Print
clockclock iconcutlerycutlery iconflagflag iconfolderfolder iconinstagraminstagram iconpinterestpinterest iconfacebookfacebook iconprintprint iconsquaressquares iconheartheart iconheart solidheart solid icon

Tandoori Paneer Tikka in the Oven Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

3.8 from 9 reviews

This Tandoori Paneer Tikka recipe features marinated paneer cubes grilled to perfection in the oven, delivering a smoky, flavorful Indian appetizer with perfectly charred edges. The paneer is marinated with a blend of yogurt, spices, and mustard oil, smoked briefly for authentic tandoori flavor, then baked and broiled for a delightful char. Served with crisp vegetables and fresh lime juice, this dish is a delicious vegetarian snack or starter that brings restaurant-style tandoori taste to your home kitchen.

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 400 grams Paneer (cut into 1 inch cubes, Cottage Cheese)
  • 1 Onion (cut into 1 inch cubes, medium sized)
  • 1 Capsicum (deseeded and cut into 1 inch cubes)
  • 1 Tomato (deseeded and cut into cubes, optional)
  • Chopped Coriander or Cilantro (for topping)
  • Lime juice (for topping)

Marinade

  • 1/4 cup Besan (chickpea flour)
  • 3 tablespoons Mustard Oil
  • 1/2 tablespoon Ginger Garlic Paste
  • 1/2 cup Hung Curd (or Greek Yogurt)
  • 2 teaspoons Kashmiri Red Chilli Powder (or Paprika)
  • 1 tablespoon Coriander Powder
  • 1 teaspoon Chaat Masala Powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon Garam Masala Powder
  • 1 teaspoon kasuri methi (crushed)
  • Salt to taste

Instructions

  1. Marinate the Paneer: Roast the besan on a low flame for 2-3 minutes until it gives off a nutty aroma and turns a light golden brown. In a bowl, combine the roasted besan with mustard oil, ginger garlic paste, hung curd, Kashmiri red chilli powder, coriander powder, chaat masala powder, garam masala powder, crushed kasuri methi, and salt. Mix well to form a smooth marinade.
  2. Coat the Paneer: Add the paneer cubes to the marinade and toss gently until all cubes are evenly coated with the mixture.
  3. Add Smoky Flavor: Heat a piece of lump coal until it turns red hot. Place the coal in a small steel bowl and place this bowl over the marinated paneer. Drizzle a teaspoon of oil over the hot coal to generate smoke. Cover the paneer immediately to trap the smoke and allow it to infuse for 5 minutes. Remove the coal bowl and let the paneer marinate for an additional 30 minutes to 2 hours for deeper flavor absorption.
  4. Preheat Oven: Ten minutes before cooking, preheat your oven to 220°C (430°F) and place a cooling rack over a roasting pan to catch drips during baking.
  5. Assemble Skewers: Thread the marinated paneer cubes onto skewers, alternating with onion, capsicum, and optional tomato pieces, making around 3-4 skewers in total.
  6. Bake the Skewers: Place the skewers on the prepared cooling rack and bake in the oven for 15 minutes. Turn the skewers halfway through to ensure even cooking.
  7. Broil for Char: After baking, switch the oven to broil (top heat only) and broil the skewers for 2-3 minutes until the paneer develops a slight charred surface, mimicking a traditional tandoori finish.
  8. Serve: Carefully remove the hot skewers from the oven, transfer them to a serving platter, sprinkle with chopped coriander, and squeeze fresh lime juice over the top. Serve immediately with sliced onions for a perfect appetizer.

Notes

  • Using hung curd or Greek yogurt ensures a thick marinade that adheres well to the paneer.
  • Roasting besan adds a nutty flavor and removes its raw taste.
  • Smoking the paneer with hot coal adds authentic tandoori smokiness that can be skipped if unavailable.
  • Broiling at the end helps achieve the characteristic char without drying out the paneer.
  • Be gentle when turning paneer skewers as they become soft after marination.
  • Use Kashmiri red chilli powder for color and mild heat; substitute with paprika for less spice.
  • Skewering vegetables with paneer adds flavor and presentation appeal.
  • Author: Olivia
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Indian
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Find it online: https://iamstarved.com/tandoori-paneer-tikka-in-the-oven-recipe/