Garlic Paneer Recipe

πŸ§„ Garlic Paneer Recipe | Spicy Indian Style Garlic Paneer Dry & Gravy

Looking for a spicy, flavorful paneer dish? This Garlic Paneer Recipe is a delicious, quick Indo-Chinese appetizer or main course that’s perfect for garlic lovers. Whether you’re making garlic paneer dry as a starter or garlic paneer gravy to pair with fried rice or naan, this versatile dish is an absolute crowd-pleaser.

Bursting with the bold aroma of garlic, soft paneer cubes, and Chinese sauces, this dish offers the best of both Indian and Chinese cuisine in one spicy treat.

🧾 Ingredients for Garlic Paneer

For Paneer Marination:

  • Paneer (cubed) – 200 g

  • Cornflour – 2 tbsp

  • All-purpose flour (maida) – 1 tbsp

  • Ginger-garlic paste – 1 tsp

  • Salt – Β½ tsp

  • Crushed black pepper – ΒΌ tsp

  • Water – 2 tbsp

  • Oil – for shallow or deep frying

For Garlic Sauce:

  • Oil – 2 tbsp

  • Garlic (finely chopped) – 1.5 tbsp

  • Ginger (finely chopped) – 1 tsp

  • Green chilies (slit or chopped) – 2

  • Spring onions – ΒΌ cup (white and green parts separated)

  • Capsicum (optional, diced) – ΒΌ cup

  • Soy sauce – 1 tbsp

  • Red chili sauce – 1 tbsp

  • Tomato ketchup – 1 tbsp

  • Vinegar – 1 tsp

  • Cornflour slurry – 1 tbsp cornflour + 3 tbsp water

  • Water – Β½ cup (for gravy version)

  • Salt – to taste

  • Crushed black pepper – ΒΌ tsp

πŸ‘¨β€πŸ³ Make Garlic Paneer at Home

πŸ”Ή Step 1: Marinate & Fry Paneer

  1. In a mixing bowl, combine cornflour, maida, ginger-garlic paste, salt, pepper, and water to form a smooth coating batter.

  2. Add paneer cubes and mix gently so each piece is coated evenly.

  3. Heat oil in a pan and shallow fry (or deep fry) paneer until golden and crisp. Remove and set aside on tissue paper.

πŸ’‘ Tip: For a healthy version, air fry paneer cubes at 200Β°C for 12–15 minutes.

πŸ”Ή Step 2: Prepare Garlic Sauce

  1. Heat 2 tbsp oil in a wok or non-stick pan on medium flame.

  2. Add chopped garlic, and sautΓ© for 30 seconds till it turns golden and aromatic.

  3. Add ginger, green chilies, and the white part of spring onions. SautΓ© for 1–2 minutes.

  4. Stir in capsicum if using, and cook for another minute.

  5. Add soy sauce, chili sauce, tomato ketchup, and vinegar. Mix well.

  6. Add salt and crushed black pepper to taste.

πŸ”Ή Step 3: Final Assembly

For Garlic Paneer Dry:

  1. Add the fried paneer directly into the sauce.

  2. Toss well on high flame until paneer is coated with the sauce.

  3. Garnish with green part of spring onions and serve hot.

For Garlic Paneer Gravy:

  1. Pour in Β½ cup water to the sauce and bring to a light boil.

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

  3. Add fried paneer and simmer for 1–2 minutes.

  4. Garnish with spring onions and serve hot with rice or noodles.

🍽️ Best Occasions to Serve Garlic Paneer

This spicy and aromatic garlic paneer recipe is ideal for:

  • House parties and kitty parties

  • Weekend dinners

  • Indo-Chinese themed menus

  • Starter for guests

  • Diwali or Holi celebrations

  • Birthday menus

  • Evening snack with masala chai

You can also pack it in tiffin or lunchboxes for a protein-rich twist.

πŸ“Š Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – Approximate)

Nutrients Quantity
Calories 280 kcal
Protein 12 g
Carbohydrates 18 g
Fat 18 g
Fiber 2 g
Calcium 180 mg
Sodium 400 mg

Note: Values may vary depending on frying method. Air frying reduces fat content.

❓ FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes! Substitute paneer with tofu for a 100% vegan garlic tofu dish.

Q. Can I make garlic paneer ahead of time?
You can fry paneer and prep sauce in advance. Reheat and mix before serving for best taste.

Q. What can I serve with garlic paneer?
It pairs perfectly with fried rice, Hakka noodles, plain rice, jeera rice, or even naan or roti.

Q. Can I skip capsicum or onion?
Yes, this dish works well without either. It’s still flavorful thanks to the garlic-heavy sauce.

πŸ“Œ Interesting Facts

This Garlic Paneer is one of the best Indo-Chinese fusion recipes you can make in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re serving it as a spicy evening snack or a delicious dinner alongside noodles or rice, this recipe is a guaranteed hit. Packed with protein, flavor, and aroma, it’s a dish you’ll return to again and again.

So, next time you search “how to make garlic paneer at home”, come back to this easy, restaurant-style recipe that never fails!