Paneer Tikka Masala is a true gem in the world of vegetarian Indian cuisine, combining the soft, creamy goodness of paneer with the rich, aromatic flavors of tikka masala sauce. Trust me, it’s a love story written in spices and flavors that you absolutely don’t want to miss!

paneer tikka masala served in a skillet and topped with fresh cilantro

Get ready to be transported to the vibrant streets of India with this vegetarian Paneer Tikka Masala recipe that boasts authentic flavors. It’s a celebrated dish from the Indian culinary world, offering a scrumptious vegetarian alternative to Chicken Tikka Masala. Here, paneer, an Indian cottage cheese, is marinated in a yogurt-spice blend and then seared to spicy perfection.

This paneer then finds its home in a fiery, flavorful Indian sauce! This curry is often garnished with cilantro and traditionally served with rice or naan bread as a main dish.

Paneer Tikka Masala is deliciously spicy, creamy, and fiery. For those who prefer a milder version or are cooking for the family, simply skip the cayenne pepper and consider reducing the amounts of garlic and ginger used.

paneer tikka masala curry served in a skillet

The standout flavor of this dish primarily comes from Garam Masala, an Indian spice mix. You can follow this recipe to make your own Garam Masala or find it ready-made at the supermarket, though it’s usually available in larger stores or spice shops.

Let me show you how to bring the taste of India into your home with this Paneer Tikka Masala recipe!

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Ingredients

See recipe card for quantities.

  • Paneer โ†’ Indian cottage cheese. Available in larger grocery stores or can be homemade.
  • Garam Masala โ†’ An Indian spice mix.
  • Onion, Garlic, Ginger โ†’ Finely grated for extra flavor.
  • Cumin, Smoked Paprika, Turmeric, Ground Coriander, Cayenne Pepper โ†’ Additional spices for the best Tikka Masala. Skip the cayenne pepper for a milder taste.
  • Salt & Sugar โ†’ For seasoning.
  • Greek Yogurt โ†’ For the typical Indian paneer marinade.
  • Tomato Passata โ†’ The base for the curry sauce.
  • Heavy or Light Cream โ†’ I prefer using plant-based cream, like soy or oat.
  • Water โ†’ To adjust the sauce consistency.
  • Optional: Cilantro for garnish!

Visual Step-by-Step Instructions

This visual step-by-step instruction will help you along the way โ€“ definitely recommended if youโ€™re a cooking beginner!

  1. Paneer: Mix yogurt, garlic, ginger, and the remaining spices in a bowl. Cut paneer into large cubes, add to the bowl, and mix well.
  2. Heat a frying pan with 1 tablespoon of oil. Add paneer and sear on both sides until golden brown. Set aside.
Paneer Tikka Masala Recipe Step 1-4
  1. Tikka Masala: Heat another pan with 1 tablespoon of oil. Sautรฉ onion over medium heat for 3 minutes. Add garlic and ginger, sautรฉ for another 30 seconds. Add spices, and cook for another 30 seconds.
  2. Add crushed tomatoes and water, simmer on low heat for 10 minutes.
  3. Season with cream and sugar. Stir in the paneer and warm through.
Paneer Tikka Masala Recipe Step 5-8
  1. Serve in a bowl, optionally garnished with cilantro. Pairs well with Jasmine rice, Basmati rice, roti, or warm naan bread.
Paneer Tikka Masala Recipe Step 9

Storage Instructions

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Stays fresh for up to 2 days.

Reheat in the microwave or in a frying pan with a little water!

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๐Ÿ“– Recipe

5 from 3 votes

Indian Paneer Tikka Masala

Paneer Tikka Masala is a true gem in the world of vegetarian Indian cuisine, combining the soft, creamy goodness of paneer with the rich, aromatic flavors of tikka masala sauce. Trust me, it's a love story written in spices and flavors that you absolutely don't want to miss!
Servings: 4
calories :384kcal
Prep :15 minutes
Cook :20 minutes
Total :35 minutes

email me this recipe ๐Ÿ’Œ

Plus, enjoy weekly doses of recipe inspiration as a bonus!

Ingredients
 
 

Paneer

Tikka Masala

  • 1 tbsp oil
  • 1 onion, minced
  • 2 cloves garlic, grated
  • 1 tbsp ginger, grated
  • 2 tbsp garam masala spice mix, remaining mix, if homemade according to the notes section
  • ยฝ tsp ground cumin
  • ยฝ tsp ground coriander
  • ยฝ tsp ground turmeric
  • ยฝ tsp cayenne pepper
  • 1 x 14 oz can tomato passata
  • ยฝ cup water
  • โ…“ cup heavy cream, Vegan: soy or oat cream
  • 1 tsp sugar

Instructions
 

  • Paneer: Mix yogurt, garlic, ginger, and the remaining spices for the paneer in a bowl. Cut the paneer into large cubes, add to the bowl, and mix well.
  • Heat a frying pan with 1 tablespoon of oil. Add the paneer and fry on both sides for a few minutes until golden brown. Set aside.
  • Tikka Masala: Heat a pan with 1 tablespoon of oil. Add onion and sautรฉ over medium heat for 3 minutes. Add garlic and ginger, sautรฉ for another 30 seconds. Add the spices, and sautรฉ for another 30 seconds.
  • Add tomato passata and water, let it simmer on low heat for 10 minutes.
  • Season with cream and sugar. Stir in the paneer and let it warm up again.
  • Serve Paneer Tikka Masala in a bowl and garnish with cilantro if desired. It pairs well with Jasmine rice, Basmati rice, or warm naan bread.

Notes

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2 days.
Reheating: Heat with a splash of water in a frying pan.
For those who don’t like it spicy, omit the cayenne pepper. You can also reduce the amount of ginger and garlic, which makes the Tikka Masala a bit milder in taste.
Homemade Garam Masala Spice Mix:
  • 1 tbsp ground cumin
  • 1 ยฝ tsp ground coriander
  • 1 ยฝ tsp ground cardamom
  • 1 ยฝ tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • ยฝ tsp clove powder
  • ยฝ tsp ground nutmeg

Nutrition

Calories :384kcal
carbohydrates :19g
Protein :17g
fat :28g
fiber :3g
sugar :8g

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5 from 3 votes (2 ratings without comment)

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