I remember the first time I tried paneer tikka at a street food stall during a trip to Delhi. The smoky aroma, the burst of flavors – it was an experience that stayed with me. But it wasn't until I stumbled upon a fusion recipe using five-spice powder that I felt truly inspired. The warmth of the spices combined with the creamy paneer creates something genuinely special. Its like fireworks going off in your mouth, honestly. This recipe is my take on that delightful encounter, blending traditional Indian flavors with a hint of Chinese five-spice.
This Five-Spice Paneer Tikka isn't just a recipe; it's an adventure. Whether you're a seasoned cook or someone just starting, this recipe is surprisingly easy to follow and incredibly rewarding. The key is to get a good balance of spices and not overcook the paneer. I like to serve mine with a side of mint-coriander chutney for an extra layer of flavor, but honestly, it's delicious all on its own.
Required Equipments
- Mixing Bowls
- Whisk
- Baking Tray
- Grill Pan or Skewers
- Measuring Spoons
- Measuring Cups
Five Spice Paneer Tikka: A Flavorful Fusion Recipe: Frequently Asked Questions
Five Spice Paneer Tikka: A Flavorful Fusion Recipe
Elevate your appetizer game with this Five-Spice Paneer Tikka recipe! Cubes of fresh paneer marinated in a vibrant blend of yogurt, aromatic spices, and a touch of five-spice powder, then grilled to perfection.
⏳ Yield & Time
Yield: 2 servings
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time:
🍽 Ingredients
📖 Instructions
- First, gently cube the paneer into bite-sized pieces. Aim for around 1-inch cubes; they should be big enough to handle without breaking but small enough to cook evenly.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the yogurt, mustard oil, ginger-garlic paste, lemon juice, five-spice powder, turmeric powder, red chili powder (if using), garam masala, and salt. Make sure everything is well combined to form a smooth, vibrant marinade.
- Add the paneer cubes to the marinade. Gently toss them, ensuring each piece is evenly coated. Be careful not to break the paneer while mixing. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to penetrate deeply.
- If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 30 minutes to prevent them from burning during grilling. This is a small step that makes a big difference!
- Preheat your grill pan over medium-high heat. If you don't have a grill pan, you can use a regular pan. Lightly grease the pan with oil to prevent sticking.
- Thread the marinated paneer cubes onto the skewers, leaving a little space between each piece. If you're using a grill pan, you can also place the paneer directly on the pan without skewers.
- Place the skewers (or paneer cubes) on the preheated grill pan. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and slightly charred. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning. The goal is a beautiful color with a slight crispness.
- Once the paneer is cooked, remove it from the grill pan and transfer it to a serving plate.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and a squeeze of lemon juice. These fresh additions brighten the flavors and add a pop of color.
- Serve the Five-Spice Paneer Tikka hot. It's delicious as an appetizer or a side dish. Enjoy!
📝 Notes
- For a smoky flavor, grill the paneer over charcoal.
- Adjust the amount of red chili powder to suit your spice preference.
- Serve with mint-coriander chutney for an extra burst of flavor.
🍎 Nutrition
Calories: 320 kcal
Protein: 22g
Fat: 20g
Carbohydrates: 10g
Fiber: 2g
Calcium: 250mg
