Paneer Tikka Masala
Paneer tikka masala is a popular dish of grilled paneer in spicy onion tomato gravy. Learn how to make resaturant style paneer tikka masala.
Dish: Paneer Tikka Masala
Variant: Paneer Tikka Masala (Sanjeev Kapoor)
Source: Paneer Tikka Masala Recipe
- Total time
- 55 min
- Active time
- 30 min
- Yield
- 4
- Difficulty
- Medium
Ingredients and Constraints
Ingredients
- Optional
- Optional
- Optional
- Optional
- Optional
- Optional
Ingredient watchpoints14 watchpoints
Short requirements and tradeoffs to check while gathering ingredients; detailed source notes stay expandable.
Ginger Garlic Paste
1 teaspoon ginger garlic paste (or crushed ginger garlic)
The source row includes a form, size, temperature, preparation, or handling detail.
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Source: Paneer Tikka Masala Recipe
Turmeric
⅛ teaspoon turmeric ((optional))
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Source: Paneer Tikka Masala Recipe
Salt
¼ teaspoon salt ((adjust to taste))
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Source: Paneer Tikka Masala Recipe
Bell Pepper
½ small bell pepper ((diced capsicum, optional))
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Source: Paneer Tikka Masala Recipe
Onion
½ small onion ((diced & layers separated, optional))
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Source: Paneer Tikka Masala Recipe
Oil
2 tablespoons oil ((divided 1 tbsp. + 1 tbsp.))
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Source: Paneer Tikka Masala Recipe
Green Cardamoms
2 green cardamoms ( +1 inch cinnamon piece + 2 cloves + 1 bay leaf (all optional))
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Source: Paneer Tikka Masala Recipe
Tomatoes
1½ cup tomatoes (ripe chopped (3 large))
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Source: Paneer Tikka Masala Recipe
Ginger Garlic Paste
1½ teaspoon ginger garlic paste (or crushed ginger garlic)
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Source: Paneer Tikka Masala Recipe
Garam Masala
¾ to 1 teaspoon garam masala ((adjust to taste))
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Source: Paneer Tikka Masala Recipe
Salt
¼ teaspoon salt ((adjust to taste))
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Source: Paneer Tikka Masala Recipe
Sugar
1 teaspoon sugar ((optional))
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Source: Paneer Tikka Masala Recipe
Kasuri Methi
1 teaspoon kasuri methi ((optional) (dried fenugreek leaves))
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Source: Paneer Tikka Masala Recipe
Coriander Leaves
2 tablespoons coriander leaves ((cilantro chopped finely))
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Source: Paneer Tikka Masala Recipe
Additional ingredient notes
Preparation
To a mixing bowl, add the following ingredients: ½ cup greek yogurt (hung curd, refer notes) 1 teaspoon ginger garlic paste (or ¾ teaspoon each grated ginger and garlic) ¼ to ½ teaspoon red chili powder ½ teaspoon garam masala 1/8 teaspoon
Use thick yogurt or hung curd here. If you only have homemade yogurt, then add 1 cup homemade yogurt to a thin muslin or cheese cloth. Squeeze off the excess whey and hang it for few hours. The consistency of the marinade has to be thick as seen in the picture below. (I forgot to add ginger garlic at step 1 so added it here.) 3. Add cubed paneer to the prepared marinade. Optional – Dice half small onion to 4 pieces & separate the layers. Dice half small bell pepper as well.
Notes
Yogurt: This recipe needs thick curd also known as Hung curd or greek yogurt which is strained yogurt.
If you do not have thick curd make your own by adding around 1½ cups plain homemade yogurt or curd to a thin muslin cloth or a clean handkerchief. Hang it in the refrigerator for about 2 to 4 hours. Use only ½ cup of the hung yogurt for this recipe. Runny Marinade: If your marinade it runny, you need to fix it else it drip all over the pan when you grill the tikkas. To fix runny marinade, you may add 1 tablespoon gram flour/ besan or sattu (roasted chana dal flour) Nut-free Option: You may substitute the nuts with more heavy cream. Instead of 3 tbsps add 6 to 8 tablespoons cream. Alternately you may skip the nuts completely, the dish will still taste good. White poppy seeds, sunflower seeds and melon seeds (magaz) are the close substitutes. Make sure you don’t use rancid seeds as these substitutes go rancid very fast even during their shelf period.
Method Overview
Structured method notes that are separate from the step timeline.
