Restaurant style Paneer Tikka is really easy to make at home with just a few ingredients. Cubes of paneer (an Indian cheese) marinated in tikka paste and yogurt with vegetables and then grilled (or oven, air fryer or BBQ) it until it is nice and crispy. Delicious served with bread and chutney
About This Paneer Tikka Recipe
Just 5 ingredients go into making these simple, but flavour packed paneer skewers. If you are trying to eat more vegetarian meals, then this is a great one to start with.
Paneer is a really "meaty" cheese and holds together well when cooked. Just 5 minutes to prepare and 15 minutes to cook.
If you love our Vegetable and Halloumi Kebabs, then you are going to love this Indian twist. We also have a few more paneer recipes for you - try our delicious Paneer Curry or our Spiced Paneer Wraps.
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Tikka Paneer Ingredients and Substitutions
A full ingredients list, along with US Customary and Metric measurements, can be found in the recipe card at the end of this post.
- Paneer - If you have never tried paneer before, or never even heard of it, then you are missing out. It might sound like a fancy ingredient that is hard to get hold of, but you can buy it in most supermarkets now. It's a firm Indian cheese (similar to halloumi) that keeps its structure when cooked because of its low acid content. It doesn't really taste of much, it's all about the texture. You are looking for a firm block of paneer, not a soft cottage cheese. You could use halloumi or tofu instead.
- Greek yogurt - We use full fat as it is creamy with plenty of flavour. You could use a plain yogurt, but you would need to strain it for a couple of hours first.
- Tikka curry paste - You can make your own, however we use a really good quality store bought one to save some time. You could swap this for your favourite curry paste, it doesn't have to be tikka.
- Vegetables - We used peppers and onions, but mushrooms and courgette (zucchini) work well too. You could add thick slices of aubergine (eggplant) or even tomatoes for a burst of juiciness.
More ingredient substitutions and variations can be found in the recipe card.
How To Make Paneer Tikka - Step By Step
Prep: If using wooden skewers, make sure to soak them in water before using them.
- Step one: Mix the yogurt and tikka paste in a bowl for the marinade for paneer.
- Step two: Add the cubes of paneer to the marinade (a) and coat well (b). Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Step three: Thread the skewers with the paneer, red pepper and onion.
- Step four: Cook under the grill (broiler) for 15 minutes, turning once. If you are serving these at a party, then serve them straight from the oven as they are best eaten hot.
How To Cook It
Traditionally paneer tikka is cooked in a tandoor, however we have put ours under the grill (broiler) to get it nice and crispy with very little effort.
You can also cook it in the oven if you prefer, although you won't get the same crispy edges. They will take about 15-20 minutes at 220°C/200°C(fan)/425°F/Gas 7. If you are making this in the oven, there is no need to thread on to skewers, so that's a nice time saving hack.
You can also cook this paneer tikka recipe in the air fryer and they will take about 10 minutes at 200°C.
These are also really nice done on the BBQ, but keep them off a direct flame, as they do burn easily.
Extra Tips
- If you are using wooden skewers, then soak them in water for 30 minutes before using to prevent them from burning when cooking.
- If you want to turn this into a paneer tikka masala, then serve it with a masala sauce/gravy.
Serving Suggestions
This paneer cheese tikka is just made for dipping, and chutney is just the perfect accompaniment. We made a Homemade Mango Chutney, but any good quality store bought version will work.
We love serving mini versions of these paneer kebabs up as party food. It's something a little different and they always go down well. However, if you wanted to serve them as a main meal with some sides, we have some delicious and easy options for you:
- Peshwari Naan
- Cucumber Raita
- Brown Rice and Quinoa
- Easy Naan Bread
- Easy Turmeric Rice
- Cucumber Tomato Salad
Frequently Asked Questions
Whilst you don't have to (it will still be delicious if you skip this step) we really recommend it. Allowing it to sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes (preferably an hour) will really intensify the flavours.
