Kung Pao Paneer Recipe – Bold Indian-Chinese Fusion Dish

Are you craving the bold, tangy, and spicy flavors of Indian-Chinese cuisine? You’re in for a treat. This Kung Pao Paneer recipe offers a unique twist on the classic Sichuan dish by swapping the traditional chicken for paneer—a popular Indian cottage cheese.

Perfectly suited for vegetarians, this stir-fried delicacy is loaded with crispy veggies, crunchy peanuts, and a rich sauce bursting with umami. Whether you're hosting a dinner or preparing a quick family meal, this recipe is guaranteed to impress your taste buds.

What is Kung Pao Paneer?

Kung Pao Paneer is an Indian-Chinese fusion dish that draws inspiration from Kung Pao Chicken, a traditional dish from China’s Sichuan cuisine. It blends the spicy, savory, and slightly sweet flavors of a Chinese stir-fry with paneer, a soft yet firm Indian cheese. The result is a harmonious balance of textures and flavors, making it a favorite among vegetarians and foodies alike.

This dish is characterized by:

• Paneer cubes sautéed to golden perfection.
• Crunchy peanuts that add texture and nuttiness.
• Colorful veggies like bell peppers and onions for a vibrant and nutritious medley.
• A bold sauce that combines soy sauce, Sichuan-inspired spices, and a hint of sweetness.

Now, let's explore step-by-step how to prepare this mouthwatering dish in your kitchen.

Ingredients for Kung Pao Paneer

Before you get started, gather the following ingredients. This recipe serves 3–4 people:

For the Paneer and Vegetables:

• 250 grams paneer (cubed)
• 1 medium red bell pepper (cubed)
• 1 medium green bell pepper (cubed)
• 1 medium onion (cubed)
• 2–3 dried red chilies
• ⅓ cup peanuts (roasted)
• 3–4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1-inch ginger (finely chopped)
• 2 tbsp oil (vegetable or sesame oil)

For the Sauce:

• 2 tbsp light soy sauce
• 1 tbsp dark soy sauce
• 1 tbsp vinegar (white or rice vinegar)
• 1 tbsp hoisin sauce (optional, for an extra umami kick)
• 1 tsp chili paste or red chili flakes (adjust to your spice preference)
• 1 tsp sugar
• ½ cup vegetable stock or water
• 1 tbsp cornstarch (mixed with 2 tbsp water to create a slurry)

For Garnishing:

• Chopped spring onions
• Sesame seeds (optional)

How to Make Kung Pao Paneer

Step 1: Sauté the Paneer

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a non-stick skillet or wok.
2. Add the paneer cubes and sauté them until they turn golden brown on each side. Transfer the paneer to a plate and set aside.

Step 2: Toast the Peanuts

1. Use the same skillet to lightly toast the peanuts over medium heat. Remove them once they’re golden and aromatic, and keep them aside.

Step 3: Stir-Fry the Vegetables

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in the skillet.
2. Add the dried red chilies, ginger, and garlic. Stir-fry until aromatic.
3. Toss in the onions and bell peppers. Stir-fry for 2–3 minutes on high heat to maintain their crunch.

Step 4: Prepare the Sauce

1. In a small bowl, combine the light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, vinegar, hoisin sauce (if using), chili paste, sugar, and vegetable stock or water. Mix well.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

1. Lower the heat and pour the sauce into the skillet with the vegetables. Allow it to simmer for 1–2 minutes.
2. Stir in the cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce.
3. Add the golden paneer cubes and roasted peanuts to the skillet. Toss everything until well coated.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

1. Garnish the Kung Pao Paneer with chopped spring onions and sesame seeds for an added crunch.
2. Serve hot with steamed jasmine rice, fried rice, or noodles.

Pro Tips for Making Kung Pao Paneer

• For a Vegan Option: Substitute paneer with firm tofu for a plant-based version of this dish.
• Balance the Flavors: The beauty of this dish lies in balancing the sweet, spicy, and savory flavors. Adjust sugar and chili paste to suit your palate.
• Cook on High Heat: Cooking on high heat ensures the veggies retain their crunch and prevents them from becoming soggy.
• Customize the Veggies: Feel free to add broccoli, zucchini, mushrooms, or any vegetables you love.

Kung Pao Paneer is a versatile dish that can be adapted to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe can be whipped up in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Burst of Flavors: The combination of spices, sauces, and paneer creates a dish that’s anything but boring.
• Vegetarian-Friendly: A great alternative for vegetarians looking to enjoy the iconic Kung Pao flavors.
• Nutritious: Packed with protein from paneer, vitamins from the veggies, and healthy fats from the peanuts.

Add a Twist to Your Dinner Table

Kung Pao Paneer is more than just a meal; it’s an experience of bold, zesty flavors that will elevate your dinner table. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting your culinary adventures, this recipe is worth adding to your repertoire.

Love this recipe? We’d love to hear how it turned out for you. Tag us on Instagram with #KungPaoPaneer and share your culinary creation with our foodie community.

Happy cooking!