How to Make Chilli Paneer: Chilli Paneer is one of the most popular Indo-Chinese dishes. Whether it is a weekend dinner with family, a children's party, or unexpected guests, Chilli Paneer is a favorite for every occasion. Restaurant-style Chilli Paneer is renowned for its spicy flavor, soft paneer, and thick gravy. However, people often think it is difficult to recreate that same taste at home.

By using the right ingredients, balancing the sauces correctly, and following a few simple cooking tricks, you can make Chilli Paneer at home that tastes just like the restaurant version. It features a delightful blend of fresh capsicum, onions, ginger-garlic, soy sauce, and mild spices that appeals to everyone. The best part is that it can be prepared in two ways: dry or with gravy.

If you want to make restaurant-style Chilli Paneer at home, this easy recipe and these special tips will be very helpful.

Ingredients for Chilli Paneer

For frying the paneer

250g paneer (cubed)

3 tbsp cornflour

2 tbsp all-purpose flour (maida)

1/2 tsp black pepper

Salt to taste

A little water

Oil for frying

For the gravy

1 onion (cut into squares)

1 capsicum (cut into squares)

1 tbsp finely chopped ginger and garlic

1 tbsp soy sauce

1 tbsp red chilli sauce

1 tbsp tomato ketchup

1/2 tsp vinegar (optional)

1 tsp cornflour (dissolved in 2 tbsp water)

Spring onions for garnishing

First, prepare the paneer.

Step 1- Prepare a thick batter by mixing cornflour, all-purpose flour, salt, black pepper, and a little water.
Step 2- Coat the paneer cubes thoroughly in this batter.
Step 3- Fry over medium heat until light golden brown.
Step 4- Alternatively, you can air-fry or shallow-fry them using less oil. 

How to Prepare Restaurant-Style Sauce

Step 1- Heat some oil in a pan.
Step 2- Add ginger and garlic, and sauté until fragrant.
Step 3- Add onions and capsicum; stir-fry over high heat for 2-3 minutes so the vegetables retain a slight crunch.
Step 4- Next, add soy sauce, chili sauce, tomato ketchup, and vinegar, and mix well.

Achieving the Perfect Gravy Consistency

Step 1- Add the cornflour slurry and stir continuously.
Step 2- Once the sauce begins to thicken slightly, add the fried paneer and toss over high heat for 2 minutes.
Step 3- Sprinkle spring onions on top.
Step 4- Use less water if making dry Chilli Paneer; for a gravy version, you can add a little hot water.

Tips for a Restaurant-Like Taste

Always use fresh and soft paneer.

Do not overcook the vegetables; keep them slightly crunchy.

Cook over high heat after adding all the sauces.

Balance the amount of cornflour; adding too much can make the gravy sticky.

Garnish with spring onions before serving.

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