Dungar (Smoking The Dish)
To give a smoky flavor to the dish try following this dhungar method using charcoal.
Please note that it could be dangerous doing on a gas stove. I suggest doing it out of the kitchen, using another source like a large candle. Place a steel bowl in your curry so it is not immersed in the curry. Burn a small piece of natural wood charcoal over direct fire holding it with a tong until red hot. Make sure it burns well so that it can release the smoke.
Method Timeline
Prep
ActivePrep
30 min
Prep time from the source recipe card.
Cook
ActiveCook
25 min
Cook time from the source recipe card.
Total
PassiveTotal
55 min
Total time from the source recipe card.
Step 1
To a mixing bowl, add the following ingredients: ½ cup greek yogurt (hung curd, refer notes) 1 teaspoon ginger garlic paste (or ¾ teaspoon each grated ginger and garlic) ¼ to ½ teaspoon red chili powder ½ teaspoon garam masala 1/8 teaspoon turmeric ¼ teaspoon kasuri methi 1 teaspoon oil ¼ teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional)
Image detailsadding ginger garlic to marinadeSwasthis Recipes · Paneer Tikka Masala RecipeDev reference Inputs and tools15
Uses
- ½ cup Hung curd ((or Greek Yogurt, Refer notes))
- 1 teaspoon ginger garlic paste (or crushed ginger garlic)
- ¼ to ½ teaspoon Kashmiri red chili powder (or smoked paprika (less spicy kind))
- ½ teaspoon garam masala (or tandoori masala)
- ¼ teaspoon Kasuri Methi ((dried fenugreek leaves))
- ⅛ teaspoon turmeric ((optional))
- ¼ teaspoon salt ((adjust to taste))
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice ((skip if your yogurt is sour))
- 1 teaspoon oil
- 2 tablespoons oil ((divided 1 tbsp. + 1 tbsp.))
- 1½ teaspoon ginger garlic paste (or crushed ginger garlic)
- ¾ to 1 teaspoon red chili powder ((or paprika) less spicy kind)
- ¾ to 1 teaspoon garam masala ((adjust to taste))
- ¼ teaspoon salt ((adjust to taste))
- 1 teaspoon kasuri methi ((optional) (dried fenugreek leaves))
Step 2
Use thick yogurt or hung curd here. If you only have homemade yogurt, then add 1 cup homemade yogurt to a thin muslin or cheese cloth. Squeeze off the excess whey and hang it for few hours. Mix everything well. The consistency of the marinade has to be thick as seen in the picture below. (I forgot to add ginger garlic at step 1 so added it here.)
Step 3
Add cubed paneer to the prepared marinade. Optional – Dice half small onion to 4 pieces & separate the layers. Dice half small bell pepper as well. Make sure the size of onion and bell pepper are almost the same as paneer. Crunchy onions and bell peppers impart a great texture and aroma to the final dish.
Step 4
Mix everything well. Rest aside in the fridge until the tikka masala gravy is ready.
Step 5
Add 1 tbsp oil to a pan. Next add 1 cup chopped onions and saute them until transparent or light golden. Then add 1½ cup chopped tomatoes and 14 cashews (optional, omit for nut-free option and use more cream at the last step). Sprinkle 1 teaspoon sugar, ¼ teaspoon salt and roast all of these until mushy and soft. You can also cover and cook.
Image detailsfrying onions tomatoes in panSwasthis Recipes · Paneer Tikka Masala RecipeDev reference Visual cue
until transparent or light golden.
Checks1
Visual cueInfoVisualuntil transparent or light golden.
Expected state: until transparent or light golden.
Inputs and tools4
Uses
- 2 tablespoons oil ((divided 1 tbsp. + 1 tbsp.))
- 1½ cup tomatoes (ripe chopped (3 large))
- 1 teaspoon sugar ((optional))
- 3 tablespoons Heavy cream ((Whipping cream or cooking cream))
Why and source
This step has reviewed source-backed guidance.
- Source: Paneer Tikka Masala Recipe
Step 6
Then add all the spice powders mentioned below 1/8 teaspoon turmeric ¾ to 1 teaspoon garam masala ¾ to 1 teaspoon red chilli powder
Image detailsadding spice powders to make paneer tikka masalaSwasthis Recipes · Paneer Tikka Masala RecipeDev reference 
Image detailsroasted ingredients for paneer tikka masala gravySwasthis Recipes · Paneer Tikka Masala RecipeDev reference Step 7
Saute for 1 to 2 minutes until it turns aromatic. Turn off the stove, when you begin to get a nice smell of the masala.
