Paneer Tikka Skewers Recipe – Authentic Indian Grill Delight

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Paneer Tikka Skewers Recipe – Authentic Indian Grill Delight

Hey everyone! If you’re craving that smoky, flavorful taste of Indian street food, you have to try these Paneer Tikka Skewers. Seriously, they’re a total crowd-pleaser, and surprisingly easy to make at home. I first made these for a little get-together with friends, and they disappeared in minutes! Get ready to impress – this recipe is a winner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Paneer Tikka Skewers are more than just delicious; they’re a little slice of India right in your kitchen. They’re packed with flavor from a vibrant marinade, perfectly charred from the grill (or oven!), and incredibly satisfying. Plus, they’re a fantastic appetizer or a light meal. They’re perfect for a weekend BBQ, a festive celebration, or just a cozy night in.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this magic:

• 250 grams Paneer, cubed
• 1 Onion, cubed
• 1 Tomato, deseeded and cubed
• 1 Capsicum (Bell Pepper), cubed
• 2 tablespoons Besan (Gram Flour)
• 1 teaspoon Turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon Black Pepper powder
• 1 tablespoon Butter, melted
• 4 Garlic cloves
• 4 Green chilies
• 2 tablespoons Curd (Yogurt)
• 1 teaspoon Chaat Masala
• 2 teaspoons Lemon juice
• 1 cup Mint leaves
• 1 cup Coriander leaves

Ingredient Notes

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

• Kala Namak (Black Salt): This is key for that authentic, slightly sulfurous flavor that really elevates the tikka. Don’t skip it if you can find it! It adds a depth you won’t get with regular salt.
• Besan (Gram Flour): Besan helps create a lovely coating on the paneer and veggies, helping the marinade stick and giving a nice texture when cooked. It’s a staple in Indian cooking.
• Fresh Mint & Coriander: Seriously, use fresh! The aroma and flavor are just unbeatable. I always grow a little herb garden just for recipes like this. Don’t be shy with them – they really brighten up the marinade.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking!

1. First things first, soak your wooden skewers in water for at least 3 hours, or even better, freeze them. This prevents them from burning on the grill or in the oven.
2. While the skewers are soaking, rinse the paneer and cut it into bite-sized cubes. Pop those cubes into hot water – this keeps them soft and spongy.
3. Now, let’s prep the veggies. Cube the onion, deseed and cube the tomato, and chop the capsicum into similar-sized pieces.
4. Time for the marinade! In a blender, combine the garlic, green chilies, curd, kala namak, chaat masala, lemon juice, mint, and coriander. Blend until it’s super smooth – you want a nice, vibrant green chutney.
5. In a bowl, mix the besan, turmeric, pepper, melted butter, and that gorgeous green chutney. This is your marinade!
6. Gently coat the paneer cubes and vegetables in the marinade, making sure everything is nicely covered.
7. Preheat your oven to 250°C (482°F) in grill mode for about 5 minutes.
8. Thread the marinated paneer and vegetables onto the skewers, alternating between them.
9. Place the skewers in the preheated oven and bake for about 10 minutes, turning them halfway through for even charring. Keep a close eye – you want them nicely browned, but not burnt!
10. Brush with a little extra melted butter before serving. Enjoy hot!

Expert Tips

• Don’t overcrowd the skewers. Leave a little space between the paneer and veggies for even cooking.
• For a more intense smoky flavor, you can add a tiny pinch of smoked paprika to the marinade.
• If you’re using a gas grill, medium-high heat works best.

Variations

• My Family’s Secret: My mom always adds a tiny bit of kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves) to the marinade. It adds a lovely aroma!
• Add Some Pineapple: For a sweet and savory twist, add chunks of pineapple to the skewers.
• Mushroom Magic: My friend loves adding mushrooms to her paneer tikka skewers. They soak up all the flavor!

Vegan Adaptation

Want to make this vegan? No problem!

• Substitute the paneer with firm or extra-firm tofu, pressed to remove excess water.
• Replace the curd with a plant-based yogurt alternative.
• Use a plant-based butter substitute.

Gluten-Free Adaptation

This recipe is naturally gluten-free, as long as your chaat masala doesn’t contain any gluten-containing ingredients. Always double-check the label!

Spice Level Adjustment

• Mild: Reduce the number of green chilies to 1 or 2, and remove the seeds.
• Medium: Use the recipe as is.
• Hot: Add an extra green chili or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the marinade.

Festival Adaptations

Paneer Tikka Skewers are perfect for celebrations!

• Diwali: Serve them as part of a festive spread with other Indian appetizers and sweets.
• Holi: The vibrant colors of the skewers match the spirit of Holi!
• Birthday Parties: They’re always a hit with kids and adults alike.

Serving Suggestions

These skewers are fantastic on their own, but here are a few ideas:

• Serve with a side of mint chutney or tamarind chutney.
• Pair them with a fresh salad.
• Enjoy them with naan bread or roti.

Storage Instructions

Leftover skewers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the oven or on the grill to restore their crispness.

FAQs

What type of paneer works best for Paneer Tikka?

Fresh, soft paneer is ideal. If you’re using store-bought paneer, soaking it in hot water helps soften it up.

Can I make Paneer Tikka without an oven? (Grilling/Pan-frying options)

Absolutely! You can grill them on a gas or charcoal grill for a smoky flavor. Alternatively, you can pan-fry them in a little oil until golden brown and slightly charred.

How can I adjust the marinade for a tangier/spicier flavor?

Add more lemon juice for tanginess, and more green chilies or cayenne pepper for spice.

What is Kala Namak and can I substitute it?

Kala Namak (black salt) has a unique sulfurous flavor. If you can’t find it, you can use regular salt, but it won’t have the same depth of flavor.

How long can marinated paneer and vegetables be stored before cooking?

You can marinate the paneer and vegetables for up to 24 hours in the refrigerator. The longer they marinate, the more flavorful they’ll be!