Chilli Paneer is a popular Indo-Chinese dish that blends the flavors of spicy, tangy, and umami in a delightful way. It features cubes of paneer (Indian cottage cheese) stir-fried with bell peppers, onions, and a savory sauce made with soy sauce, vinegar, and chili. This dish is versatile and can be served as a starter or even as a side dish with fried rice or noodles. Whether you prefer it dry for a crunchy bite or with a saucy base, Chilli Paneer is perfect for satisfying your cravings for something flavorful and exciting.
Ingredients:
- 250g paneer, cubed
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 medium green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 medium red bell pepper, chopped
- 2-3 green chilies, slit
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon tomato ketchup
- 1 tablespoon vinegar
- 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
- Oil for frying
- Spring onions, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Coat the Paneer: In a bowl, mix cornstarch, flour, a pinch of salt, and water to make a thick batter. Coat the paneer cubes evenly in the batter.
- Fry the Paneer: Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Shallow fry the coated paneer cubes until golden and crispy on all sides. Remove and set aside on a paper towel.
- Prepare the Sauce: In the same pan, add a little oil and sauté the ginger-garlic paste for 30 seconds. Add the onions, green chilies, and bell peppers, and stir-fry on high heat for 2-3 minutes until they start to soften.
- Add the Sauces: Lower the heat and add soy sauce, chili sauce, tomato ketchup, vinegar, black pepper, and salt. Stir well to combine and let the sauce simmer for a minute.
- Combine the Paneer: Add the fried paneer cubes to the pan and toss them in the sauce, ensuring the paneer is well-coated. If you prefer a saucier dish, add a little water and let it cook for an additional minute.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with chopped spring onions and serve hot. Chilli Paneer can be enjoyed on its own as an appetizer or paired with fried rice or noodles.
Enjoy your delicious Chilli Paneer!
