Paneer Tikka

Paneer Tikka is a popular North Indian appetizer, known for its tangy, spicy marinade and charred edges. While it’s typically made in a tandoor or grill, you can achieve equally delicious results right on your gas stove. Whether you don’t have an oven or you’re simply looking for a quicker option, this gas stove method will give you a perfectly grilled paneer with the same smoky flavor. Let’s dive into the easy step-by-step guide for making Paneer Tikka on the gas stove.

Ingredients for Paneer Tikka

For the Marinade:

200 grams of paneer (cut into cubes)
1/2 cup of thick yogurt (Greek yogurt works well)
1 tablespoon of gram flour (besan)
1 tablespoon of ginger-garlic paste
1 teaspoon of red chili powder
1 teaspoon of turmeric powder
1 teaspoon of garam masala
1/2 teaspoon of cumin powder
1/2 teaspoon of coriander powder
1 tablespoon of lemon juice
1 teaspoon of chaat masala
Salt to taste
1 tablespoon of oil

For Cooking:

1 onion (cut into cubes)
1 bell pepper (cut into cubes)
Skewers (if available)
Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
Lemon wedges for serving

Step-by-Step Guide to Make Paneer Tikka

Step 1: Prepare the Paneer

Start by cutting the paneer into uniform cubes. If you’re using store-bought paneer, soak it in warm water for 10 minutes to soften it. This step ensures the paneer stays tender while cooking.

Step 2: Make the Marinade

In a bowl, whisk the thick yogurt until smooth. This creates a good base for your marinade. Add the ginger-garlic paste, gram flour (besan), lemon juice, and the dry spices – red chili powder, turmeric, cumin, coriander, and garam masala. Mix everything until a smooth paste forms.

Step 3: Coat the Paneer and Vegetables

Once the marinade is ready, add the paneer cubes, onion, and bell pepper. Gently toss them in the marinade, making sure each piece is well-coated. Allow the paneer and vegetables to marinate for at least 30 minutes. For even better flavor, you can refrigerate the marinated paneer for up to 2 hours.

Step 4: Skewer the Paneer and Vegetables (Optional)

If you have skewers, alternate paneer, onion, and bell pepper pieces on them. This will make flipping the paneer on the stove easier. If you don’t have skewers, you can cook the paneer and vegetables directly on a pan without skewering.

Step 5: Heat the Pan

Place a non-stick or cast-iron pan on medium heat and add a tablespoon of oil. Let the oil heat for a minute before placing the paneer skewers or individual paneer and vegetable pieces on the pan.

Step 6: Cook the Paneer Tikka

Cook the paneer on medium heat, allowing it to cook evenly on all sides. If using skewers, turn them every 2-3 minutes to ensure all sides get a nice char. If you’re cooking without skewers, flip each paneer and vegetable piece individually. Cook for about 10-12 minutes until the paneer is slightly charred and the vegetables are tender but still crunchy.

Step 7: Add a Smoky Flavor (Optional)

If you want to achieve that tandoor-like smoky flavor, you can use a “dhungar” technique. Take a small piece of coal and heat it on direct flame until it’s red hot. Place the hot coal in a small bowl and put this bowl inside the pan with cooked paneer. Drizzle a few drops of ghee or oil on the coal and immediately cover the pan with a lid. Let it smoke for about 2 minutes, then remove the lid. The paneer will have a delightful smoky flavor!

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Once the paneer tikka is cooked and charred, remove it from the pan. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and sprinkle some chaat masala for extra flavor. Serve hot with lemon wedges and mint chutney on the side.

Tips for Perfect Paneer Tikka

Use Fresh Paneer: Fresh paneer yields softer results. If using frozen paneer, be sure to thaw and soak it in warm water before marinating.
Thick Marinade: Ensure your yogurt is thick. If it’s too watery, the marinade won’t stick well to the paneer.
Cooking on Medium Heat: Cook on medium heat to ensure the paneer doesn’t burn on the outside while staying undercooked inside.
Flip Gently: The paneer is delicate and can break easily, so use tongs or a spatula to gently flip it while cooking.

Conclusion

Making Paneer Tikka on a gas stove is a fantastic alternative to using a tandoor or oven. With the right marinade and proper cooking technique, you can enjoy this delicious dish with a smoky flavor, all without needing fancy equipment. Perfect for gatherings, family dinners, or even a quick snack, this paneer tikka recipe will surely become a household favorite.

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