Chilli Paneer is a popular Indo-Chinese dish that combines crispy paneer cubes with a spicy, tangy sauce, making it a favorite for street food lovers. The paneer is first fried to a golden crisp and then stir-fried with bell peppers, onions, and green chilies, all coated in a flavorful sauce. This street-style version is perfect for those who enjoy a bit of heat and vibrant flavors in their meal. It can be served as an appetizer or a side dish with fried rice or noodles.
Ingredients
For the Paneer:
- 200 grams paneer, cut into cubes
- 2 tablespoons cornflour
- 1 teaspoon Kashmiri chilli powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- A splash of water
- Oil for frying (approx. half a cup)
For the Sauce Mixture:
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 2 teaspoons red chilli sauce
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- ¼ teaspoon Kashmiri chilli powder (or paprika)
- ½ teaspoon vinegar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon cornflour
- ½ cup water
For the Stir-Fry:
- 2 teaspoons chopped ginger
- 2 teaspoons chopped garlic
- 2-3 green chillies, slit lengthwise
- 2 onions, cubed
- 1 capsicum (bell pepper), cubed
- 1 tablespoon chopped spring onions (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Paneer:
- In a bowl, mix the cornflour, Kashmiri chilli powder, salt, and a splash of water to form a thick batter.
- Toss the paneer cubes in the batter, ensuring they are evenly coated.
- Heat oil in a pan and shallow fry the coated paneer cubes until golden brown and crispy on all sides.
- Remove the fried paneer and place them on paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
2. Make the Sauce Mixture:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, red chilli sauce, ketchup, Kashmiri chilli powder (or paprika), vinegar, salt, cornflour, and water.
3. Stir-Fry the Vegetables:
- Add the chopped ginger and garlic, stir-frying until fragrant.
- Add the slit green chillies, cubed onions, and cubed capsicum.
- Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are slightly tender but still have a bit of crunch.
4. Combine Everything:
- Pour the prepared sauce mixture into the pan with the vegetables and stir well.
- Cook the sauce for 2-3 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
- Add the fried paneer cubes and gently toss to coat them evenly with the sauce.
- Stir everything together for another 2 minutes until the paneer is heated through and well coated with the sauce.
5. Garnish and Serve:
- Turn off the heat and garnish the chilli paneer with chopped spring onions.
- Serve hot as an appetizer or with fried rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Conclusion
Street-Style Chilli Paneer is a perfect blend of crispy paneer, crunchy vegetables, and a tangy, spicy sauce. This dish brings the flavors of Indian street food right to your kitchen and is sure to satisfy your cravings for something spicy and flavorful. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just craving some comfort food, this dish is quick, easy, and sure to impress.
Street-Style Chilli Paneer
Ingredients
- 200 grams paneer cut into cubes
- 2 tablespoons cornflour
- 1 teaspoon Kashmiri chilli powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- A splash of water
- Oil for frying approx. half a cup
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 2 teaspoons red chilli sauce
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- ¼ teaspoon Kashmiri chilli powder or paprika
- ½ teaspoon vinegar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon cornflour
- ½ cup water
- 2 teaspoons chopped ginger
- 2 teaspoons chopped garlic
- 2-3 green chillies slit lengthwise
- 2 onions cubed
- 1 capsicum bell pepper, cubed
- 1 tablespoon chopped spring onions for garnish
Instructions
Prepare the Paneer:
- In a bowl, mix the cornflour, Kashmiri chilli powder, salt, and a splash of water to form a thick batter.
- Toss the paneer cubes in the batter, ensuring they are evenly coated.
- Heat oil in a pan and shallow fry the coated paneer cubes until golden brown and crispy on all sides.
- Remove the fried paneer and place them on paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
Make the Sauce Mixture:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, red chilli sauce, ketchup, Kashmiri chilli powder (or paprika), vinegar, salt, cornflour, and water.
Stir-Fry the Vegetables:
- Add the chopped ginger and garlic, stir-frying until fragrant.
- Add the slit green chillies, cubed onions, and cubed capsicum.
- Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are slightly tender but still have a bit of crunch.
Combine Everything:
- Pour the prepared sauce mixture into the pan with the vegetables and stir well.
- Cook the sauce for 2-3 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
- Add the fried paneer cubes and gently toss to coat them evenly with the sauce.
- Stir everything together for another 2 minutes until the paneer is heated through and well coated with the sauce.
Garnish and Serve:
- Turn off the heat and garnish the chilli paneer with chopped spring onions.
- Serve hot as an appetizer or with fried rice or noodles for a complete meal.