Chilli Paneer Recipe
TThis Chilli Paneer recipe is a mouthwatering fusion dish that marries the rich textures of Indian paneer with vibrant Chinese flavors. Perfect for a hearty snack or a scrumptious side, this dish promises a tantalizing experience with each bite. Let's delve into this spicy, savory delight that's sure to become a favourite in your culinary repertoire.
History
Did you know that Chilli Paneer is a staple of Indo-Chinese cuisine? This delectable dish traces its origins back to the Chinese community in Kolkata, India. Over time, it has evolved into a beloved street food across India, showcasing the perfect blend of Indian and Chinese culinary traditions.
Serving Suggestions
Chilli Paneer shines as a versatile dish. Serve it hot as a starter or pair it with steamed rice or fried rice for a more substantial meal. A side of stir-fried noodles can also complement its spicy flavours beautifully. Garnish with fresh spring onion greens and sesame seeds for an added crunch and a burst of color.
Storing Instructions
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Chilli Paneer will keep well for up to three days. For longer storage, you can freeze the dish in a freezer-safe container for up to one month.
Reheating Instructions
To reheat Chilli Paneer, preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Place the paneer in an oven-safe dish and cover it with foil to prevent it from drying out. Heat for about 10-15 minutes or until thoroughly warmed. Alternatively, you can reheat it in a pan on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until hot.
Conclusion
We hope you enjoy making and devouring this delightful Chilli Paneer as much as we do! We'd love to hear your feedback and see your creations. Share your thoughts in the comments below, and don't forget to subscribe to our newsletter for more delicious recipes and culinary tips.
How to Make Chilli Paneer
Chilli Paneer is a tantalizing Indo-Chinese dish featuring crispy paneer cubes tossed in a spicy, savory sauce with bell peppers and onions. Perfect as a starter or a side, this flavourful fusion delight is sure to impress your taste buds.
- 250 g Paneer (cut into cubes)
- 3 tbsp Cornflour
- 3 tbsp All-purpose flour (maida)
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1/2 tsp Red chili powder
- 1/4 tsp Black pepper powder
- Water (as needed to make a thick batter)
- Vegetable oil (for deep frying)
- 2 tbsp Sesame oil (or any cooking oil)
- 1 tbsp Garlic (finely chopped)
- 1 tbsp Ginger (finely chopped)
- 2 Green chilies (slit)
- 1 Onion medium (cubed and layers separated)
- 1 Green bell pepper medium (cubed)
- 1 Red bell pepper medium (cubed)
- 2 tbsp Soy sauce
- 1 tbsp Red chili sauce
- 1 tbsp Tomato ketchup
- 1 tbsp Rice vinegar (or lemon juice)
- 1 tsp Sugar
- 1/2 tsp Black pepper powder
- Salt (to taste)
- 1 tbsp Cornflour (mixed with 3 tbsp water)
- Spring onion greens (for garnish)
- Make the Batter
In a mixing bowl, combine cornflour, all-purpose flour, salt, red chili powder, and black pepper powder. Add water gradually to make a thick batter that can coat the paneer cubes well.
- Coat the Paneer
Add the paneer cubes to the batter and coat them evenly.
- Fry the Paneer
Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan. Once the oil is hot, fry the batter-coated paneer cubes until they are golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain on a paper towel.
- Heat Oil
In a large wok or pan, heat sesame oil over medium-high heat.
- Sauté Aromatics
Add chopped garlic, ginger, and slit green chilies. Sauté for a minute until fragrant.
- Add Vegetables
Add the cubed onions and bell peppers. Stir-fry on high heat for 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are slightly tender but still crunchy.
- Add Sauces
Add soy sauce, red chili sauce, tomato ketchup, rice vinegar (or lemon juice), sugar, black pepper powder, and salt. Mix well.
- Thicken the Sauce
Add the cornflour slurry to the pan and stir continuously until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
- Combine with Paneer
Add the fried paneer cubes to the sauce and toss well to coat them evenly.
- Garnish
Turn off the heat and garnish with chopped spring onion greens.
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 443kcal
- Calories from Fat 288kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 32g50%
- Saturated Fat 13g65%
- Cholesterol 56mg19%
- Sodium 522mg22%
- Potassium 99mg3%
- Total Carbohydrate 26g9%
- Dietary Fiber 2g8%
- Sugars 10g
- Protein 14g29%
- Vitamin A 1000 IU
- Vitamin C 20 mg
- Calcium 400 mg
- Iron 1 mg
- Vitamin E 1.5 IU
- Vitamin K 10 mcg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
- Use fresh paneer for the best texture.
- Adjust the spice level by modifying the amount of red chili powder and chili sauce.
- For a vegan version, substitute paneer with tofu.
- Ensure the oil is hot before frying paneer to achieve a crispy coating.
- For a healthier option, bake the paneer cubes at 200°C (400°F) for 15-20 minutes instead of frying.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the crispiness of the paneer.
- Garnish with spring onion greens and sesame seeds for added flavor and presentation.
- Pair with steamed rice or fried rice for a complete meal.
- The dish can also be served as a starter or appetizer.
Fiona O'Sullivan is the passionate editor of Great Food Ireland, a popular blog dedicated to celebrating traditional Irish cuisine and culinary heritage. With a rich background in food writing and a deep love for Ireland's gastronomic culture, Fiona brings a wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm to her role. She curates authentic recipes, shares culinary stories, and explores the vibrant food scene across Ireland. Fiona's dedication to promoting Irish food traditions has made Great Food Ireland a beloved resource for food enthusiasts around the world.
