tawa on medium flame.
Brush it with some oil or butter.
Place the marinated paneer and veggies on the tawa in a single layer.
Allow it to cook for 2-3 minutes on one side until it turns golden brown.
Flip gently using tongs and cook the other side.
Repeat until all the sides are nicely cooked with charred edges.
Pro Tip: If you want a smoky flavor, you can use the dhungar method (explained below).
Bonus Tips for Perfect Paneer Tikka
✅ Use fresh and firm paneer – If your paneer is too soft, freeze it for 10 minutes before cutting.
✅ Mustard oil is a game-changer! It enhances the authentic smoky taste.
✅ Cook on medium heat – High heat can burn the marinade while low heat won’t give the right texture.
✅ Use a cast-iron tawa if possible, for better charring.
3.How to Add Smoky Flavor (Dhungar Method)
If you want restaurant-style smokiness, try this simple trick:
Heat a small piece of charcoal until it turns red-hot.
Place a small steel bowl in the middle of your paneer tikka.
Add the hot charcoal to the bowl and drizzle a few drops of ghee or oil over it.
Cover immediately and let the smoke infuse for 2-3 minutes.
Remove the bowl and serve your smoky-flavored paneer tikka!
4.Serving Suggestions
Serve hot with mint chutney and fresh onion rings.
Sprinkle some extra chaat masala and squeeze lemon juice for more tanginess.
Enjoy as a snack, appetizer, or side dish.
Wrap it in a roti or naan to make a delicious paneer tikka wrap.
5.Conclusion
And that’s it! You’ve just made restaurant-style Paneer Tikka on Tawa at home – without a tandoor. It’s easy, flavorful, and sure to impress everyone.
Try this recipe and share your experience in the comments below! Also, if you loved this, subscribe to my blog for more easy and delicious recipes. Happy Cooking! 😊
