Achari Paneer Tikka Recipe – Tangy & Spicy Pickle-Flavored Grilled Paneer

posted by
Chef Sidra Imran
on
July 30, 2023
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If you’re a fan of bold flavors, sizzling appetizers, and vegetarian dishes that don’t compromise on taste, Achari Paneer Tikka is your go-to recipe! This North Indian classic combines the creaminess of paneer (Indian cottage cheese) with the spicy, tangy punch of traditional Indian pickles – also known as “achar.”

Perfect for BBQs, dinner parties, or a cozy evening snack, this dish is both satisfying and surprisingly easy to make.

Paneer Tikka

INTRODUCTION

Paneer Tikka is a culinary masterpiece within the vibrant tapestry of Indian cuisine. Throughout the world, this vegetarian delight has charmed its way into the hearts of millions of people, bringing the richness of Indian flavors to their plates. Let’s go on a culinary adventure to discover how to recreate this beloved dish in our kitchens so that we can discover the secrets of this beloved dish.

WHAT IS A PANEER TIKKA?

There is nothing more delicious than tender, creamy, and smoky Indian cottage cheese marinated in a delicious mixture of yogurt and spices. You know what? Paneer Tikka is one of the world’s most loved appetizers, originally originating in the land of spices and now served in many homes and restaurants around the world. Its tanginess, warmth, and mouthwatering satisfaction are all perfectly paired together in each bite of Paneer Tikka.

How does It Cook?

This dish has magic in its cooking process. Paneer is lovingly soaked in a luxurious marinade before it is cooked, which allows it to soak up the aromatic spices and yogurt to its fullest extent. As it graces the grill or oven, the tantalizing smokiness embraces the paneer, creating a delightful contrast to its creamy texture. The result? An unforgettable taste experience that makes you crave more.

Types of Paneer Tikka:

There are a variety of variations to Paneer Tikka, just as India’s diverse culture offers a variety of variants to suit a wide range of tastes:

  1. Tandoori paneer tikka: Imagine the crackling sound of the traditional clay oven, known as the tandoor, igniting a fiery passion within the paneer. A culinary masterpiece, Tandoori Paneer Tikka marinates tender paneer in spices and yogurt. The authentic charred flavor is infused into the paneer as it dances on hot tandoor walls. Traditions are revealed in every bite of Indian cuisine, leaving you mesmerized.
Tandoori paneer tikka
  1. Malai Paneer Tikka: Using cashew paste and cream as a marinade, Malai Paneer Tikka creates a luxurious symphony of flavors. A creamy delight that transcends culinary boundaries, the paneer is adorned with a subtle sweetness and creamy richness reminiscent of opulent banquets in royal palaces. This delicious dish invites you to savor the pleasures of life.
Malai Paneer Tikka
  1. Achari Paneer Tikka: Infuse your taste buds with a burst of tanginess with Achari Paneer Tikka, a vibrant infusion of Indian pickles. The piquant flavors of traditional Indian pickles inspire this variant. Your palate will feel tingling as you bite into the tangy notes that dance with the creaminess. A gastronomic journey with Achari Paneer Tikka has a zesty twist, embodied by spontaneity and zest.
Malai Paneer Tikka

Substitute Ingredients:

The versatility of Paneer Tikka extends beyond its traditional roots, allowing adventurous eaters to experiment with alternative ingredients.

  1. Tofu: If you’re on a plant-based path, tofu is the ever-flexible adventurer you need to tackle Paneer Tikka’s flavors. A delicious vegan alternative, tofu absorbs spices and yogurt marinade like a chameleon. In this symphony of flavors that celebrate nature’s bounty, the creamy tofu and the bold spices come together as one ode to harmony.
  1. Halloumi Cheese: Bringing a twist to the traditional Paneer Tikka cheese with its high melting point and firm texture, halloumi cheese gracefully accepts the challenge. In the grill or oven, halloumi gets a tantalizing char on the outside and a delectably chewy middle. With its salty undertones, halloumi adds depth to the marinade, and your taste buds will get a kick out of this fusion of Mediterranean and Indian flavors.

