Paneer Tikka Masala is more than just a dish! It is one of the most ordered Indian restaurant-quality dishes that brings the essence of Indian cuisine to your dining table. This Restaurant-style paneer tikka masala recipe is a super delicious and easy-to-make dish to supercharge your taste buds. This dish combines marinated paneer’s smoky, charred flavors with a rich, creamy tomato-based gravy. Chunks of marinated grilled paneer going to melt in your mouth. Wow! Isn’t it mouth-watering? This paneer tikka recipe is not just a favorite of Indian households, it is also one of the favorite dishes of Asian restaurants and worldwide for its bold flavors and comforting nature.
This paneer tikka masala restaurant style can be made with easy-to-find paneer tikka masala ingredients. The beauty of Paneer Tikka with an awesome gravy Masala lies in its versatility and universal appeal. Whether you are looking for something delicious at the dinner table or crave some Indian food, paneer tikka curry and paneer tikka gravy will be your new family favorite. The spicier variation of the dish is paneer tikka masala Punjabi style for someone like me who loves spices all day long.
Its vibrant colors and aromatic spices make it a feast for both the eyes and the palate. Paneer is the star of the recipe to make paneer tikka masala and paneer tikka. Where the chunks of paneer absorb the complex flavors of the marinade and gravy to ensure a great contrast of textures and tastes. This Restaurant-style tikka masala recipe is designed to help you recreate the magic of your favorite Indian restaurant at home.
In this recipe I will guide you on how to make this iconic dish step-by-step, ensuring that every bite is a joy of flavors.
History and Cultural Significance
Paneer Tikka Masala is a North Indian dish, particularly in the Punjabi region, known for its rich and flavorful dishes. The term “tikka” refers to marinated pieces of meat or paneer that are grilled or baked. Where paneer in the Restaurant-style paneer tikka masala recipe is an Indian cottage cheese. This paneer tikka masala Punjabi style and paneer butter masala instant pot consists of 2 parts. One is to marinate and grill the paneer and the other one is to make the masala gravy.
The dish has some British involvement in the recipe particularly the chicken tikka masala, which is said to be invented in the UK. This Tikka Masala became popular as a vegetarian alternative. Today this easy paneer tikka masala is the most-ordered dish in Indian and Asian restaurants and the symbol of traditional Indian cooking and modern culinary.
Related: Restaurant-style Butter Chicken Recipe
Difference Between Tikka Masala and Makhani Gravy
| Paneer Tikka Masala | Paneer Makhani |
| Paneer is marinated in yogurt and spices, then grilled or baked until it develops a charred, smoky flavor. Then grilled paneer is then cooked in a spicy tomato-based gravy. | Paneer is usually added directly to the gravy without prior marination or grilling. The dish focuses on a creamy tomato-based gravy. |
| The dish has a rich, strong, and smoky flavor due to the grilling of the cheese and the use of various spices. Paneer is generally spicier and has a deeper, more intense flavor than makhani. | The dish is light, sweet, and creamy with a buttery flavor, emphasizing the richness of butter and cream with subtle spices. |
| Gravy is thicker and has a more complex texture, often with chunks of grilled cheese. | The gravy is smooth, creamy, and rich, without the smokiness or intensity found in paneer tikka masala. |
Instructions
Preparing the Paneer Tikka:
- Combine all the tikka masala ingredients such as yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, turmeric powder, red chili powder, garam masala, ground cumin, ground coriander, chaat masala, lemon juice, and salt In a large bowl. Mix them well and then add the paneer cubes and coat them thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results.
- Preheat your grill or oven to 400°F (200°C). If using a grill, thread the marinated paneer cubes onto skewers. Brush with vegetable oil and grill for 10-12 minutes until the paneer is golden and slightly charred. Alternatively, you can make paneer tikka in the oven on a lined baking sheet.
Preparing the Gravy:
- Heat butter and oil over medium heat in a large pan. Add the chopped onions and green chilies, sautéing until the onions are golden brown.
- Stir in the ginger-garlic paste and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
- Add the pureed tomatoes to the pan, along with turmeric powder, red chili powder, ground cumin, and ground coriander. Cook for 10-15 minutes for paneer tikka curry until the tomato mixture thickens and the oil separates from the masala.
