🌶️ Chilli Paneer Recipe | Restaurant-Style Dry & Gravy Chilli Paneer

Looking for the best chilli paneer recipe that tastes just like your favorite Indo-Chinese restaurant? This homemade chilli paneer, with crispy paneer cubes tossed in a flavorful, spicy, and tangy sauce, is the ultimate fusion delight. Whether you’re craving a chilli paneer dry starter or a chilli paneer gravy to pair with rice or noodles, this dish is perfect for all occasions.

🧾 Ingredients for Chilli Paneer

🔹 For Marinated Paneer:

• Paneer – 250 g (cubed)

• Cornflour – 2 tbsp

• All-purpose flour (maida) – 1 tbsp

• Ginger garlic paste – 1 tsp

• Black pepper – ¼ tsp

• Salt – ½ tsp

• Water – 2–3 tbsp

• Oil – for deep or shallow frying

🔹 For Chilli Sauce:

• Oil – 2 tbsp

• Garlic – 1 tbsp (finely chopped)

• Ginger – 1 tsp (finely chopped)

• Green chilies – 2 (slit or chopped)

• Onion – 1 medium (cubed)

• Capsicum – 1 medium (cubed)

• Spring onion – ¼ cup (white and green parts)

• Soy sauce – 1 tbsp

• Red chili sauce – 1 tbsp

• Green chili sauce – 1 tsp

• Tomato ketchup – 1 tbsp

• Vinegar – 1 tsp

• Cornflour slurry – 1 tbsp cornflour mixed with 3 tbsp water

• Salt – to taste

• Crushed black pepper – ½ tsp

• Water – ½ cup (only for gravy version)

👨‍🍳 Make Chilli Paneer at Home

🔹 Step 1: Marinate and Fry Paneer

1. In a mixing bowl, combine cornflour, all-purpose flour, salt, black pepper, and ginger garlic paste.

2. Add a few tablespoons of water and mix into a thick batter.

3. Toss in the paneer cubes and coat them well.

4. Heat oil and shallow fry or deep fry the paneer until golden brown and crispy.

5. Drain on paper towels and set aside.

✅ Pro Tip: For a healthier version, air-fry or bake the paneer at 200°C for 12–15 minutes until golden.

🔹 Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

1. Heat 2 tbsp oil in a wok or pan over medium-high heat.

2. Add chopped garlic and ginger, sauté until fragrant.

3. Add green chilies, followed by cubed onions and capsicum. Stir-fry for 1–2 minutes keeping them slightly crunchy.

4. Add soy sauce, red chili sauce, green chili sauce, tomato ketchup, and vinegar. Mix well.

5. Season with salt and crushed black pepper to taste.

🔹 Step 3: Make Dry or Gravy Version

🔸 For Chilli Paneer Dry:

1. Toss the fried paneer into the sauce.

2. Stir-fry everything on high heat until the paneer is well coated.

3. Garnish with chopped green spring onions and serve immediately.

🔸 For Chilli Paneer Gravy:

1. Add ½ cup water to the sauce and bring it to a gentle boil.

2. Add cornflour slurry and stir until the sauce thickens.

3. Add fried paneer cubes and simmer for 2–3 minutes.

4. Garnish with spring onions and serve hot.

🍽️ Best Occasions to Serve Chilli Paneer

Chilli Paneer is one of the most popular Indian-Chinese recipes, perfect for:

• House parties or get-togethers

• Indian festivals like Diwali, Holi, or New Year

• Dinner menus as appetizers or side dishes

• Birthday parties and potlucks

• Weekend restaurant-style cooking at home

• Kids’ lunchbox or snack boxes (mild version)

Whether dry or with gravy, this recipe pairs well with:

• Hakka noodles

• Fried rice

• Schezwan rice

• Garlic noodles

• Jeera rice or plain basmati rice

📊 Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – Approximate)

🔸 Tip: Air frying the paneer reduces fat significantly without compromising on crunch.

❓ FAQs About Chilli Paneer

Q1. Can I make chilli paneer vegan?
Yes, simply substitute paneer with tofu to make a delicious vegan chilli tofu recipe.

Q2. What’s the difference between chilli paneer and paneer Manchurian?
Chilli paneer is spicier and garlic-heavy, while paneer Manchurian has a thicker, tangier sauce.

Q3. How do I keep the paneer soft and not rubbery?
Avoid overcooking and soak paneer in warm water for 10 minutes before marinating for extra softness.

Q4. Can I skip green chili sauce?
Yes, you can adjust spiciness with red chili sauce or flakes.

Q5. Can I use store-bought paneer?
Absolutely! Just ensure it’s fresh and soft. Homemade paneer is always a bonus.

📌 Interesting Facts

This Chilli Paneer Recipe is the ultimate Indo-Chinese appetizer for every spice lover. With the perfect blend of garlic, soy, and spicy sauces coating the soft and crispy paneer cubes, it’s a guaranteed winner on your dining table. Choose the dry version for a fiery snack or the gravy version for a complete meal – either way, it’s finger-licking good.

Next time you’re wondering “how to make chilli paneer at home”, come back to this tried-and-tested recipe. Let your kitchen smell like your favorite Chinese takeaway – but healthier, fresher, and faster!