Craving a vegetarian dish that’s bursting with flavor? These Paneer Tikka Skewers are about to steal the show! Creamy paneer cubes, vibrant bell peppers, and onions get a spicy, tangy marinade and a smoky grill finish. It’s a classic Indian appetizer that’s easy to whip up and guaranteed to wow at any gathering—BBQs, dinner parties, or just a cozy night in. Let’s dive into why these skewers are a must-make for your next meal.
Why These Skewers Are a Hit
These skewers are pure magic—soft, creamy paneer soaks up a bold marinade of yogurt, spices, and lemon, then grills to smoky perfection. Toss in colorful veggies, and you’ve got a dish that’s as pretty as it is delicious. It’s vegetarian, healthy, and packs that Indian street-food vibe that makes every bite feel like a celebration. Pair them with my Mint Chutney from the blog, and you’ve got a flavor combo that’s next-level good.
The Star Ingredients
Here’s what makes these skewers shine:
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Paneer: Indian cottage cheese, cubed and ready to soak up all the spicy goodness.
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Bell peppers & red onions: Chunky, colorful veggies for crunch and sweet-savory balance.
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Yogurt marinade: Thick yogurt, ginger garlic paste, tikka spice powder, cumin, chili powder, and dry mango powder for tangy, spicy depth.
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Ghee or olive oil: For brushing to get that crispy, charred edge without sticking.
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Fresh cilantro or mint: A sprinkle for that fresh, authentic Indian finish.
These ingredients turn simple veggies and cheese into a flavor-packed masterpiece.
Tips for Tikka Perfection
Want to nail these skewers? Here’s the scoop:
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Marinate longer—30 minutes is solid, but a few hours (or overnight) makes the flavors pop.
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Use wooden skewers? Soak them in water for 20 minutes to avoid grill disasters.
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Grill hot: Medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes per side gets that perfect char.
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Pair it right: My Mint Chutney or a yogurt dip cools the spice and adds zing.
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Mix up the veggies: Swap in zucchini or mushrooms for a fun twist.
These skewers vibe perfectly with my Tandoori Aloo Tikka or Summer Salad from the blog for a full-on feast.
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Ingredients
- 400 gm paneer
- 1 bell pepper
- 1 onion
- 1 tbsp ginger garlic paste
- 2 tbsp yogurt
- salt
- pepper
- 1 tsp tikka powder
- 1 tsp cumin powder
- 1 tsp dry mango powder
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 3 tbsp ghee
- 2 lime wedges to serve
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine the following ingredients (excluding paneer, bell pepper, and onion): ginger garlic paste, yogurt, salt to taste, black pepper, cumin, tikka spice powder, chili powder, and dry mango powder. Mix all the ingredients well to create a smooth paste.
- Once the paste is ready, add the cubes of paneer, cut bell pepper, and cut onion to the bowl. Mix gently to ensure that all the paneer, bell pepper, and onion pieces are well-coated with the marinade. Cover the bowl and let the mixture marinate for 30 minutes at room temperature. TIP: Marinate for longer time to get the more flavors in paneer and vegetables.
- Skew the marinated paneer, bell pepper, and onion. Use wooden skewers and thread the paneer, bell pepper, and onion onto the skewers in the desired order, leaving a bit of room on each skewer to allow for turning during cooking. Leave a small gap after skewering one set (paneer, bell pepper, and onion) to facilitate even cooking.
There are two methods to cook the Paneer Tikka skewers:
- Method 1: Heat a grill pan on medium-high heat. Lightly brush ghee or olive oil onto the pan to prevent sticking. Place the skewers on the grill pan and grill them for approximately 2-3 minutes on each side. Make sure to cook all four sides of the paneer cubes for the best results. Brush additional oil or ghee on the skewers as needed during the grilling process.
- Method 2: Alternatively, you can follow the same steps as Method 1 and grill the skewers on a barbecue.
- Once the Paneer Tikka is cooked to perfection, remove the skewers from the grill pan or barbecue.
- To serve: arrange the hot Paneer Tikka skewers on a platter and garnish with fresh coriander or mint leaves.
Nutrition
A Vegetarian Crowd-Pleaser
Paneer Tikka Skewers are your go-to for a quick, healthy, and insanely tasty appetizer or main. They’re vegetarian, vibrant, and bring that Indian flair to any table. Serve with Mint Chutney, pile on the garnishes, and watch them disappear. Fire up the grill and get ready for a flavor party that’ll have everyone asking for seconds. Happy cooking!
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♥ Gurleen
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