Chilli paneer is one of the most loved Indo-Chinese dishes served in Indian restaurants across the world. Whether you enjoy it dry as a starter or with gravy as a side dish, its bold flavors, crispy texture, and spicy-tangy punch make it an irresistible crowd-pleaser. If you have always wondered how to recreate this restaurant-style delicacy at home, you are in the right place.
In this blog, we guide you step by step on how to make authentic, restaurant-style chilli paneer using simple ingredients. This version is vegetarian, flavorful, and perfect for house parties, weekend dinners, or even special occasions.
What is Chilli Paneer?
Chilli paneer is a popular Indo-Chinese dish made using paneer (Indian cottage cheese), bell peppers, onions, and a blend of spicy sauces. The paneer cubes are first coated in a seasoned flour mixture, shallow-fried or deep-fried until crispy, and then tossed in a thick sauce that blends soy sauce, chili sauce, garlic, and vinegar. The result is a dish that is crispy, saucy, and full of flavor.
Key Ingredients You’ll Need
To make the perfect chilli paneer at home, gather the following ingredients:
For the paneer coating:
- 250 grams paneer, cut into cubes
- 3 tablespoons cornflour
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Water to make a batter
- Oil for frying
For the sauce:
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1 tablespoon chopped garlic
- 1 tablespoon chopped ginger
- 1 green chili, finely chopped
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 green capsicum, diced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon red chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon tomato ketchup
- 1 teaspoon vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Salt to taste
- 2 tablespoons spring onions (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Recipe
- Prepare the Paneer
Start by cutting fresh paneer into medium-sized cubes. In a bowl, mix cornflour, all-purpose flour, salt, and pepper. Add a few spoons of water to make a thick batter. Coat each paneer cube in the batter and fry them in hot oil until they turn golden and crispy. Remove and drain them on a paper towel.
- Sauté the Aromatics
In a large pan or wok, heat a tablespoon of oil. Add chopped garlic, ginger, and green chili. Sauté on high heat for a minute until the raw smell disappears. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add Onions and Peppers
Toss in diced onions and green capsicum. Stir-fry on high flame for 2 to 3 minutes. You want the vegetables to stay crunchy and not turn mushy, just like they are in restaurants.
- Mix the Sauces
In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, red chili sauce, ketchup, vinegar, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Pour this sauce mix into the pan and stir well to coat the vegetables. Let the sauce cook for a minute until it thickens slightly.
- Toss the Paneer
Add the fried paneer cubes to the pan and mix everything well. Make sure the sauce evenly coats each piece of paneer. Stir-fry for another 2 minutes so that the flavors are absorbed nicely.
- Garnish and Serve
Finish off by sprinkling chopped spring onions on top. Serve your hot and spicy chilli paneer immediately. You can serve it as an appetizer or pair it with fried rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Tips to Make it Just Like the Restaurant
- Use fresh paneer for the best texture. Homemade paneer works great if you prefer soft and creamy cubes.
- Do not overcook the vegetables. They should retain a slight crunch for the authentic restaurant feel.
- Control the spice level by adjusting the chili sauce and green chilies. You can also add red chili flakes for extra heat.
- Double fry the paneer if you want it extra crispy.
- Use a wok or non-stick pan to keep the tossing and cooking smooth.
Variations You Can Try
- Chilli Paneer Gravy: Add a cornflour slurry (1 teaspoon cornflour mixed with 3 tablespoons water) to the sauce for a thicker gravy version.
- Tofu Substitute: If you’re vegan, replace paneer with tofu and follow the same steps.
- Add colors: Use red and yellow bell peppers to make the dish more colorful and vibrant.
Why Chilli Paneer is a Favorite
This dish combines the spicy and tangy elements of Chinese cuisine with the richness of Indian paneer. It is packed with flavor and offers a satisfying crunch. Moreover, it is quick to prepare and loved by both kids and adults. Whether you are a fan of street-style food or prefer restaurant delicacies, chilli paneer hits the sweet spot.
Make It a Meal
Pair your chilli paneer with:
- Vegetable fried rice
- Hakka noodles
- Garlic noodles
- Spring rolls and sweet corn soup
This combination turns your homemade dinner into a full-fledged Indo-Chinese feast.
If you are craving chilli paneer but do not feel like cooking, head over to Tasty India in Berlin. Known for its authentic Indian flavors and vibrant Indo-Chinese dishes, Tasty India serves chilli paneer that is perfectly crispy, packed with flavor, and utterly satisfying. Whether you enjoy it dry or with gravy, their version never disappoints. Explore the Tasty India Berlin full menu and treat yourself to a delicious experience.
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Final Thoughts
Making restaurant-style chilli paneer at home is not as complicated as it seems. With a handful of ingredients and the right technique, you can enjoy a dish that tastes just like your favorite takeaway, minus the extra oil and cost. It is the perfect recipe to impress guests or treat yourself on a weekend.
So, roll up your sleeves, bring out your wok, and get ready to stir-fry your way to a delicious plate of chilli paneer.
