Paneer Fried Rice Recipe – Authentic Indian Style Soya & Veggies

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Paneer Fried Rice Recipe – Authentic Indian Style Soya & Veggies

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, sometimes you just crave that comforting, flavorful goodness of fried rice. But let’s be real, takeout gets old (and expensive!). That’s why I’m so excited to share my go-to recipe for Paneer Fried Rice – it’s a fantastic Indian-Chinese fusion that’s way better than anything you’ll get delivered. I first made this when I was trying to recreate my favourite restaurant dish, and honestly, it’s surpassed it!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t your average fried rice. We’re taking the classic comfort of fried rice and giving it a delicious Indian twist with soft paneer, aromatic garam masala, and a splash of soya sauce. It’s quick, easy, and packed with flavour – perfect for a weeknight dinner or a lazy weekend lunch. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover rice!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this amazing Paneer Fried Rice:

• 1 cup rice
• 2 tablespoons oil
• 0.75-1 cup paneer, cubed
• 2-3 tablespoons thick curd (Greek yogurt)
• 0.5 teaspoon ginger garlic paste
• 0.5 teaspoon red chilli powder
• 0.25-0.5 teaspoon garam masala
• 0.125 teaspoon turmeric
• 0.25 teaspoon salt
• 0.25-0.5 cup spring onions, chopped
• 0.5 cup carrot, chopped
• 0.25-0.5 cup bell peppers, chopped
• 0.25-0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 green chilli, chopped
• 1-1.5 tablespoons soya sauce

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! A few things make this recipe special:

• Basmati Rice: Seriously, don’t skimp on the basmati. It has that lovely fragrance and fluffy texture that works so well in fried rice. I usually use aged basmati for the best results.
• Paneer: This Indian cheese is the star of the show! You can use store-bought or homemade – both work beautifully. I prefer to use slightly firm paneer so it holds its shape while stir-frying.
• Garam Masala: This spice blend is what gives the fried rice that authentic Indian flavour. Every brand is a little different, so feel free to adjust the amount to your liking.
• Soya Sauce: This is where the Chinese influence comes in! It adds a lovely umami flavour that balances the spices perfectly. I like to use a low-sodium soya sauce.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking!

1. First, rinse and soak the basmati rice in water for about 30 minutes. This helps it cook up nice and fluffy. Then, cook the rice until it’s al dente – slightly firm to the bite. Once cooked, spread it out on a plate to cool completely. This is super important, as warm rice will get mushy.
2. While the rice is cooling, let’s marinate the paneer. In a bowl, combine the paneer cubes with yogurt, ginger garlic paste, red chilli powder, garam masala, turmeric, and salt. Give it a good mix and let it sit for about 15 minutes.
3. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated paneer and sauté until it’s golden brown on all sides. Set it aside.
4. Add the remaining oil to the pan. Fry the minced garlic and chopped green chilli for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
5. Add the chopped carrots and bell peppers to the pan and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, until they’re slightly crunchy. We want them to have a bit of bite.
6. Now, add the cooked rice to the pan. Break it up with a spatula and mix well with the vegetables.
7. Add the fried paneer and spring onion greens to the pan.
8. Here’s the fun part! Drizzle the soya sauce around the edges of the pan. This creates a lovely sizzling effect and adds tons of flavour. Mix everything thoroughly.
9. Season with black pepper and additional salt, if needed. Stir-fry for another 2 minutes, making sure everything is heated through.
10. Garnish with fresh spring onions and serve hot!

Expert Tips

• Cold Rice is Key: Seriously, don’t skip cooling the rice. It’s the biggest secret to preventing mushy fried rice.
• High Heat: Use medium-high heat for stir-frying. This helps the ingredients cook quickly and evenly.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: If you’re making a large batch, cook in two batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.

Variations

• Spicy Kick: My friend loves to add a pinch of cayenne pepper for an extra spicy kick.
• Veggie Boost: Feel free to add other vegetables like peas, beans, or mushrooms.
• Egg-cellent Addition: Add a scrambled egg to the fried rice for extra protein.

Vegan Adaptation

To make this recipe vegan, simply substitute the paneer with firm tofu! Press the tofu to remove excess water, then cube it and marinate it as you would the paneer. You can also use a plant-based yogurt alternative.

Gluten-Free Adaptation

This recipe is naturally gluten-free, as long as you use gluten-free soya sauce. Always double-check the label to be sure!

Spice Level Adjustment (Mild, Medium, Spicy)

• Mild: Reduce the red chilli powder to ¼ teaspoon and omit the green chilli.
• Medium: Use the recipe as written.
• Spicy: Add ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper or a finely chopped bird’s eye chilli.

Festival Adaptations (Navratri-friendly options)

During Navratri, you can skip the paneer and use potatoes and other allowed vegetables for a delicious and vrat-friendly fried rice.

Serving Suggestions

This Paneer Fried Rice is delicious on its own, but it also pairs well with:

• A side of raita (yogurt dip)
• Pickled onions
• A simple salad

Storage Instructions

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a pan or microwave until heated through.

FAQs

What type of rice is best for fried rice?

Basmati rice is the best choice! It’s long-grained, fragrant, and fluffy.

Can I use store-bought paneer, or is homemade better?

Both work great! Store-bought paneer is convenient, but homemade paneer has a slightly softer texture.

How can I adjust the saltiness of the fried rice?

Soya sauce is quite salty, so start with a smaller amount and add more to taste.

What’s the best way to prevent the rice from becoming mushy?

Make sure to cool the rice completely before adding it to the pan.

Can I add other vegetables to this paneer fried rice?

Absolutely! Feel free to get creative and add your favourite veggies.