- Lower the heat and add the heavy cream, stirring continuously to avoid curdling, and add water as per your preferences. Cook paneer tikka gravy with salt and simmer for 5-7 minutes.
- Gently fold the grilled paneer into the gravy. Make sure it is well-coated with the masala. Simmer for another 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Sprinkle garam masala and crushed kasuri methi over the dish, stirring gently to combine. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving the Paneer Tikka Masala.
If you are allergic to nuts or do not like them then you can remove the nuts from tikka masala ingredients to make the Restaurant-style paneer tikka with awesome gravy masala recipe. But you are going to miss the creamy texture of the paneer tikka recipe and it will be a paneer tikka masala dry. As a solution replace the nuts with heavy cream to maintain the texture of the dish.
Related: Paneer Tikka Recipe on Grill
Tips and Tricks
- Use fresh, high-quality paneer for the best texture and flavor. Homemade paneer can be an excellent choice.
- Marinate the paneer for at least 2 hours, but overnight is ideal to get the most flavor and texture from the paneer tikka masala restaurant style.
- For a smoky flavor, grill the paneer on an open flame or a charcoal grill. Skewers should be soaked in water to prevent burning.
- To avoid curdling, add the cream slowly and ensure the gravy is not boiling when you add it. Stir continuously.
- Crush the dried fenugreek leaves between your palms before adding them enhancing their flavor and aroma.
- Use juicy tomatoes or tomato sauce in the paneer tikka gravy and paneer tikka curry to get a rich and natural sweetness.
Related: Paneer Tikka on Tawa
Serving Suggestions
Paneer Tikka Masala can be served over a variety of Indian bread and rice dishes. Here are some serving suggestions:
- Most Indian people love to have Paneer Tikka Masala with warm naan or roti to soak up the delicious gravy.
- You can serve this tikka masala with hoot-cooked basmati rice or jeera rice for a hearty meal.
- For a feeling and complete meal, you can serve the dish with Indian-style pulao.
- Cool cucumber raita or boondi raita is also a great choice as the serving option as it absorbs the extra spices.
- Fresh green salad with lemon dressing can add a refreshing contrast to the paneer tikka masala restaurant style.
Related: Restaurant-style Chilli Paneer Recipe
Recipe Variations
- If you like to add more spices to the dish and make paneer tikka masala Punjabi style, try adding more green chilies and red chili powder for an extra kick of heat.
- Add more cream or a dollop of butter for a richer, creamier gravy.
- Blend soaked cashews with the tomato puree for a nutty and creamy texture.
- Try vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes to the marinade along with the paneer to make the paneer tikka more nutritious and flavorful.
- Swap the grilled paneer with lightly fried paneer cubes and increase the butter for paneer butter masala instant pot and cheese paneer butter masala.
Related: Paneer Curry Masala Recipe
Master the Ultimate Restaurant-Style Paneer Tikka Masala Recipe
Paneer Tikka Masala is a rich and flavorful dish made with marinated and grilled paneer with a creamy, tomato-based gravy. This vegetarian favorite Restaurant-style paneer tikka masala recipe is a North Indian cuisine. It has gained global popularity for its bold flavors and delicious taste. By using fresh paneer, marinating thoroughly, and adding cream slowly get the most out of the dish. Key ingredients like cashew gravy, tomato gravy, and vegan substitute tofu are there to prepare easy paneer tikka masala. You can serve the normal paneer tikka masala or the paneer tikka masala Punjabi style with naan, basmati rice, or raita. So, let's cook an authentic and impressive Paneer Tikka Masala at home for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Paneer Tikka:
- 400g paneer, cut into cubes
- 1 cup thick yogurt
- 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon chaat masala
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt to taste
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- Skewers (if using a grill)
For the Gravy:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 green chilies, slit
- 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
- 3 large tomatoes, pureed
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup water
- Salt to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves), crushed
Instructions
Preparing the Paneer Tikka:
- Combine paneer tikka masala ingredients such as yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, turmeric powder, red chili powder, garam masala, ground cumin, ground coriander, chaat masala, lemon juice, and salt In a large bowl. Mix them well and then add the paneer cubes and coat them thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results.
