paneer tikka masala recipe.

 

Paneer Tikka Masala Recipe – Restaurant Style at Home

Make creamy and flavorful Paneer Tikka Masala at home! This popular Indian curry features smoky grilled paneer tikka cubes simmered in a rich tomato-based gravy. Perfect with naan or rice.

---

🧾 Introduction

Paneer Tikka Masala is one of the most loved Indian restaurant curries worldwide. Soft cubes of paneer are marinated in spiced yogurt, grilled until smoky, and then simmered in a rich tomato and cream-based masala.

This dish is an absolute favorite for vegetarians who crave bold, smoky, and creamy flavors. It pairs beautifully with naan, paratha, or basmati rice, making it perfect for family dinners or special occasions.

---

🥘 Ingredients for Paneer Tikka Masala

For Paneer Tikka:

• 250g paneer (cut into cubes)
• ½ cup thick yogurt
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
• ½ tsp turmeric powder
• 1 tsp red chili powder
• 1 tsp garam masala
• 1 tbsp oil
• Salt to taste

For Gravy:

• 2 medium onions (finely chopped)
• 3 medium tomatoes (pureed)
• 2 tbsp cashews (soaked & blended to paste)
• 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste
• ½ tsp turmeric powder
• 1 tsp red chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin powder
• 1 tsp coriander powder
• 1 tsp garam masala
• 2 tbsp fresh cream
• 2 tbsp butter or ghee
• Salt to taste
• Fresh coriander leaves (for garnish)

---

🍳 How to Make Paneer Tikka Masala (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Marinate the Paneer

1. Mix yogurt, lemon juice, ginger-garlic paste, turmeric, red chili powder, garam masala, oil, and salt in a bowl.
2. Coat the paneer cubes well.
3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Step 2: Grill the Paneer

1. Heat a grill pan or tawa with a little oil.
2. Place marinated paneer cubes and cook until golden and smoky on all sides.
3. Set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Masala Gravy

1. Heat butter in a pan, add chopped onions, and sauté until golden.
2. Add ginger-garlic paste and cook for 1 minute.
3. Add tomato puree and cook until oil separates.
4. Stir in turmeric, red chili, cumin, coriander powder, and salt.
5. Add cashew paste and ½ cup water. Simmer for 5 minutes.

Step 4: Combine Paneer with Masala

1. Add grilled paneer tikka cubes into the gravy.
2. Stir in garam masala and fresh cream.
3. Simmer for 2–3 minutes.

Garnish with coriander leaves and your restaurant-style Paneer Tikka Masala is ready!

---

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

• Serve hot with butter naan, garlic naan, or tandoori roti.
• Enjoy with steamed basmati rice or jeera rice.
• Add a side of onion salad and raita for a complete meal.

---

❓ FAQs About Paneer Tikka Masala

Q1. Can I make Paneer Tikka Masala without grilling paneer?
Yes, you can pan-fry or bake the marinated paneer if you don’t have a grill.

Q2. Can I replace paneer with tofu?
Yes, tofu works well as a vegan substitute for paneer.

Q3. How do I get the smoky flavor in the gravy?
You can use the dhungar method by placing a lit charcoal in a bowl inside the curry, covering it, and letting the smoke infuse.

Q4. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the gravy in advance and add grilled paneer just before serving.

Q5. Is Paneer Tikka Masala spicy?
It’s medium spiced, but you can adjust chili powder according to your taste.

---

🍴 Similar Recipes You May Like :

1. Shahi Paneer – Royal and creamy paneer curry with cashews and cream.
2. Paneer Butter Masala – Rich buttery curry with paneer cubes.
3. Kadai Paneer – Spicy curry with capsicum and paneer.
4. Palak Paneer – Healthy spinach-based paneer curry.
5. Matar Paneer – Paneer with green peas in a tangy tomato curry.