Yes, if you don't have access to an oven or grill, then you can make this on the stove top (hob). Heat a grill pan that has been sprayed with oil and lay the skewers on it. Cook both sides for about 4 minutes each.
If you do have leftovers, then you can take everything off the skewers and store it in an air tight container for 48 hours. You can then heat it through in a pan with a little oil and add it to a naan bread for a sandwich/wrap alternative.
More Indian Recipes
If you’ve tried this paneer tikka recipe, let us know how you got on in the comments below.
Tag us in your creations on Instagram @hungryhealthyhappy - Use the hashtag #hungryhealthyhappy too.
Recipe
Paneer Tikka
Ingredients
- 200 g (7 oz) Paneer - cut into 16 cubes
- 1 Red bell pepper - cut into 16 squares
- 1 Red onion - cut into 16 wedges
- 80 g (0.33 cups) Tikka paste
- 4 tablespoon Greek yogurt
Instructions
- If using wooden skewers, make sure to soak them in water before using them.
- Mix 4 tablespoon Greek yogurt and 80 g Tikka paste in a bowl.
- Add the cubes of 200 g Paneer to the marinade and coat well. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Thread the skewers with the paneer, 1 Red bell pepper and 1 Red onion.
- Cook under the grill (broiler) for 15 minutes, turning once.
Recipe Tips
- This recipe uses firm paneer, not the soft cottage cheese type that you can buy.
- You can also follow this exact recipe and use tofu instead of paneer.
- If you are serving these at a party, then serve them straight from the oven as they are best eaten hot.
- Be careful not to overcook the paneer. You want it to still be soft, and overcooking it can make it tough and chewy.
- We have used a tikka paste for this, however you can swap it for your favourite curry paste. Use something like madras for a real kick of heat.
- You can also use a tikka spice powder instead of a paste. This will save some calories (as the paste is quite oily), however it won't have the same flavour.
Nutritional Information
The nutritional information provided is approximate and is calculated using online tools. Information can vary depending on various factors, but we have endeavoured to be as accurate as possible.
As all appliances vary, cooking times are a guide. Please note that by changing the serving size, the cooking time may also need to be altered.
Beth says
Yum! This looks so delicious and tasty! I can't wait to give this try!
Carrie Robinson says
I just love Indian food, but I rarely make it myself at home. Going to have to try this recipe soon. :)
Natalie says
OH, I'm saving this. Looks fantastic and I bet my boys will love it. Super easy to prepare too. Win! Thanks for sharing the recipe.
Jacqueline Meldrum says
Now this is one of those recipe where I want to reach into the screen and grab one! Yum!!
Liz says
I love Indian dishes but I've actually never had paneer! I also love anything vegetarian so I'll definitely be making these soon!
Tara says
Yum! Paneer is a favorite of mine. Your skewers look beautiful! Love all that color.
Neli Howard says
I LOVE tikka. And I love paneer. Why have I never had paneer tikka?! Can I just come and live with you – then I could eat delicious things like this every night and I would be blissfully happy! Pinned!
Toni Dash says
I really love how flavorful this is!! Can't wait to make it again!
Alisa Infanti says
This was a huge hit a dinner last night. Thanks for sharing such a great recipe!
Beth says
This looks so delicious and yummy! My husband is going to love this recipe! I can't wait to give this a try!
Jess says
I love that I can make this at home without going out to a restaurant!
Bintu | Recipes From A Pantry says
I love paneer tikka - it's so good - and these skewers sound like a fab idea for dinner or even for entertaining! So tasty.
veenaazmanov says
Thanks this is such a tasty recipe. Lovely snack for a party. I have to check this out.
Amanda Wren-Grimwood says
Great idea for a quick tasty dinner. My curry loving family will love this.
Adrianne says
Dannii, this looks delicious and I love that yes as it is still cheese we need portion control! The other Indian recipes that pop up on your feed as well as this one look awesome too. Great work.
Jen says
Love that I can make this at home now. Totally agree about it being worth it to marinade. Really locks in the flavor.