How to Prepare Paneer Tikka on Tawa or Oven

Introduction

If you're a fan of Indian starters, chances are you've already fallen in love with paneer tikka. This delicious and flavour-packed dish is a favourite at weddings, restaurants, and family gatherings. But what if we told you that you can easily make it at home too?

In this blog, we’ll walk you through how to prepare paneer tikka at home, whether on a tawa (pan) or in an oven. With a simple marinade and some basic ingredients, you can recreate that tandoori paneer recipe magic right in your kitchen. At TGCA, students learn to perfect both tandoor-style and home-friendly paneer tikka variations during their culinary training.

What is Paneer Tikka?

Paneer tikka is a popular Indian appetiser made by marinating paneer cubes with yoghurt and spices, then grilling or roasting them to perfection. It’s often served with mint chutney and onion salad.

While the original recipe uses a traditional tandoor (clay oven), the same taste and texture can be achieved using a tawa, oven, or even an air fryer. Whether you prefer smoky, soft, or crispy, there’s a method for everyone.

Why You’ll Love This Paneer Tikka Recipe

• Easy to prepare at home
• No tandoor needed
• Healthy and full of flavour
• Can be made on tawa, in the oven, or grilled
• Perfect for vegetarians and loved by all ages

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Ingredients for Paneer Tikka

Here’s what you’ll need to make this mouth-watering marinated paneer recipe.

For the Marinade:

• 200–250 grams paneer (cut into cubes)
• ½ cup thick curd (hung curd or Greek yoghurt)
• 1 tbsp besan (gram flour)
• 1½ tsp ginger-garlic paste
• 1 tsp red chilli powder
• ½ tsp turmeric
• ½ tsp garam masala
• ½ tsp chaat masala
• ½ tsp cumin powder
• Salt to taste
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp mustard oil (or any oil)
• A pinch of kasuri methi (crushed)

For Assembling:

• 1 onion (cut into cubes or petals)
• 1 capsicum (green or mixed colours)
• 1 tomato (optional)
• Skewers or toothpicks (wooden or metal)

Step-by-Step: How to Prepare Paneer Tikka

Let’s get into the actual process of making this tasty starter.

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

The secret of a good paneer tikka lies in the marinated paneer recipe. This marinade should coat the paneer nicely and be flavourful enough to stand out.

• In a large bowl, add curd, besan, ginger-garlic paste, and all the dry spices.
• Add mustard oil and lemon juice.
• Mix well until you get a smooth, thick paste.

Step 2: Marinate the Paneer and Veggies

• Add paneer cubes, onion petals, and capsicum pieces to the marinade.
• Gently mix until everything is well coated.
• Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. If you have time, marinate for 2–3 hours or overnight for better flavour.

Step 3A: Making Paneer Tikka on Tawa (Stovetop)

If you don’t have an oven, this paneer tikka on tawa method is perfect.

• Heat 1 tbsp oil on a non-stick or iron tawa.
• Thread the marinated paneer and vegetables onto skewers or cook them directly.
• Place them gently on the tawa and cook on medium flame.
• Flip gently and cook all sides until they are golden brown and slightly charred.
• Brush with little butter or ghee while cooking for extra flavour.

Step 3B: Making Paneer Tikka in the Oven

Want that crisp outer layer and even cooking? Try the grilled paneer tikka method using your oven.

• Preheat the oven to 200°C (or 400°F).
• Line a baking tray with foil and place a rack over it.
• Arrange skewered paneer on the rack and brush lightly with oil or butter.
• Bake for 12–15 minutes, turning once halfway.
• Finally, use the top grill (broil) setting for 2–3 minutes to get that perfect tandoori texture.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Your homemade paneer tikka is now ready!

• Serve it hot with green mint chutney, lemon wedges, and onion salad (lachha pyaz).
• Sprinkle a little chaat masala on top before serving.

Tips to Get the Perfect Paneer Tikka

• Use thick curd or hung curd so the marinade sticks well.
• Don’t skip mustard oil, it gives that smoky flavour like the dhaba style.
• Use soft paneer, homemade or fresh store-bought paneer works best.
• For best taste, marinate overnight.
• Add a little smoked paprika or BBQ masala for a restaurant-style touch.

Variations You Can Try

• Paneer Tikka Wrap – Place tikka in a roti with chutney and salad, roll it up.
• Paneer Tikka Pizza – Use it as a topping on your homemade pizza.
• Air Fryer Paneer Tikka – Crisp and healthy, ready in just 10–12 minutes.
• Stuffed Paneer Tikka – Add a green chutney or cheese stuffing inside paneer slices.

Paneer Tikka vs Tandoori Paneer – What’s the Difference?

While both are marinated and grilled, paneer tikka usually includes veggies and is served as skewers. Tandoori paneer may or may not have veggies and is typically marinated with deeper spices. Both are delicious, but paneer tikka is more beginner-friendly and common in Indian homes.

Final Thoughts

Now that you know how to prepare paneer tikka, it’s time to bring the restaurant flavours to your home kitchen. Whether you choose paneer tikka on tawa or the oven method, the results are equally satisfying.

This grilled paneer tikka recipe is perfect for parties, snacks, or even dinner. And the best part? You can customise the spice level and experiment with flavours.

So get your skewers ready and enjoy this simple yet delicious tandoori paneer recipe that everyone will love!

FAQs

Q1. What is paneer tikka made of?
Ans: Paneer tikka is made with paneer cubes marinated in curd and spices, then grilled or roasted with vegetables like onions and capsicum. It’s a popular Indian starter often served with mint chutney and lemon wedges.

Q2. Can I make paneer tikka without a tandoor?
Ans: Yes, you can easily make paneer tikka on a non-stick tawa or in an oven at home. Both methods give you restaurant-style texture and flavour without needing a traditional clay tandoor.

Q3. How long should paneer be marinated?
Ans: Marinate paneer for at least 1 hour to allow flavours to absorb well. For best results, marinate overnight in the fridge. This ensures the paneer is flavourful, soft, and grilled perfectly. TGCA recommends overnight marination during training to bring out the best results.

Q4. What is the best paneer for tikka?
Ans: Use fresh, firm, and soft paneer for tikka. Homemade paneer or good-quality store-bought brands that hold shape while grilling are ideal for this tandoori paneer recipe at home.

Q5. Can I make paneer tikka in an air fryer?
Ans: Yes, paneer tikka can be made in an air fryer at 180°C for 10–12 minutes. It turns out crispy outside and soft inside, just like a perfect grilled paneer tikka.

Q6. What vegetables can I add to paneer tikka?
Ans: Common additions include onion cubes, capsicum, and tomatoes. You can also use mushrooms or zucchini for variety. All vegetables should be coated in the same marinated paneer recipe for balanced flavour. TEDCO students often experiment with different veggie combinations for creative presentation.

Q7. Can I make paneer tikka ahead of time?
Ans: Yes, marinated paneer can be kept in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Grilled tikka can also be reheated in a tawa or oven before serving, though fresh grilling is best.

Q8. What do you serve with paneer tikka?
Ans: Serve paneer tikka with green mint chutney, lemon wedges, and onion rings. It’s a perfect starter for parties or as a filling for wraps, rolls, or sandwiches. At TGCA, students are encouraged to plate tikka with dips and sides for a complete experience.

Author: Tedco

Tedco