Paneer Tikka Masala is a very rich, tasty, creamy Indian dish where spiced paneer tikka goes along with a very rich and luscious tomato-based gravy. Enjoy this Restaurant style Paneer tikka masala with rice and naan.
Jump to Recipe Print RecipePaneer Tikka Masala is really a must-have dish for many paneer lovers from Northern India. When the great desire for some restaurant-style Paneer Tikka Masala hits, this most-needed homemade recipe has the answer!
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About Paneer Tikka Masala
Paneer Tikka Masala is a heavenly dish of North India, rich in cream and intensely spicy flavors. It consists of grilled paneer cubes marinated in yogurt and aromatic spices and cooked well in tomato-based gravy. Perfectly smoky, mildly sweet, and tangy flavors with a hint of spice represent this dish. Key Ingredients-Paneer, Yogurt, Tomatoes, Onions, Cream, Butter, and Blend of Indian Spices like Garam Masala, Cumin, and Coriander. Paneer Tikka Masala is best served with naan, roti, or rice. It is a dish favored in Indian households and restaurants.
Ingredients
Paneer – Paneer tikka masala main ingredient is Paneer ,it is a proteinic and calciferous sustenance that plays an active role in fortifying bones and muscles. Soft, creamy, and mildly milky, this fresh cheese is available throughout the year.
Yogurt – An excellent probiotic, yogurt aids digestion and strengthens immunity. A summer and winter staple, it adds tanginess and smoothness to any dish.
Tomatoes – Tomatoes are rich in antioxidants like lycopene and are good for the heart. Their juicy, tangy, sweet flavor takes the dish to an entirely different level-mostly available during all seasons but best in summer.
Onions – Onions are packed with vitamins and antioxidants that help promote heart health as well as immunity. Sweet and deep, onions are available all year long.
Ginger and garlic paste – Ginger and garlic both boost immunity and, thanks to their anti-inflammatory properties, help digestion. They have powerful pungent, mildly spicy flavoring suitable for all seasons.
Cream – Cream provides good fat and hence has texture and richness; it brings on a silky buttery flavor that seems favorable in the colder season.
In winter, butter provides energy and essential fats, imbuing the dish with a creamy richness and a slightly nutty-savory taste.
Garam Masala – It is mixture of warming spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves-improves digestion and metabolism and imparts an assertive aroma and flavor to the dish.
Both Cumin and Coriander facilitate the process of digestion and are anti-inflammatory herbs. They blend earthy and citrus notes into the dish, being suitable for all seasons.
Mildly hot on the heat scale, Kashmiri red chili imparts its color while supplying ample antioxidants. With its slightly sweet, mildly smoky flavor, it is harvested mainly during summer.
Paneer Tikka Masala
How to make Paneer tikka Masala step by step.
Step 1: Marinating the Paneer
- In a bowl, mix thick yogurt, besan, ginger-garlic paste, lemon juice, and all the spice powders.
- Add mustard oil and kasuri methi. Mix well.
- Gently coat the paneer cubes with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
Step 2: Cooking the Paneer Tikka
- Heat a grill pan or tawa with little oil.
- Arrange marinated paneer cubes and cook on medium heat.
- Flip and roast until golden brown on all sides.
- Set aside.
Step 3: Preparing the Gravy
- Heat oil/butter in a pan. Add cumin seeds and bay leaf.
- Add chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.
- Add ginger-garlic paste and sauté until raw smell disappears.
- Pour in tomato puree and cook until oil separates.
- Add turmeric, red chili, garam masala, and coriander powder.
- Mix well and cook for 2 minutes.
Step 4: Bringing It Together
- Add cooked paneer tikka to the gravy.
- Pour water and let it simmer for 5 minutes.
- Add fresh cream or cashew paste and stir well.
- Sprinkle kasuri methi for extra flavor.
- Garnish with fresh coriander leaves.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll love this Paneer Tikka Masala recipe because it’s made with easily available ingredients most of which are commonly found in Indian kitchens. it’s compact with robust smoking and cream flavors that are both satisfactory and lenient. The dish is nutritious providing protein calcium and essential spices that boost immunity and digestion. it’s down for whatever temper and pairs good with naan roti or rice. Whether for a special occasion or a simple homemade meal this recipe is a crowd-pleaser!
