Here’s a complete, detailed recipe for delicious, smoky, and flavorful Paneer Tikka Skewers—perfect as an appetizer, BBQ dish, or even a light meal.
Paneer Tikka Skewers
Description
Paneer Tikka Skewers are a classic dish from India, made with cubes of soft Paneer marinated in a spiced yogurt mixture, then grilled or roasted until slightly charred and aromatic. They’re juicy on the inside, smoky on the outside, and bursting with bold spices.
Time Required
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Marination Time: 30–60 minutes
Cooking Time: 15–20 minutes
Total Time: ~1 hour
Ingredients
For the Paneer & Vegetables:
250g paneer (cut into cubes)
1 capsicum (bell pepper), cubed
1 onion, cubed (petals separated)
1 tomato (optional), cubed
Skewers (wooden or metal)
For the Marinade:
½ cup thick yogurt (hung curd works best)
1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp mustard oil (or regular oil)
1 tsp red chili powder
½ tsp turmeric powder
1 tsp cumin powder
1 tsp coriander powder
½ tsp garam masala
½ tsp chaat masala
Salt to taste
1 tbsp gram flour (besan) – lightly roasted
1 tsp kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Marinade
In a bowl, mix yogurt, spices, ginger-garlic paste, lemon juice, mustard oil, roasted gram flour, and kasuri methi. Mix until smooth and thick.
2. Marinate
Add paneer cubes, capsicum, onion, and tomato to the marinade.
Gently coat everything without breaking the paneer.
Cover and marinate for at least 30–60 minutes (longer = more flavor).
3. Assemble Skewers
Thread paneer and vegetables alternately onto skewers.
4. Cook
Option 1: Oven/OTG
Preheat oven to 200°C
Place skewers on a tray lined with foil
Bake for 15–20 minutes, turning halfway
Option 2: Stovetop (Pan)
Heat a grill pan with a little oil
Cook skewers on medium heat, turning occasionally until slightly charred
Grill over medium flame for a smoky flavor
5. Finish
Brush with butter and sprinkle chaat masala.
Serve hot with mint chutney and lemon wedges.
Serving Suggestions
Mint-coriander chutney
Sliced onions with lemon
Warm naan or roti
Side of salad
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make it without an oven?
Yes! A stovetop grill pan or even a regular frying pan works well.
2. How do I prevent paneer from becoming rubbery?
Avoid overcooking and use fresh, soft paneer.
3. Can I make it vegan?
Yes—replace paneer with tofu and yogurt with plant-based yogurt.
4. Why add gram flour (besan)?
It helps the marinade stick better and gives a richer texture.
5. Can I prepare it in advance?
Yes, marinate up to 24 hours in the fridge.
Nutritional Information (Approx. per serving)
Calories: 280–320 kcal
Protein: 14–18g
Carbohydrates: 10–12g
Fat: 20–22g
Fiber: 2–3g