Chili Garlic Paneer Recipe – Easy & Spicy Indo-Chinese Dish

Indian cuisine is synonymous with bold flavors, rich spices, and enticing aromas, and few recipes encapsulate this as perfectly as Chili Garlic Paneer. A fiery, tangy dish with a touch of garlic, this crowd-pleasing favorite features crispy paneer cubes tossed in a vibrant sauce. Ideal for vegetarians, spicy food enthusiasts, and anyone who loves Indian food, this recipe is perfect for an indulgent appetizer or a satisfying main dish paired with fried rice or noodles.

Let's jump into how you can create this mouthwatering version of Chili Garlic Paneer in your own kitchen.

What Makes Chili Garlic Paneer Special?

Chili Garlic Paneer is a fusion dish that combines the best of Indian and Indo-Chinese flavors. Its primary ingredient, paneer, is a high-protein Indian cottage cheese, known for its soft texture and ability to absorb the flavors of spices and sauces. Add to that the punchy flavor of garlic, the heat of chili, and the umami of soya sauce, and you have a dish that perfectly balances spicy, tangy, and savory elements.

Whether served as a snack, starter, or side dish, Chili Garlic Paneer stands out as an irresistible addition to any Indian meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you get started, gather these simple but flavorful ingredients. Each one plays a vital role in building the depth of taste in this recipe.

For the Paneer

• 200g Paneer (cut into bite-sized cubes)
• 2 tbsp Corn flour
• 2 tbsp All-purpose Flour
• ¼ tsp Pepper Powder
• ¼ tsp Salt
• 2-3 tbsp Water (for coating)

For the Sauce

• 2 tbsp Oil
• 1 tbsp Chopped Garlic
• 2-3 Green Chilies (finely chopped)
• 1 Onion (diced)
• 1 Capsicum (diced, optional)
• 2 tbsp Tomato Sauce
• 1 tbsp Soy Sauce
• 1 tsp Vinegar
• 1 tsp Red Chili Sauce
• ½ tsp Sugar
• ¼ tsp Salt (adjust to taste)
• 2-3 tbsp Water
• Spring Onions (chopped, for garnish)

How to Make Chili Garlic Paneer

Step 1: Prepare the Paneer

1. Make the Batter: Mix corn flour, all-purpose flour, pepper powder, and salt in a bowl. Gradually add water to create a smooth batter.
2. Coat the Paneer: Dip paneer cubes into the batter, ensuring they are evenly coated.
3. Fry the Paneer: Heat oil in a pan and shallow-fry the coated paneer cubes until they’re golden and crispy. Set aside on a paper towel to drain excess oil.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

1. Sauté Aromatics: Heat oil in a wok or pan. Add chopped garlic and green chilies, sautéing them until fragrant.
2. Add Vegetables (Optional): Toss in diced onion and capsicum. Stir-fry on high heat for 2-3 minutes until they’re slightly cooked but still crunchy.
3. Combine Flavors: Add tomato sauce, soy sauce, red chili sauce, vinegar, sugar, and salt. Stir well, letting the sauces blend together.
4. Adjust Consistency: Add 2-3 tbsp water to make the sauce slightly thinner. Simmer for a minute.

Step 3: Toss and Garnish

1. Coat the Paneer: Add the fried paneer cubes to the prepared sauce. Toss gently to coat them evenly in the flavorful mixture.
2. Garnish: Sprinkle chopped spring onions on top for an extra burst of freshness and texture.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Chili Garlic Paneer

• Crispy Paneer: If you love extra crunch, you can double-fry the paneer cubes. Shallow fry them once, then refry just before adding to the sauce.
• Custom Spice Level: Adjust the heat by varying the amount of green chilies and red chili sauce.
• Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh garlic and quality sauces for a better depth of flavor.
• Paneer Tip: If using store-bought paneer, soak it in warm water for 10 minutes to soften it before cooking.

Serving Suggestions

Chili Garlic Paneer shines as a versatile dish. Here’s how it works best:

• Starter: Serve it as a standalone starter with an extra drizzle of sauce.
• Main Dish: Pair it with vegetable fried rice or Hakka noodles for a hearty meal.
• Party Snack: Serve it on skewers with bell pepper and onion for a presentation that wows.

Why Chili Garlic Paneer is the Ultimate Crowd-Pleaser

This recipe isn’t just a hit because of its flavor—it’s also incredibly easy to make and customize. Perfect for vegetarians, it’s a meat-free delight that even non-vegetarians adore. Whether hosting a party or indulging yourself at home, Chili Garlic Paneer is a surefire way to impress.

Cooking at home also allows you to control the quality and freshness of the ingredients, resulting in a dish that’s healthier than what you might get at a restaurant.

Time to Fire Up Your Pan!

Why wait when you can bring the fiery and tangy flavors of Chili Garlic Paneer to your plate today? With this easy recipe, even beginners can whip up a restaurant-style dish in no time.

Give it a try, and don’t forget to visit us for more recipes that bring Indian cuisine to life. Happy cooking, and may your kitchen always smell like fresh garlic and spices!