FAQ| Tips and Tricks
Can I make this without an oven? Yes you can grill paneer on a stovetop or tawa for a similar smoky flavour.
Notes: Use fresh paneer for the best texture and taste; homemade paneer works even better.
Tips: Marinate the paneer for at least 30 minutes to Improve flavour absorption.
Tricks: For a restaurant-style taste add a teaspoon of kasuri methi and a splash of honey to balance flavors.
Recipe Card
Paneer Tikka Masala Recipe
Ingredients
Ingredients for Paneer Tikka Masala Recipe
- 250 g Paneer
- ½ cup Hung curd
- 2 tbsp Gram Flour / Besan
- 1 tsp Garlic Ginger paste
- ½ tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp Red chili Powder
- 1 tsp coriander Powder
- 1 tsp Garam Masala
- ½ tbsp mustard oil
- 1 tsp Lemon juice
- 1 tsp Dried fenugreek leaves
- Salt according to taste
For Gravy – Paneer tikka masala recipe
- 3 Onion
- 2 Tomato
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- 1 tsp garam Masala
- 1 Bay leaf
- 1 tsp chili Power
- 1 tsp ginger garlic paste
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 1 tsp coriander Powder
- 1 tsp coriander leaves finely chopped
- ½ cup fresh cream or cashew paste
- ½ cup water
- salt to taste
- 2½ tbsp butter
Instructions
- Step-by-Step Instructions- Paneer Tikka Masala
- Step 1: Marinating the Paneer
- In a bowl, mix thickyogurt, besan, ginger-garlic paste, lemon juice, and all the spice powders.250 g Paneer, ½ cup Hung curd, 2 tbsp Gram Flour / Besan, 1 tsp Garlic Ginger paste, ½ tsp turmeric powder, 1 tsp Red chili Powder, 1 tsp coriander Powder, 1 tsp Garam Masala, 1 tsp Lemon juice, Salt according to taste
- Add mustard oil and kasurimethi. Mix well½ tbsp mustard oil, 1 tsp Dried fenugreek leaves
- Gently coat the paneercubes with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes
Step 2: Cooking the Paneer Tikka
- Heat a grill pan or tawa with little oil.
- Arrange marinated paneer cubes and cook on medium heat
- Flip and roast until golden brown on all sides. Set aside.
Step 3: Preparing the Gravy
- Heat oil/butter in a pan. Add cumin seeds and bay leaf.1 tsp cumin seeds, 1 Bay leaf, 2½ tbsp butter
- Add chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.3 Onion
- Add ginger-garlic paste and sauté until raw smell disappears1 tsp ginger garlic paste
- Pour in tomato puree and cook until oil separates.2 Tomato
- Add turmeric, red chili, garam masala, and coriander powder.1 tsp garam Masala, 1 tsp chili Power, 1 tsp turmeric, 1 tsp coriander Powder
- Mix well and cook for 4 minutes.
Step 4: Bringing It Together
- Add cooked paneer tikka to the gravy.
- Pour water and let it simmer for 5 minutes
- Add fresh cream or cashew paste and stir well.½ cup fresh cream or cashew paste, ½ cup water, salt to taste
- Sprinkle kasuri methi for extra flavor. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves.1 tsp coriander leaves finely chopped, 1 tsp Dried fenugreek leaves
Notes
Tips & Tricks
- ✅ Use fresh homemade paneer for best results.
- ✅ Marinate the paneer for at least 30 minutes to enhance flavors.
- ✅ Grill or tawa-fry paneer to get that smoky taste.
- ✅ Adding kasuri methi enhances the restaurant-like taste.
- ✅ Adjust spice levels as per your preference.
- ✅ For a richer gravy, blend cooked onions and tomatoes before adding spices.
What to Serve With Paneer Tikka Masala?
Paneer Tikka Masala pairs best with:- ✔️ Butter Naan
- ✔️ Tandoori Roti
- ✔️ Jeera Rice
- ✔️ Pulao
- ✔️ Laccha Paratha