Making Paneer Tikka on Stove-Top:

Picture yourself by the stove, passionately stirring the marinade as it envelops the paneer cubes. Here’s how to create magic on the stovetop:

  1. Mix the yogurt, spices, and marinate the paneer cubes lovingly.
  2. Heat a non-stick pan, place the marinated paneer on skewers, and grill them to perfection.
  3. Watch as the aromas dance around, drawing everyone closer to the feast that awaits.

Making Paneer Tikka In the Oven:

The oven transforms your kitchen into a culinary haven, recreating the magic of Paneer Tikka with ease:

  1. Marinate the paneer with the spiced yogurt, just as you would for the stove-top method.
  2. Preheat the oven, and place the marinated paneer on a baking tray.
  3. As the oven works its magic, let the tantalizing aroma infuse every corner of your home.

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Achari Paneer Tikka

Achari Paneer Tikka Recipe


  • Author: Chef Sidra Imran
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 23 people 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

For the Marinade:

  • 200g paneer, cut into cubes
  • 2 tbsp hung curd (Greek yogurt)
  • 1 tbsp mustard oil (for authentic achari flavor)
  • 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste
  • ½ tsp turmeric powder
  • 1 tsp red chili powder
  • 1 tsp roasted cumin powder
  • 1 tsp coriander powder
  • 1 tsp kasuri methi (dry fenugreek leaves)
  • Salt to taste
  • Juice of half a lemon

For Achari Spice Mix (or use ready-made achari masala):

  • 1 tsp fennel seeds (saunf)
  • 1 tsp nigella seeds (kalonji)
  • ½ tsp mustard seeds
  • 1 tsp fenugreek seeds (methi dana)
    Dry roast and crush coarsely

Instructions

1. Make the Marinade:

In a bowl, combine hung curd, mustard oil, ginger-garlic paste, lemon juice, and all the spices listed. Add in the achari spice mix. Mix everything well until you get a thick paste.

2. Marinate the Paneer:

Add paneer cubes to the marinade and coat them evenly. Let them rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour. This allows the paneer to soak up all those tangy, spicy flavors.

3. Grill or Pan-Fry:

  • Grill Method: Thread the marinated paneer cubes onto skewers along with slices of onion and capsicum. Grill them in an oven or tandoor at 200°C for 10–15 minutes, or until you get that nice charred effect.

  • Pan Method: Heat some oil in a non-stick pan and shallow fry the paneer cubes until golden brown on all sides.

4. Serve Hot:

Sprinkle some chaat masala and serve with mint chutney and lemon wedges.

Notes

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

  • High in protein
  • Vegetarian-friendly
  • Great for parties or meal prep
  • Loaded with bold, pickle-inspired flavors
  • Ready in under 30 minutes (excluding marination)

Tips for Best Results:

  • Use hung curd to avoid a runny marinade.
  • Mustard oil is essential for that true achari taste.
  • Want extra smoky flavor? Place a piece of hot charcoal in a bowl inside your marinated paneer, drizzle ghee on it, cover with a lid, and let it infuse for 5–10 minutes.
  • Prep Time: 40 minutes including marination
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer / Snack
  • Method: Grilled / Pan-Fried / Oven-Baked
  • Cuisine: Indian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: ~150–170g (about 4–5 tikka pieces)
  • Calories: 290 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 380 mg (may vary based on salt & pickle used)
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 9 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 14 g
  • Cholesterol: 40 mg

Keywords: Achari Paneer, Tikka Recipe, Spicy Paneer Tikka, Indian Appetizer Recipes, Tandoori Paneer Recipe, How to Make Achari Paneer, Vegetarian Indian Starter, Grilled Paneer Tikka, Achari Masala Paneer, North Indian Snack Recipes, BBQ Paneer Recipe,

Chef Sidra Imran

Chef Sidra Imran

I'm a devoted culinary artist and cooking educator, sharing my food passion through recipes, teaching, and an active online community.

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