Paneer Tikka – The Wanderlust Kitchen

This Paneer Tikka recipe is a scrumptious Indian appetizer loaded with Paneer Cheese and veggies coated in a sauce full of Indian spices!

Indian dishes are always packed with flavor and this recipe is no different. If you are wanting more flavor packed Indian recipes then you have to check out my One Pot Lentil Dahl and Rice, Easy Roasted Bombay Potatoes, and Madras Lentils.

Paneer Tikka is an Indian appetizer that is made of skewers packed with Paneer cheese and veggies all marinated in a tikka full of flavors and spices! If you have not had or even heard of this dish before there are likely a couple of questions you might be asking. Like, what is Paneer? Or what is Tikka? Well let’s break it down!

What is Paneer?

Paneer is a type of Indian cheese. It is very different from any cheese you’re used to because it has the consistency and texture of tofu. This is why you are able to put it onto a skewer and bake it in the oven without it melting off like any other cheese would. Another thing to note is Paneer has a very mild flavoring. Because if this, it soaks up the favoring of any marinade or dish it is in so it can be very versatile.

What does Tikka mean?

Tikka is food which is either meat or vegetarian alternatives, such as Paneer, which has been marinated in yogurt and spices. This is why you will also see Tikka used in other Indian dishes as well.

How to make Paneer Tikka

Assemble your ingredients. For exact amounts see the recipe card below.

In a large bowl combine all the sauce ingredients and mix well together. Then, set aside 3 Tablespoons of sauce for serving.

Next, add in the paneer, bell peppers, and onions to the bowl with the sauce and mix until everything is coated evenly.

veggies and paneer marinating in the sauce

Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour up to overnight, to marinate.

After marinating, preheat your oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit and line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil.

Assemble your skewers, alternating all of the ingredients. Continue until all skewers are made.

Next, spray the skewers with any oil spray so that the veggies don’t dry out.

Bake for 10 minutes then broil for 1-2 minutes until the pieces look slightly charred.

Remove from the oven and drizzle with the sauce you set aside and enjoy!

Storage and Reheating

You can store this recipe in an airtight container in your fridge for 2-3 days. To reheat you can do so in your microwave for 30 seconds to 1 minute until everything has warmed through. I would not recommend freezing this dish because of the marinade.

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Print Recipe

In a large bowl, combine all the sauce ingredients and mix well together. Set aside 3 tablespoons of sauce for serving.
Next, add the paneer cubes, bell peppers, and onions to the bowl with the sauce and mix until everything is coated evenly.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, up to overnight, to marinate.
After marinating, preheat your oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit (230°C) and line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
Assemble your skewers, alternating all of the ingredients. Continue until all skewers are made.
Next, spray the skewers with any oil spray so that the veggies don’t dry out.
Bake for 10 minutes, then broil for 1-2 minutes until the pieces look slightly charred.
Remove from the oven, drizzle with the sauce you set aside, and enjoy!

To store Paneer Tikka Cheese, place the cooled skewers in an airtight container and refrigerate for 2-3 days.
To reheat, use a microwave for 30 seconds to 1 minute until warmed through. I don’t recommend freezing this dish due to the marinade, as it may alter the texture and flavor when thawed.