If you’ve ever dined at an Indian restaurant, chances are you’ve seen Paneer Tikka Masala on the menu. Creamy, flavorful, and perfectly spiced, this dish is a true crowd-pleaser. The combination of smoky grilled paneer cubes simmered in a luscious tomato-onion gravy makes it one of the most loved vegetarian curries around the world.
I have made this dish several times and in the past, however when we were on vacation this summer in Spain, we had given it a try at an Indian restaurant, and my son devoured it that I had to recreate it for him. It came out super delicious, even my son’s friends enjoyed it to the core. It just made my day. Are you ready to recreate this restaurant-style delight right in your own kitchen!
What is Paneer Tikka Masala?
Paneer Tikka Masala is one of the most popular North Indian dishes at every Indian restaurants. Paneer (Indian Cottage Cheese) is marinated in yogurt and spices, grilled or pan-fried, and then added to a rich, creamy tomato-based gravy. This dish is incredibly delicious and satisfying, and when you’re craving something vegetarian, it’s just the perfect recipe to turn to.
The dish has two parts:
-
Paneer Tikka – marinated paneer cubes grilled to smoky perfection.
-
Masala (gravy) – a smooth and flavorful curry made with tomatoes, onions, ginger, garlic, and aromatic spices, finished with cream or cashew paste for richness.
Serving Suggestions
Paneer Tikka Masala can be served with:
- Naan, roti, or paratha
- Jeera rice or pulao
- A fresh salad or raita on the side balances out the richness.
Tips for the Best Paneer Tikka Masala
- Fresh paneer would be a best option, however I used store bought to save time.
- Marinate paneer for a longer time if not for at least 30 mins.
- Adjust cream and butter to your preference for a lighter or richer dish
Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, hosting guests, or simply craving a restaurant-style curry at home, this recipe will hit the spot. The balance of smoky, spicy, and creamy flavors makes it an all time favorite in Indian cuisine.
So next time you’re in the mood for something indulgent, skip takeout and try making Paneer Tikka Masala in your own kitchen—you’ll be surprised at how easy and rewarding it is!
Equipment that I have used
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Happy Cooking!!!
Paneer Tikka Masala Recipe | Creamy, Flavorful & Restaurant-Style
Ingredients
- 250 g paneer cubed
- 3 tbsp thick yogurt hung curd
- 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste
- ½ tsp turmeric powder
- ¾ tsp red chili powder adjust to taste
- 1 tsp roasted cumin powder
- 1 tsp coriander powder
- ½ tsp amchoor powder
- 1.5 tbsp besan
- 2 tbsp mustard oil hot
- Salt to taste
- diced bell peppers & onions for grilling
- For the Gravy
- 2 tbsp oil or butter
- 1 medium onion chopped
- ½ cup tomato puree
- 8-10 cashews soaked optional
- 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- ½ tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp coriander powder
- 1 tsp red chili powder
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 1 tsp kasuri methi dried fenugreek leaves
- ¼ cup heavy cream or cashew cream
- ¾ tsp roasted cumin powder
- Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, turmeric, chili powder, coriander powder, amchoor, kasoori methi, roasted cumin powder.
- Add hot mustard oil and mix all the ingredients well.
- Add paneer cubes and the veggies to the marinade, mix it to coat everything evenly.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (overnight for deeper flavor).
- Cook the marinated paneer on a grill pan by skewering on a bamboo stick or in a non stick grill pan.
- Place the marinated paneer cubes and cook until golden and slightly charred on all sides. Set aside.
- Heat oil or butter in a pan. Add cumin seeds, then sauté onions until golden.
- Add ginger-garlic paste and cook until fragrant.
- Stir in tomato puree, cashews (if using), turmeric, chili powder, paprika, salt and coriander powder. Roast it well until the raw smell goes away.
- Add 3 tbsp of whisked yogurt while lowering the heat. Let me simmer until the oil is released. Add in hot water to make gravy.
- Check the spice levels and adjust according to your taste and preference.
- Stir in garam masala, kasuri methi.
- Add grilled paneer tikka cubes and gently mix.
- Finish with cream and garnish with coriander leaves.