Chilli Paneer is a popular Indo-Chinese dish made with crispy, golden-brown paneer (Indian cottage cheese) cubes tossed in a spicy, tangy, and slightly sweet sauce. It’s typically served as an appetizer or a side dish with fried rice or noodles, and is beloved for its bold flavors and crispy texture.
This recipe can be made dry (as an appetizer) or with a little gravy (as a side dish), and it’s packed with flavors from soy sauce, green chilies, ginger, and garlic. It’s the perfect fusion dish for those who enjoy a spicy, savory kick.

Chilli Paneer Recipe | What is the Recipe of Chilli Paneer
Ingredients
- 200 grm Paneer cubed
- 1 Onion large peeled and cubed
- 1 Capsicum or Bell Pepper large cubed
- 2 cm piece Ginger chopped finely
- 3 Green Chilli cut in diagnols
- Salt as for taste
- 1 tbsp Sugar
- a pinch Ajinomoto
- 2 tbsp Tomato ketchup as for taste
- 1 tbsp Red Chilli Sauce as for taste
- 1 tbsp Green Chilli Sauce as for taste
- 2 tbsp Soy Sauce
- 1 tbsp Vinegar
- 1 tbsp Chilli Powder
- Spring Onion a handful finely chopped
For Frying:
- 3 tbsp All Purpose Flour / Maida
- 6 tbsp Corn Flour / Corn Starch
- Salt to taste
- 1/2 tbsp Sugar
- 2 tbsp Pepper Powder
- 1 tbsp Soy Sauce
- Water as needed
- 4 tbsp Oil
Instructions
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Heat 4 tbsp of oil in a pan. Take all the ingredients given for frying in a bowl, add in water and make it to slightly thin batter. Dip the paneer in the batter and fry till golden. Remove it to a plate.
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Mix all the sauces in a bowl and set aside.
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Heat 1 tbsp of oil in a pan, add in ginger and chillies. Saute for a min.
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Add in onions, capsicum and saute for couple more mins.
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Add in salt, sugar and mix well. Add in chilli powder and sauces and mix well. Cook for couple of mins.
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Add fried paneer and toss. Add spring onion and mix well.
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Serve with noodles or fried rice.
Serving Suggestions:
- With Noodles or Rice: Serve the Chilli Paneer with fried rice or hakka noodles for a complete Indo-Chinese meal.
- As an Appetizer: It can also be served as a stand-alone snack or appetizer, especially for parties or gatherings.
- With Roti: If you prefer, you can also serve this dish with some hot naan or roti for a fusion twist.
Tips & Variations:
- Add Vegetables: You can include other vegetables like carrots, mushrooms, or baby corn to the sauce for extra flavor and texture.
- Spicy Version: For a spicier version, increase the amount of green chilies, or use chili oil in the sauce.
- Gravy Version: If you prefer a saucy version, add a little more water to the sauce and serve it as a gravy with rice or noodles.
- Vegan Version: Use tofu instead of paneer for a vegan alternative. Press the tofu to remove excess moisture before frying for a crispy texture.
- Baked Version: For a healthier alternative, you can bake the paneer cubes at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes until crispy, instead of deep frying them.
Why You’ll Love Chilli Paneer:
- Flavor Explosion: The dish offers a perfect balance of spicy, tangy, and umami flavors, making it a delightful experience for your taste buds.
- Crispy & Tender: The crispy fried paneer combined with the smooth, flavorful sauce creates a delightful contrast in texture.
- Versatile: It can be served as an appetizer, side dish, or even a main course, making it a great addition to any meal.
- Customizable: Adjust the spice level and sauce consistency based on your preferences.
Chilli Paneer is a crowd-pleasing, delicious dish that combines the best of Indian and Chinese flavors. Whether you’re serving it as a starter or as part of a larger meal, this dish is sure to be a hit! Enjoy the crunchy, spicy, and flavorful goodness! 🌶️🍽️