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Chilli Paneer Recipe

Chilli Paneer is a popular Indo-Chinese dish made with crispy paneer cubes tossed in a spicy, tangy sauce with bell peppers, onions, garlic, and soy sauce. It can be served dry as an appetizer or with gravy alongside fried rice and noodles.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Indian, Indo-Chinese

Ingredients
  

For the Fried Paneer
  • - 250g paneer cubed
  • - 3 tbsp cornflour
  • - 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • - Salt and pepper to taste
  • - Water to make a smooth batter
  • - Oil for deep frying or air frying
For the Sauce
  • - 1 tbsp oil
  • - 1 tbsp chopped garlic
  • - 1 tsp grated ginger
  • - 2–3 green chilies sliced
  • - 1 onion diced
  • - 1 capsicum any color, diced
  • - 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • - 1 tbsp vinegar
  • - 1 tbsp red chili sauce
  • - 1 tsp sugar optional
  • - Salt to taste
  • - Spring onions for garnish

Equipment

  • Mixing Bowl
  • - Wok or wide frying pan
  • - Deep frying pan or air fryer
  • - Slotted spoon
  • - Knife and chopping board
  • measuring spoons
  • spatula

Method
 

Step 1: Prepare the Batter
  1. In a bowl, combine cornflour, all-purpose flour, salt, and pepper. Add water gradually to make a smooth batter.
Step 2: Coat and Fry the Paneer
  1. Dip paneer cubes into the batter and fry until golden and crispy. For a healthier option, air fry at 180°C (356°F) for 12–15 minutes.
Step 3: Prepare the Sauce
  1. Heat oil in a wok. Add chopped garlic, grated ginger, and green chilies. Sauté until fragrant.
Step 4: Stir-Fry the Vegetables
  1. Add diced onions and capsicum. Stir-fry on high heat for a few minutes to retain their crunch.
Step 5: Add the Sauces
  1. Add soy sauce, vinegar, red chili sauce, sugar (if using), and salt. Mix well.
Step 6: Toss the Paneer
  1. Add the fried paneer cubes and toss until they are evenly coated with the sauce.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
  1. Garnish with chopped spring onions and serve hot as a starter or with fried rice and noodles.

Notes

- Pat paneer dry before coating to achieve maximum crispiness.
- Soak paneer cubes in warm salted water for 10 minutes if they feel firm or rubbery.
- For a healthier version, air fry instead of deep frying.
- Use tofu instead of paneer for a vegan alternative.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Reheat in a pan with a splash of water to maintain texture.
- For make-ahead cooking, store the fried paneer and sauce separately and combine before serving.
- Rice flour or chickpea flour can replace cornflour for a gluten-free variation.