Chilli Paneer Recipe

If you’re a fan of Indo-Chinese cuisine, there’s no way you haven’t heard of Chilli Paneer. It’s spicy, tangy, and packed with flavors that hit all the right notes. This beloved dish is a staple in Indian restaurants, and the good news? It’s super easy to recreate at home—whether you like it dry as an appetizer or with gravy for a main course.
🧀 What is Chilli Paneer?
Chilli Paneer is a fusion dish made with paneer (Indian cottage cheese), bell peppers, onions, and a variety of sauces like soy, chili, and vinegar. The paneer is typically coated and fried until crispy, then tossed in a flavorful stir-fry sauce.
You’ll often find two versions:
- Dry Chilli Paneer – served as a starter or appetizer.
- Chilli Paneer Gravy – saucier and served with fried rice or noodles.
📝 Ingredients
For the Paneer:
- 250g paneer, cubed
- 3 tbsp cornflour
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (maida)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Water (to make a batter)
- Oil for frying
For the Sauce:
- 1 tbsp oil
- 1 tbsp chopped garlic
- 1-inch ginger, finely chopped
- 2-3 green chilies, slit
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 capsicum (bell pepper), diced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp red chili sauce (adjust to spice preference)
- 1 tbsp tomato ketchup
- 1 tsp vinegar
- 1 tsp cornflour mixed in ¼ cup water (for gravy version)
- Salt to taste
- Spring onions for garnish
🍳 Instructions
Step 1: Fry the Paneer
- In a bowl, mix cornflour, maida, salt, pepper, and enough water to make a thick batter.
- Dip the paneer cubes into the batter and coat well.
- Shallow or deep fry the paneer pieces until golden and crisp. Set aside.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
- In a pan or wok, heat 1 tbsp oil.
- Add chopped garlic, ginger, and green chilies. Sauté for a minute.
- Add onions and bell peppers; stir-fry on high flame for 2-3 minutes to keep them crunchy.
- Add soy sauce, chili sauce, tomato ketchup, vinegar, and salt. Mix well.
Step 3: Combine
- For Dry : Add the fried paneer cubes directly to the pan and toss everything well until coated. Garnish with chopped spring onions and serve hot.
- For Gravy Version: Add the cornflour slurry and a bit more water. Cook until the sauce thickens. Then add paneer, toss to coat, and simmer for 2 minutes before serving.
🍚 What to Serve with Chilli Paneer
- Dry Version: Enjoy it as a starter or snack.
- Gravy Version: Pairs wonderfully with Veg Fried Rice, Hakka Noodles, or even steamed jasmine rice.
👩🍳 Tips for the Best
- Use firm paneer so it doesn’t crumble while frying.
- Stir-fry on high heat for that authentic smoky flavor.
- Adjust sauces and spice levels to suit your taste.
- For a healthier version, you can air-fry or bake the paneer instead of deep frying.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in 30 minutes
- Perfect for parties or weeknight meals
- Easily customizable (make it spicier, add more veggies, or go full vegan with tofu!)
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