About the Recipe
Chilli Paneer is a sizzling fusion of Indian and Chinese flavours that has become a staple in street food stalls and restaurant menus alike.
This dish features golden-fried cubes of paneer—Indian cottage cheese—tossed in a vibrant sauce made with soy, garlic, green chilies, and bell peppers. The result is a perfect balance of heat, tang, and umami, with a satisfying crunch and creamy bite in every mouthful.
Whether served dry as a spicy appetizer or with gravy over rice or noodles, Chilli Paneer delivers bold flavour and comfort in equal measure. It's a must-try for lovers of spice and fusion flair.
Ingredients
500g paneer, cubed
3 tablespoons cornflour
3 teaspoons ginger, pasted
3 teaspoons garlic, pasted
4 green chillis
2 bell peppers
2 red onions
5 tablespoons Sweet Chilli Sauce
3 tablespoons soy sauce
Chopped coriander
Handful sesame seeds
1 tablespoon sesame oil
5 tablespoons sunflower oil
Instructions
Step 1
Start by slicing the paneer block into 2cm cubes, then gently coat them with cornflour. This flour coating will dry the paneer, allowing for a crispier texture.
Step 2
Heat 3 tablespoons of sunflower oil in a pan, then add the paneer cubes. Cook them on medium heat for 7 minutes until they become golden and crispy.
Step 3
Dice the bell peppers and red onions into equally sized cubes. Cut the chilies in half lengthwise to let their heat permeate the paneer mixture.
Step 4
Warm 2 tablespoons of sunflower oil in a wok, then incorporate the garlic, ginger, and chilies. Next, add the diced red onions and bell peppers, cooking for approximately 5 minutes.
Step 5
Add the paneer cubes to the vegetable mixture and warm them for 2 minutes in the wok. After reheating, pour in the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Stir the sauces in and let them heat until they start to adhere to the paneer cubes.
Step 6
To serve, finish by garnishing the chilli paneer with chopped coriander and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.
Note
Feel free to add the sauces based on your taste preferences. For a sweeter flavor, add sweet chili sauce; for a saltier taste, opt for soy sauce.