Paneer Crispy Chilli Recipe


Paneer Crispy Chilli Recipe



15 mins
2-3 people
20 mins




Introduction

 

Hey there, foodies! Let me take you on a flavorful journey with a dish that holds a special place in my heart - Paneer Crispy Chilli. Picture this: It was a lazy Sunday afternoon, and I found myself craving something spicy yet comforting. That's when I stumbled upon this gem of a recipe. The crispy texture of paneer, combined with the zingy flavors of chilli, was an absolute game-changer for me. Since then, it's become my go-to recipe for gatherings and solo indulgence alike.

Now, let's dive into the tantalizing world of Paneer Crispy Chilli!

 

 

Ingredients of Crispy Chilli Paneer

 

For Crispy Paneer:

  • 1 bowl diced Paneer
  • Salt to taste
  • Some Corn Flour
  • Refined Oil to fry

For Tempura Batter:

  • 2 tbsp Refined Flour (Maida)
  • 2 tbsp Rice Flour
  • 2 tbsp Corn Flour
  • Salt to taste
  • A pinch of Baking Powder
  • Water as required

For Crispy Chilli Paneer:

  • 1 tbsp Oil
  • 1 tbsp chopped Garlic
  • 4-5 Dried Red Chillies (cut into diamonds)
  • 2-3 Green Chillies (cut into halves)
  • 1 cup diced Yellow Peppers
  • 1 cup diced Red Peppers
  • 1 cup diced Onions
  • 1 tsp chopped Ginger
  • 1 tsp crushed Black Pepper
  • 1/2 cup white portion of Spring Onions
  • 1 tsp Seasoning Powder
  • 2 tbsp Red Chilli Paste
  • 1 tbsp Synthetic Vinegar
  • 2 tbsp Dark Soya Sauce
  • 1 tbsp Red Chilli Sauce
  • Water as required
  • Salt to taste
  • Small amount of Cornflour Slurry

 

 

 

Instructions of Crispy Chilli Paneer

 

Step 1: Prepare Crispy Paneer

  • Description: Take the diced paneer in a bowl and sprinkle salt to remove excess moisture. Coat the paneer with cornflour to absorb any remaining moisture.
  • Diced paneer being coated with cornflour in preparation for frying.

Step 2: Make Tempura Batter

  • Description: In a mixing bowl, combine refined flour, rice flour, cornflour, salt, and a pinch of baking powder. Gradually add water to create a smooth batter.
  • Mixing refined flour, rice flour, and cornflour with water to make tempura batter.

Step 3: Fry Paneer

  • Description: Dip the cornflour-coated paneer in the tempura batter. Deep fry in hot oil until golden brown and crispy. Remove the paneer and set it aside.
  • Paneer cubes being deep-fried in hot oil until golden brown.

Step 4: Stir-fry the Vegetables

  • Description: Heat oil in a wok. Add chopped garlic, dried red chilies, green chilies, diced yellow and red peppers, diced onions, and chopped ginger. Stir-fry until fragrant.
  • Stir-frying garlic, chilies, peppers, onions, and ginger in a wok.

Step 5: Season and Combine

  • Description: Add crushed black pepper and the white portion of spring onions. Mix well. Then, add the crispy paneer to the wok and season with seasoning powder, red chili paste, synthetic vinegar, dark soya sauce, red chili sauce, and salt. Stir-fry to coat the paneer evenly with the sauces.
  • Crispy paneer being coated with sauces and vegetables in a wok.

Step 6: Adjust Consistency and Serve

  • Description: Adjust the sauce consistency by adding water if needed. Thicken with cornflour slurry. Once the sauce is well-cooked and coats the paneer, transfer the crispy chili paneer to a serving plate. Garnish with spring onions and coriander leaves. Serve hot.
  • Crispy chilli paneer garnished with spring onions and coriander leaves, served on a plate.

 

 

 

 

About the Recipe

 

Paneer Crispy Chilli is a delightful fusion dish that perfectly balances crispiness and spiciness. This Indo-Chinese creation features bite-sized paneer cubes coated in a flavorful batter, deep-fried until golden brown, and then tossed in a tangy and spicy chilli sauce. The marriage of crunchy paneer and vibrant chilli sauce creates a symphony of flavors that will leave your taste buds dancing with joy.

 

 

Cooking Tips

 

  • Ensure the paneer cubes are well-drained before coating them with the batter to achieve maximum crispiness.
  • Use cornflour and rice flour in the batter for a lighter and crunchier texture.
  • Adjust the amount of green chillies and chilli sauce according to your spice preference.
  • Serve Paneer Crispy Chilli immediately after tossing it in the sauce to retain its crispiness.

 

 

Pairing Guide

 

Pair Paneer Crispy Chilli with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal. You can also enjoy it as a standalone appetizer or snack with a side of tangy mint chutney or spicy Schezwan sauce. For a refreshing contrast, serve it with a crisp cucumber salad or a cooling yogurt dip.

 

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions about Paneer Crispy Chilli

 

  1. Can I use tofu instead of paneer for this recipe? Yes, you can substitute tofu for paneer if you prefer a vegan version of this dish. Just make sure to press the tofu to remove excess moisture before using it.

  2. How do I make the chilli sauce less spicy? To reduce the spiciness of the chilli sauce, you can decrease the amount of green chillies or omit them altogether. You can also add a bit more sugar to balance out the heat.

  3. Can I bake the paneer instead of frying it? While deep-frying gives the paneer cubes a crispier texture, you can bake them in the oven at a high temperature until golden brown for a healthier alternative.

  4. What type of oil is best for frying the paneer? Use a neutral-flavored oil with a high smoke point, such as vegetable oil or canola oil, for frying the paneer.

  5. How long does Paneer Crispy Chilli stay crispy? Paneer Crispy Chilli is best enjoyed immediately after cooking to retain its crispiness. However, you can reheat it in the oven or air fryer for a few minutes to regain some of its crunchiness.

  6. Can I freeze Paneer Crispy Chilli? While it's best to enjoy Paneer Crispy Chilli fresh, you can freeze the fried paneer cubes before tossing them in the sauce. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before reheating and saucing.

  7. What vegetables can I add to Paneer Crispy Chilli? You can add bell peppers, onions, carrots, and spring onions to enhance the flavor and texture of Paneer Crispy Chilli.

  8. Is Paneer Crispy Chilli a spicy dish? Yes, Paneer Crispy Chilli is known for its spicy flavor profile due to the use of green chillies and chilli sauce. However, you can adjust the spice level according to your preference.

  9. Can I make Paneer Crispy Chilli ahead of time? While it's best to prepare Paneer Crispy Chilli just before serving to maintain its crispiness, you can prepare the components in advance and assemble them when ready to eat.

  10. What other sauces can I use instead of chilli sauce? You can use a combination of tomato ketchup and soy sauce or sweet and sour sauce as alternatives to chilli sauce for a milder flavor profile.

 

With these tips and tricks, you're all set to whip up a batch of delicious Paneer Crispy Chilli that will impress your family and friends!