Spicy garlic paneer is a quick starter you will love! Paneer tossed in a spicy, flavorful and delicious garlic sauce. Serve it as a starter or as a side.

Recipe Snapshot

  • Prep time: 4 minutes
  • Cook time: 11 minutes
  • Total time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 3
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Cuisine: Indian

Ingredients

  • 1¼ cup paneer (cubed)
  • 6 large garlic (cloves (refer notes))
  • 1 teaspoon vinegar ((white or apple cider vinegar))
  • 5 to 6 red chilies (kashmiri (seeds removed or 1 teaspoon chilli powder or chilli flakes))
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • ¼ teaspoon salt ((adjust to taste))
  • 2 tablespoons oil
  • ½ teaspoon cumin (or 1 small strand of mace (optional))
  • ½ cup onions (very fine chopped)
  • 2 tablespoons coriander leaves (or celery fine chopped for garnish)
  • 1 teaspoon soya sauce (naturally brewed - optional)

Method

How to make Garlic Paneer Appetizer

  1. Blend together garlic, chilies, sugar, salt and vinegar with 2 to 3 tbsp water to a smooth or coarse paste.
  2. Heat a pan with oil and add cumin seeds.
  3. When the cumin seeds sizzle, add onions & saute until golden. Regulate the heat to medium. Add the sauce and cook until it thickens and the oil separates.
  4. Reduce the flame completely and taste test the sauce. Adjust salt and if you want you may add soya sauce.
  5. Add paneer and gently mix well to coat the sauce. If it is too dry you may splash little water, about a tablespoon. Saute for 2 to 3 minutes. Garnish with coriander or celery.
  6. Serve garlic paneer hot as an appetizer, side or with fried rice, noodles. You can also stuff it in your wraps, kathi rolls, sandwiches etc.

Kiyaan Singh’s Kitchen Note

Keep this recipe as a working base: cook once as written, then adjust spice, texture, and serving style for your own table.