Paneer Tikka (Indian Spiced Yogurt-Marinated Grilled Cheese Skewer)
Quick answer
- Total time
- 40 min
- Level
- Easy
- Servings
- 2 servings
- Ingredients
- 9
About this dish
Paneer tikka is an Indian grilled appetizer where cubes of paneer cheese and vegetables are marinated in spiced yogurt and cooked over high heat until charred at the edges.
Read more
The marinade combines plain yogurt with chili powder, turmeric, garam masala, and lemon juice, creating a thick coating that clings to each cube. After marination, the spices penetrate the surface while the yogurt adds tang. Bell peppers and onion chunks are threaded between the paneer pieces, and their natural sugars caramelize during grilling. The goal is to cook quickly so the exterior gets smoky char marks while the inside stays soft. Mint chutney on the side completes the dish.
Ingredients
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Instructions
Read the steps as a cooking flow: prep, heat, seasoning, doneness control, and finish.
- 1Season
Mix 120 g plain yogurt with chili powder, turmeric, garam masala, lemon juice, and oil until thick and smooth.
If the yogurt looks watery, strain or blot it first so the marinade coats instead of sliding off.
- 2Heat
Cut 250 g paneer, bell pepper, and onion into similar large pieces so they cook evenly.
Fold them into the marinade gently with a spatula, coating all sides without crumbling the paneer, then marinate for 20 minutes.
- 3Step
Thread paneer, bell pepper, and onion alternately onto skewers.
Leave a little space between pieces so heat reaches the edges, and keep the remaining marinade separate for brushing near the end.
- 4Step
Heat a pan or oven on high until very hot.
When the skewers touch the surface, they should sizzle immediately, which helps the outside char quickly before the paneer turns firm or rubbery.
- 5Heat
Cook for 4-6 minutes, turning once or twice, until the edges show light char marks.
Stop when the vegetables have softened slightly and the paneer is still tender, not tightened or dry.
- 6Finish
Brush on a thin layer of the remaining yogurt marinade and cook for 1 more minute.
Remove the skewers as soon as the coating is set and serve hot.
Practical Cooking Checks
The cues that matter most while cooking.
- Key technique
- Paneer Tikka consists of cheese cubes marinated in spiced yogurt and grilled until charred.
- Finish cue
- Stop when the vegetables have softened slightly and the paneer is still tender, not tightened or dry.
Cooking decision evidence
Calculated Charim data and applicable official cooking and food safety guidance.
This recipe
40min, 9 ingredients
Category median
32min, 8 ingredients
Based on 173 recipes
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