Chilli Paneer Recipe with Gravy: Easy Restaurant-Style Guide

If you’re anything like me, Chilli Paneer recipe with gravy that always excites your taste buds. The combination of crispy paneer cubes tossed in a spicy, flavorful gravy makes this Indo-Chinese recipe an irresistible favorite. Over the years, I’ve perfected my own Chilli Paneer Recipe with Gravy, and today, I’m excited to share it with you. Whether you’re a beginner in cooking or someone who loves experimenting with flavors, this easy-to-follow recipe will help you recreate this restaurant-style dish right in your kitchen.

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1: What is Chilli Paneer?

Chilli Paneer is a popular Indo-Chinese dish that combines crispy fried paneer cubes in a flavorful, spicy gravy. I first tried Chilli Paneer at a local restaurant, and the combination of crispy and tender textures in the sauce had me hooked. The beauty of this dish lies in the way Indian spices blend with Chinese sauces to create a bold and tangy flavor profile.

When I first attempted this recipe at home, I was amazed at how easy it was to make it from scratch. This dish can be served dry or with gravy, but I personally prefer the version with gravy because it’s comforting and perfect to pair with rice or naan.

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2: Ingredients You’ll Need for Chilli Paneer Recipe with Gravy

Before you start cooking, it’s crucial to have everything ready. Here’s what I use to make the best Chilli Paneer Recipe with Gravy:

For the Paneer:

• 250 grams of fresh paneer (cubed)
• 1/4 cup cornflour (for coating)
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• Salt (to taste)
• Water (to make the batter)
• Oil (for deep frying)

For the Gravy:

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 onion (finely chopped)
• 1 bell pepper (finely chopped)
• 2-3 garlic cloves (minced)
• 1-inch ginger (grated)
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon red chili sauce
• 1 tablespoon tomato ketchup
• 1 tablespoon vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch (to thicken the gravy)
• 1 cup water or vegetable stock
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• Fresh coriander leaves (for garnish)

Having all the ingredients prepared in advance makes the cooking process quicker and more enjoyable. Now that we’ve gathered the ingredients, let’s get started!

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3: How to Prepare the Paneer for Chilli Paneer Recipe with Gravy

The key to perfect Chilli Paneer lies in getting the crispy texture of the paneer right. Here’s how I prepare the paneer:

1. Cut the Paneer: First, I cut the fresh paneer into bite-sized cubes. I make sure they are big enough to hold their shape while frying.
2. Coat the Paneer: In a mixing bowl, I combine cornflour, all-purpose flour, and a pinch of salt. I add a little water to make a thick batter that coats the paneer cubes perfectly.
3. Fry the Paneer: Next, I heat oil in a deep frying pan and fry the coated paneer cubes until they turn golden brown. I fry them in batches so they don’t overcrowd the pan. After frying, I place them on paper towels to drain excess oil.

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4: Making the Gravy for Chilli Paneer

Once the paneer is ready, it’s time to prepare the rich and flavorful gravy. This step is where the magic happens, and the dish comes to life. Here’s how I make the gravy:

1. Heat the Oil: In a large pan or wok, I heat some vegetable oil on medium-high heat.
2. Saute the Aromatics: I add chopped onions, bell pepper, garlic, and ginger. I sauté them for 2-3 minutes until the onions soften and the garlic releases its aroma.
3. Add Sauces and Spices: Now comes the fun part! I stir in soy sauce, red chili sauce, tomato ketchup, and vinegar. This mix of sauces creates the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors.
4. Make the Gravy: I add water or vegetable stock and season the gravy with salt, pepper, and a pinch of sugar (optional). After bringing it to a boil, I reduce the heat to let the gravy simmer for a couple of minutes.
5. Thicken the Gravy: To get that perfect consistency, I mix cornstarch with a little water to make a slurry. I slowly pour this into the boiling gravy while stirring to thicken it.
6. Simmer the Gravy: I let the gravy simmer for another 2-3 minutes to ensure all the flavors come together.

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5: Bringing It All Together

Now that the gravy is ready, it’s time to combine the crispy paneer with the gravy. Here’s how I bring it all together:

1. Add the Fried Paneer: I carefully add the fried paneer cubes into the gravy, making sure they are well-coated with the sauce.
2. Cook for a Few Minutes: I let the paneer simmer in the gravy for 2-3 minutes, allowing the crispy edges to soften while the sauce soaks in.
3. Garnish and Serve: Once the dish is ready, I garnish it with fresh coriander leaves. This brings a pop of color and a fresh touch to the dish.

Now, your Chilli Paneer Recipe with Gravy is ready to be served hot and enjoyed with Fried Rice, Schezwan Fried Rice,Veg Noodles,Hakka Noodles or Naan!

Here’s a time breakdown for making Chilli Paneer recipe with Gravy for different servings:

Task	Time (for 2 servings)	Time (for 3-4 servings)
Preparing Ingredients	10 minutes	10 minutes
Frying Paneer	10-12 minutes	12-15 minutes
Making Gravy	10-12 minutes	12-15 minutes
Combining Paneer with Gravy	5 minutes	5 minutes
Total Time	30-35 minutes	35-45 minutes

This chart should give you an idea of the time needed depending on the number of servings you’re making.

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6: Tips for Perfecting Your Chilli Paneer Recipe with Gravy

To ensure that your Chilli Paneer turns out perfect every time, here are a few tips that I’ve picked up along the way:

• Use Fresh Paneer: Fresh paneer is always the best for making Chilli Paneer. If you can, try making your own at home for a softer texture.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When frying the paneer, make sure not to overcrowd the pan. Frying in batches ensures that each cube gets crispy.
• Adjust Spice Levels: You can always adjust the amount of chili sauce and spices to suit your taste. If you prefer a milder version, use less chili sauce.
• Balance the Gravy: The key to a great gravy is balancing the sweetness and tanginess. If the sauce tastes too tangy, a little sugar can help balance it.
• Serve Immediately: Chilli Paneer is best when served immediately while the paneer is crispy and the gravy is hot. If it sits for too long, the paneer may become soft.

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Conclusion: Enjoy Your Chilli Paneer Recipe with Gravy!

I hope you’re as excited as I am to try out this Chilli Paneer Recipe with Gravy! It’s an easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for beginners and tastes just like the one you’d get at a restaurant. By following the steps and tips shared in this guide, you can make this flavorful, spicy, and tangy dish in no time. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or at a party, this recipe is sure to impress everyone!

For a nutrition panel value for chilli paneer recipe with gravy , click here

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