- Preheat your grill or oven to 400°F (200°C). If using a grill, thread the marinated paneer cubes onto skewers. Brush with vegetable oil and grill for 10-12 minutes until the paneer is golden and slightly charred. Alternatively, you can make paneer tikka in the oven on a lined baking sheet.
Preparing the Gravy:
- Heat butter and oil over medium heat in a large pan. Add the chopped onions and green chilies, sautéing until the onions are golden brown.
- Stir in the ginger-garlic paste and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
- Add the pureed tomatoes to the pan, along with turmeric powder, red chili powder, ground cumin, and ground coriander. Cook for 10-15 minutes for paneer tikka curry until the tomato mixture thickens and the oil separates from the masala.
- Lower the heat and add the heavy cream, stirring continuously to avoid curdling, and add water as per your preferences. Cook paneer tikka gravy with salt and simmer for 5-7 minutes.
- Gently fold the grilled paneer into the gravy. Make sure it is well-coated with the masala. Simmer for another 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Sprinkle garam masala and crushed kasuri methi over the dish, stirring gently to combine. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving the Paneer Tikka Masala.
Notes
If you are allergic to nuts or do not like them then you can remove the nuts from paneer tikka masala ingredients to make the Restaurant-style paneer tikka masala recipe. But you are going to miss the creamy texture of the paneer tikka recipe and it will be a paneer tikka masala dry. As a solution replace the nuts with heavy cream to maintain the texture of the dish.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
4Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 748Total Fat: 63gSaturated Fat: 32gTrans Fat: 2gUnsaturated Fat: 24gCholesterol: 155mgSodium: 1326mgCarbohydrates: 25gFiber: 4gSugar: 15gProtein: 26g
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Few Things to Remember
- Paneer can become tough and rubbery if overcooked. Grill or bake it just until it’s golden and slightly charred.
- Add cream on low heat and stir continuously to prevent it from curdling.
- The marinade is crucial for flavor. Try to marinate the mixture for at least 2 hours.
- The quality of tomatoes significantly affects the taste of the gravy. Always use fresh and high-quality tomatoes.
- To balance the taste and flavor always adjust the spices throughout the cooking when you make paneer tikka.
Related: Beef Dinner Recipes
FAQs
Q. Can I use store-bought paneer?
A. Yes, store-bought paneer works well, but ensure it is fresh and of good quality. I always use homemade creamy paneer for the Paneer Tikka Masala.
Q. Is there a vegan alternative to the Restaurant-style paneer tikka masala recipe?
A. Substitute paneer with tofu and use coconut cream instead of dairy cream for a vegan version.
Q. What can I use instead of kasuri methi?
A. You can use fresh fenugreek leaves as a substitute, though the flavor will be slightly different.
Q. Can I freeze Paneer Tikka Masala?
A. Yes, you can freeze the gravy separately and add freshly grilled paneer before serving.
Q. What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
A. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave by adding a splash of water.
Q. Can I use canned tomatoes?
A. Fresh tomatoes are recommended for their natural sweetness, but canned tomatoes can be used.
Q. Is this easy paneer tikka masala gluten-free?
A. Yes, Cottage Cheese Tikka Masala is naturally gluten-free. You need to use spices and other gluten-free ingredients.
Conclusion
Paneer Tikka Masala is a restaurant-worthy dish that brings the authentic Indian taste to your dinner table. This Restaurant-style paneer tikka masala recipe has everything to please your family and friends on any special occasion. With its authentic aromatic flavor, taste, and versatility, this paneer tikka gravy will be your new favorite. The above step-by-step guide will help you to make the perfect Paneer Tikka Masala.
Each step, from marinating the paneer to simmering the creamy gravy, is a journey that celebrates the richness of flavors and traditions. The satisfaction of serving a beautifully cooked dish that you’ve made from scratch can’t be described in words. you can personalize this dish by seeing the panner tikka masala videos at the beginning of the article. This dish offers endless possibilities for experimentation and customization.
You can add spices of your choice, experiment with ingredients, and add various toppings to create a meal that suits your taste and preferences. The versatility of Paneer Tikka Masala makes it a dish that you will crave more often and will discover something new every time you cook. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and start making the Paneer Tikka Masala from scratch. This dish is a true masterpiece if you simply treating yourself to a delicious homemade meal or cooking it for a special occasion.
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