Malai Paneer Tikka Recipe

Malai paneer tikka, with its creamy and succulent flavors, stands as a testament to the rich culinary heritage of India. This dish perfectly marries the delicate creaminess of malai (cream) with the chewy goodness of paneer (Indian cottage cheese) and an array of aromatic spices. In this recipe guide, we will explore the malai paneer tikka recipe, exploring its origins, preparation, tips, and variations.

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What Is Malai Paneer Tikka?

Malai paneer tikka is a popular Indian appetizer that features marinated paneer cubes, skewered and grilled to perfection. The term “malai” translates to cream in English, and it refers to the key ingredient that imparts the dish’s rich and creamy texture.

This culinary masterpiece hails from the northern regions of India, where tandoori cooking techniques are cherished.

Ingredients:

• 8 pieces of paneer in cubes
• 1/3 cup onion – cut into squares
• 1/3 cup capsicum – cut into squares
• 3 tbsp thick curd
• 3 tbsp fresh malai (cream)
• 1/2 tsp ginger-garlic paste
• 1/2 tsp black pepper powder
• 1/4 tsp mint powder
• 1 tsp kasuri methi
• Salt to taste
• Fresh coriander leaves (optional)
• Oil as required

How to make malai paneer tikka?

In a mixing bowl, combine the 3 tbsp thick curd, 3 tbsp fresh malai (cream), 1/2 tsp ginger-garlic paste, 1/2 tsp black pepper powder, 1/4 tsp mint powder, 1 tsp kasuri methi, salt to taste, and fresh coriander leaves.

Whisk the ingredients together until you have a smooth and well-incorporated marinade.

Then gently place the paneer cubes, onion, and capsicum into the marinade. Ensuring that each cube is fully coated.

Allow the paneer to marinate for at least 10-15 minutes in the refrigerator.

Now, preheat your air fryer to 180°C (356°F) for about 5 minutes.

Remove the marinated paneer cubes from the refrigerator. Thread the paneer cubes onto skewers, alternating with capsicum and onions.

Lightly coat the air fryer basket with a small amount of oil to prevent sticking.

After that, place the skewered paneer cubes in a single layer in the air fryer basket.

Cook the paneer cubes in the air fryer for approximately 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time.

The paneer should turn golden brown with a slightly charred appearance.

Once the paneer cubes are cooked to perfection, carefully remove them from the air fryer basket.

Place the air-fried paneer tikka on a serving platter. Your malai paneer tikka is now ready to be savored.

Serve the malai paneer tikka hot as an appetizer or side dish. It pairs wonderfully with mint chutney, tamarind chutney, or a zesty salad on the side.

Tips to make perfect malai paneer tikka

• Homemade paneer or a good quality store-bought option works best. Also, choose thick yogurt and fresh cream (malai) to achieve the desired creaminess.

• Allow the paneer cubes to marinate for at least 10-15 minutes, or even longer if possible.

• Malai paneer tikka is at its best when served immediately after grilling. The creamy texture and flavors are most pronounced when enjoyed right off the heat.

• You can customize the marinade by adding a touch of your favorite spices or experimenting with different herbs.

Variations of Malai Paneer Tikka

Malai Broccoli Paneer Tikka: Elevate the dish’s nutritional quotient by adding blanched broccoli florets to the marinade. The creaminess of malai perfectly complements the earthy flavors of broccoli.

Fruity Malai Paneer Tikka: For a unique twist, incorporate diced pineapple or apple pieces into the marinade. The fruity sweetness contrasts wonderfully with the savory paneer.

Malai Paneer Tikka Wrap: Roll up the marinated paneer cubes in whole wheat flatbreads along with fresh veggies to create a scrumptious wrap.

More Recipes

• Honey Chilli Lotus Stem
• Crispy Honey Chilli Potato Recipe
• Chilli Paneer
• Cheese Chilli Pakoda
• Cheese Garlic Bread
• Crispy Bread Bonda

RECIPE CARD

Malai Paneer Tikka Recipe

Course: AppetizersCuisine: IndianDifficulty: Easy

Servings

2

servings

Prep time

10

minutes

Cooking time

10

minutes

Total time

20

minutes

Malai paneer tikka, with its creamy and succulent flavors, stands as a testament to the rich culinary heritage of India. In this recipe guide, we will explore the malai paneer tikka recipe, exploring its origins, preparation, tips, and variations.

Ingredients :

• 8 pieces of paneer in cubes

• 1/3 cup onion – cut into squares

• 1/3 cup capsicum – cut into squares

• 3 tbsp thick curd

• 3 tbsp fresh malai (cream)

• 1/2 tsp ginger-garlic paste

• 1/2 tsp black pepper powder

• 1/4 tsp mint powder

• 1 tsp kasuri methi

• Salt to taste

• Fresh coriander leaves (optional)

• Oil as required

Directions

• In a mixing bowl, combine the 3 tbsp thick curd, 3 tbsp fresh malai (cream), 1/2 tsp ginger-garlic paste, 1/2 tsp black pepper powder, 1/4 tsp mint powder, 1 tsp kasuri methi, salt to taste, and fresh coriander leaves.
• Whisk the ingredients together until you have a smooth and well-incorporated marinade.
• Then gently place the paneer cubes, onion, and capsicum into the marinade. Ensuring that each cube is fully coated.
• Allow the paneer to marinate for at least 10-15 minutes in the refrigerator.
• Now, preheat your air fryer to 180°C (356°F) for about 5 minutes.
• Remove the marinated paneer cubes from the refrigerator. Thread the paneer cubes onto skewers, alternating with capsicum and onions.
• Lightly coat the air fryer basket with a small amount of oil to prevent sticking.
• After that, place the skewered paneer cubes in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
• Cook the paneer cubes in the air fryer for approximately 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time.
• The paneer should turn golden brown with a slightly charred appearance.
• Once the paneer cubes are cooked to perfection, carefully remove them from the air fryer basket.
• Place the air-fried paneer tikka on a serving platter. Your malai paneer tikka is now ready to be savored.
• Serve the malai paneer tikka hot as an appetizer or side dish. It pairs wonderfully with mint chutney, tamarind chutney, or a zesty salad on the side.

Notes

• Homemade paneer or a good quality store-bought option works best. Also, choose thick yogurt and fresh cream (malai) to achieve the desired creaminess.
• Allow the paneer cubes to marinate for at least 10-15 minutes, or even longer if possible.
• Malai paneer tikka is at its best when served immediately after grilling. The creamy texture and flavors are most pronounced when enjoyed right off the heat.
• You can customize the marinade by adding a touch of your favorite spices or experimenting with different herbs.

Have you tried making malai paneer tikka? Share your cooking experience and even your creative twists on this classic dish in the comments below. And if you found this article as irresistible as the dish itself, why not share it with your fellow foodies?