Paneer Tikka Masala Recipe

🧀 Paneer Tikka Masala Recipe – Restaurant Style at Home

Paneer Tikka Masala is one of the most popular North Indian curry recipes loved for its rich, creamy, and flavorful gravy paired with spicy, smoky grilled paneer tikka. This restaurant-style Indian paneer curry is a crowd-pleaser, perfect for weeknight dinners, festive celebrations, or special occasions.

This recipe combines soft cubes of paneer marinated in yogurt and spices, grilled to perfection, and then simmered in a silky tomato-cashew-based curry. It’s vegetarian, gluten-free, and can easily be made in Instant Pot or on the stovetop.

🛒 Ingredients for Paneer Tikka Masala

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

🌱 For the Paneer Tikka Marinade

  • Paneer – 250 g (cut into cubes)

  • Thick yogurt – ½ cup

  • Ginger garlic paste – 1 tbsp

  • Red chili powder – 1 tsp

  • Turmeric powder – ¼ tsp

  • Garam masala – ½ tsp

  • Coriander powder – 1 tsp

  • Lemon juice – 1 tbsp

  • Salt – to taste

  • Oil – 1 tbsp

🍅 For the Curry (Gravy)

  • Oil or ghee – 2 tbsp

  • Butter – 1 tbsp

  • Onion – 1 large, finely chopped

  • Tomatoes – 3 large, pureed

  • Ginger garlic paste – 1 tbsp

  • Cashew nuts – 10–12 (soaked in warm water for 15 minutes, blended into a paste)

  • Red chili powder – 1 tsp

  • Turmeric powder – ½ tsp

  • Coriander powder – 1 tsp

  • Garam masala – ½ tsp

  • Kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves) – 1 tsp

  • Fresh cream – ¼ cup

  • Salt – to taste

  • Water – 1 to 1½ cups (adjust consistency)

🌿 Garnish

  • Fresh coriander leaves – 2 tbsp, chopped

  • Fresh cream – 1 tbsp (optional)

👨‍🍳 Step-by-Step Paneer Tikka Masala Recipe

Step 1 – Marinate the Paneer

  1. In a mixing bowl, combine yogurt, ginger garlic paste, red chili powder, turmeric, coriander powder, garam masala, lemon juice, salt, and oil.

  2. Add paneer cubes and coat well with the marinade.

  3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours for deeper flavor).

Step 2 – Grill the Paneer Tikka

Stovetop/Grill Pan Method:

  1. Heat a non-stick grill pan.

  2. Drizzle a little oil and cook the marinated paneer cubes for 2–3 minutes on each side until golden and slightly charred.

Oven Method:

  1. Preheat oven to 200°C (390°F).

  2. Arrange marinated paneer on a baking tray and bake for 10–12 minutes, turning halfway for even grilling.

Step 3 – Prepare the Curry Base

  1. Heat oil and butter in a pan.

  2. Add chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.

  3. Add ginger garlic paste and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

  4. Stir in tomato puree and cook for 5–6 minutes until oil starts to separate.

Step 4 – Add Spices & Cashew Paste

  1. Add turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, and salt.

  2. Mix well and cook for 1–2 minutes.

  3. Stir in cashew paste and cook for another 2–3 minutes for a creamy base.

Step 5 – Simmer the Curry

  1. Add 1–1½ cups water and bring to a gentle simmer.

  2. Crush kasuri methi between your palms and add to the gravy.

  3. Add grilled paneer tikka cubes to the curry.

  4. Stir in garam masala and fresh cream, then cook for 2–3 minutes on low heat.

Step 6 – Garnish & Serve

  1. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and a swirl of cream.

  2. Serve hot.

🍽️ Best Occasions to Serve Paneer Tikka Masala

  • Festivals & Celebrations – Diwali, Holi, Raksha Bandhan feasts.

  • Family Gatherings – Impress guests with restaurant-style curry.

  • Weekend Special Dinners – Pair with naan or jeera rice for a royal treat.

  • Indian Thali – A must-have in a festive platter.

  • Date Nights at Home – Romantic, comforting dinner idea.

🍛 Serving Suggestions

  • Serve with butter naan, garlic naan, or tandoori roti for a classic pairing.

  • Goes beautifully with jeera rice or vegetable pulao.

  • Can be served alongside raita and salad for a complete Indian meal.

🧮 Nutrition Facts (Approx. per serving)

Nutrient Amount
Calories 310 kcal
Protein 12 g
Carbohydrates 18 g
Fat 20 g
Fiber 4 g
Sodium 420 mg
Sugar 5 g

💡 Tip: Use low-fat cream or milk for a lighter version.

🌟 Tips for Perfect Paneer Tikka Masala

  • Use fresh paneer – Soft, fresh paneer absorbs flavors better.

  • Marination is key – Let paneer soak in the marinade for at least 30 minutes.

  • Char for smoky flavor – Grill until you get slight char marks for that tandoor effect.

  • Cook masala well – Ensure the tomato-onion base is fully cooked before adding paneer.

  • Adjust thickness – Add more water for a thinner gravy, or simmer longer for a thicker one.

 

❓ FAQs – Paneer Tikka Masala

Q. Can I make Paneer Tikka Masala without a tandoor?
Yes! You can grill paneer on a stovetop, oven, or even air fryer.

Q. Can I use store-bought paneer?
Yes, but soak it in warm water for 10 minutes before marinating to soften.

Q. How to store leftovers?
Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat gently with a splash of water.

📝 Interesting Facts

This Paneer Tikka Masala Recipe is the perfect blend of smoky grilled paneer and creamy, spiced curry, giving you a true restaurant-style Indian experience at home. It’s rich, comforting, and bursting with flavor — exactly what you need for a special vegetarian dinner.

Whether served with naan, roti, or rice, this authentic Indian curry will make everyone at the table ask for seconds.