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Chilli Paneer Recipe

Chilli Paneer

A popular Indo-Chinese stir-fry featuring crispy paneer cubes, colorful bell peppers, and onions tossed in a savory, spicy, and glossy sauce.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Paneer soaking (if frozen) 10 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 3 portions
Course: Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine: Indian, Indo-Chinese

Ingredients
  

Paneer and Coating
  • 250 g Paneer cut into 2 cm (3/4 inch) cubes
  • 3 tbsp Cornstarch also known as cornflour
  • 2 tbsp All-purpose flour maida
  • 1/2 tsp Black pepper freshly ground
  • 1/2 tsp Salt adjust to taste
  • 4 tbsp Water for making the batter
  • 3 tbsp Oil for shallow frying the paneer
Sauce Mixture
  • 1 1/2 tbsp Soy sauce preferably dark soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp Green chili sauce Indo-Chinese style
  • 1 tbsp Red chili sauce or Sriracha
  • 1 tsp White vinegar standard synthetic vinegar
  • 1 tbsp Tomato ketchup balances the heat
  • 1/4 tsp Sugar optional, to round out the flavors
Stir-Fry and Slurry
  • 1 tbsp Oil neutral cooking oil
  • 1 tbsp Garlic finely minced
  • 1 tsp Ginger finely minced
  • 2 pieces Green chilies slit lengthwise
  • 1 medium Red onion cut into petals/squares
  • 1 medium Green bell pepper deseeded and cut into squares
  • 1 tsp Cornstarch for the slurry
  • 3 tbsp Water cold water for the slurry
  • 2 tbsp Spring onion greens finely chopped, for garnish

Equipment

  • 1 Wok or deep frying pan A wide, thin-walled pan allows for high-heat stir-frying.
  • 1 Mixing bowls For battering the paneer and mixing the sauce.
  • 1 Slotted spoon To safely remove and drain the fried paneer cubes.

Method
 

  1. Cut the paneer into equal-sized cubes. If using frozen paneer, soak it in warm water for 10 minutes to soften, then drain and pat thoroughly dry with a paper towel. Wet paneer will cause the batter to slip off during frying.
  2. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp cornstarch, 2 tbsp all-purpose flour, 1/2 tsp ground black pepper, and 1/2 tsp salt. Gradually add about 4 tbsp water, whisking to form a smooth, thick batter that resembles the consistency of heavy cream. Toss the dried paneer cubes gently in the batter until they are fully and evenly coated.
  3. Heat 3 tbsp oil in a wide frying pan or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the battered paneer cubes in a single layer, leaving space between them. Fry for 3 to 4 minutes, turning occasionally, until a light golden, crispy crust forms on all sides. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the paneer to a plate lined with paper towels.
  4. In a small bowl, combine 1.5 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp green chili sauce, 1 tbsp red chili sauce, 1 tsp white vinegar, 1 tbsp tomato ketchup, and 1/4 tsp sugar. Stir well and set aside near the stove.
  5. Wipe the wok clean or heat 1 tbsp of fresh oil over high heat. Add the minced garlic, minced ginger, and slit green chilies. Sauté rapidly for 30 seconds until fragrant, taking care not to let the garlic brown. Add the onion petals and green bell pepper squares. Stir-fry on high heat for 1 to 2 minutes, constantly tossing, until the edges are slightly blistered but the vegetables remain firm and crunchy.
  6. Reduce the heat to medium. Pour the prepared sauce mixture over the vegetables and stir to combine. In a small cup, mix 1 tsp cornstarch with 3 tbsp cold water to make a smooth slurry. Pour this slurry into the pan, stirring constantly. Cook for 1 minute until the sauce bubbles, turns translucent, and thickens to a glossy glaze.
  7. Add the fried paneer cubes back to the wok. Toss quickly for 30 seconds to coat the paneer evenly with the glossy sauce without making the crust soggy. Turn off the heat, stir in the spring onion greens, and serve immediately while hot.

Notes

Adjust the green and red chili sauces to match your heat preference. If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the slit green chilies in the stir-fry.
Work quickly during the stir-fry steps. Overcooking the onions and peppers will cause them to lose their characteristic crunch.