Dinner / Indian
Paneer Tikka Masala
Tandoori-spiced paneer cubes broiled until charred, then simmered in a creamy tomato-onion masala sauce.
By Vegetarian Recipes Kitchen · Updated
- Prep
- 25 minutes
- Cook
- 30 minutes
- Total
- 55 minutes
- Serves
- 4
Gather your ingredients
Everything you need.
Allergen notes
- Contains milk. Check dairy and cheese product labels.
- Check all packaged ingredients and substitutions for allergens; vegetarian or vegan labels do not establish allergen safety.
Check product labels and any substitutions; packaged ingredients can introduce additional allergens.
Let's cook
Step by delicious step.
Tap a step number to mark it complete as you cook.
Whisk yogurt with lemon juice, half the ginger and garlic, 1 teaspoon garam masala, cumin, paprika, and 1/2 teaspoon salt.
Fold in paneer cubes and marinate 15 minutes. Arrange the cubes on a rack set over a lined sheet pan.
Broil on high for 6 to 8 minutes, turning once, until lightly charred; set aside. Watch closely under the broiler and remove once lightly charred so the paneer does not toughen. Turn with tongs rather than moving the hot rack with bare hands.
Melt ghee in a Dutch oven, cook onion and serrano with remaining salt for 6 minutes until golden.
Add remaining ginger and garlic plus tomato paste; cook 2 minutes, then add remaining garam masala and tomato purée.
Simmer 10 minutes until slightly thickened, stir in cream and sugar, then fold in paneer and simmer 3 minutes; garnish with cilantro.
0 of 6 steps complete
A little kitchen know-how
- Line the pan with foil for easy cleanup when broiling yogurt-marinated paneer.
- Blend the sauce with an immersion blender for extra silky texture before adding cream.
Make it yours & keep it well
Use firm tofu, plant yogurt, oil and plant cream for a dairy-free version, checking product labels.
Storage: Cool promptly in shallow portions and refrigerate covered. Eat within 48 hours or freeze suitable extras promptly. Reheat cooked leftovers only once until steaming hot throughout. Keep any rice accompaniment separate. Add a little water when reheating the thick sauce.
For cooling and reheating, follow the Food Standards Agency’s leftover guidance. Rice has a shorter refrigerated storage limit, as described in its recipe notes.
Estimated nutrition per serving
520 kcal · Protein 19 g · Carbohydrates 26 g · Fat 38 g
Approximate figures; brands, portions and substitutions change the result.
Good things to know
Can I grill the paneer instead of broiling?
Yes—thread on skewers and grill over medium heat for 6 minutes, turning often.
How spicy is it?
The serrano adds moderate heat; omit for mild or leave seeds for more kick.
Why is the sauce catching?
Tomato purée thickens as water evaporates. Lower the heat, stir along the base and add a small splash of water before it scorches.
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