Chili Paneer is a popular Indo-Chinese dish that combines the soft, mild flavor of paneer (Indian cottage cheese) with a spicy, tangy sauce. The dish features crispy fried paneer cubes tossed in a flavorful mix of soy sauce, chili sauce, garlic, and bell peppers, creating a perfect balance of savory, spicy, and slightly sweet flavors. Chili Paneer can be served as an appetizer, side dish, or main course with fried rice or noodles. Its vibrant flavors and textures make it a crowd-pleasing favorite, especially for those who enjoy fusion cuisine.
Ingredients
- 250g paneer, cubed
- 1/4 cup cornflour
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
- 2-3 tablespoons oil (for frying)
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 1 green chili, finely chopped
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 small green bell pepper, diced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1/4 teaspoon sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- Spring onions for garnish
- Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Paneer: In a mixing bowl, combine the cornflour, all-purpose flour, black pepper, and salt. Add a few tablespoons of water to make a smooth batter. Coat the paneer cubes in the batter.
- Fry the Paneer: Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry the paneer cubes until they are golden and crispy on all sides. Remove from the skillet and set aside on a paper towel to drain excess oil.
- Sauté the Aromatics: In the same skillet, add a little more oil if needed. Sauté the minced garlic, ginger, and green chili until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
- Cook the Vegetables: Add the diced onion and bell pepper to the skillet. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, keeping the vegetables slightly crunchy.
- Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix the soy sauce, chili sauce, ketchup, sugar, and water. Pour the sauce into the skillet and cook for a minute until it thickens slightly.
- Toss the Paneer: Add the fried paneer cubes to the skillet and toss to coat them evenly in the sauce. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until everything is well combined.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish the Chili Paneer with spring onions and cilantro (if using). Serve hot as an appetizer or with fried rice or noodles.
Enjoy your delicious, spicy Chili Paneer, perfect for a flavorful Indo-Chinese meal or snack!