Image detailsPouring water to blend the gravy for paneer tikka masalaSwasthis Recipes · Paneer Tikka Masala RecipeDev reference 
Image detailspureed onion tomatoes for paneer tikka masalaSwasthis Recipes · Paneer Tikka Masala RecipeDev reference Visual cue
until it turns aromatic.
Checks2
Visual cueInfoVisualuntil it turns aromatic.
Expected state: until it turns aromatic.
TimingInfoTimingfor 1 to 2 minutes
Target: 1-2 minute
Expected state: Saute for 1 to 2 minutes until it turns aromatic.
Why and source
This step has reviewed source-backed guidance.
- Source: Paneer Tikka Masala Recipe
Step 8
Cool this completely and add to a blender jar. Pour ¾ cup water. To cut down the cooling time, you can also pour ice cold water to the jar and then add the mixture. But ensure it is not hot.
Image detailsfrying ginger garlic to make paneer tikka masalaSwasthis Recipes · Paneer Tikka Masala RecipeDev reference Checks1
HoldingMain recipeSource holding instruction
Cool this completely and add to a blender jar. Pour ¾ cup water. To cut down the cooling time, you can also pour ice cold water to the jar and then add the mixture. But ensure it is not hot.
Inputs and tools1
Uses
- ¾ + ¾ cup water ((to blend + cook the sauce))
Why and source
This step has reviewed source-backed guidance.
- Source: Paneer Tikka Masala Recipe
Step 9
Blend it to a puree. If you prefer a smooth curry, pass it through a sieve/ filter.
Step 10
Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a pan. Optional – You can add any whole spices if you have – 2 cardamom, 1 small cinnamon piece or even 2 cloves.
Image detailscooking coveredSwasthis Recipes · Paneer Tikka Masala RecipeDev reference Inputs and tools1
Uses
- 2 tablespoons oil ((divided 1 tbsp. + 1 tbsp.))
Step 11
When the spices begin to sizzle, add 1½ teaspoon ginger garlic paste (or grated ginger and garlic). Saute on a low heat for 1 to 2 minutes, until it turns aromatic & the raw smell goes off.
low heat
Image detailsthick gravy for paneer tikka masalaSwasthis Recipes · Paneer Tikka Masala RecipeDev reference Visual cue
until it turns aromatic & the raw smell goes off.
Checks2
Visual cueInfoVisualuntil it turns aromatic & the raw smell goes off.
Expected state: until it turns aromatic & the raw smell goes off.
TimingInfoTimingfor 1 to 2 minutes
Target: 1-2 minute
Expected state: Saute on a low heat for 1 to 2 minutes, until it turns aromatic & the raw smell goes off.
Why and source
This step has reviewed source-backed guidance.
- Source: Paneer Tikka Masala Recipe
Step 12
Pour the onion tomato puree to the pan. Be careful it will begin to splash out of the pan, you can partially cover and cook. To adjust the color you can add more red chilli powder at this stage. I did not use more.
Warning:
Be careful it will begin to splash out of the pan, you can partially cover and cook.
Image detailsgrilling paneer in ovenSwasthis Recipes · Paneer Tikka Masala RecipeDev reference 
Image detailsgrlled paneerSwasthis Recipes · Paneer Tikka Masala RecipeDev reference Step 13
Pour ½ to ¾ cup water to bring to a desired consistency. Mix everything well and cook on a low flame until the sauce simmers well and thickens. It takes about 10 mins.
Image detailsgrilling paneer on tawaSwasthis Recipes · Paneer Tikka Masala RecipeDev reference 
Image detailsgrilling veggies for paneer tikka masalaSwasthis Recipes · Paneer Tikka Masala RecipeDev reference Visual cue
until the sauce simmers well and thickens.
Checks2
Visual cueInfoVisualuntil the sauce simmers well and thickens.
Expected state: until the sauce simmers well and thickens.
TimingInfoTimingabout 10 mins
Target: 10 minute
Expected state: It takes about 10 mins.
Why and source
This step has reviewed source-backed guidance.
- Source: Paneer Tikka Masala Recipe
Step 14
When the gravy is done, it turns thick & you will see some specks of oil separating on top of the gravy. At this stage, if you want you may remove (to discard) the whole spices using a skimmer or a spoon. Add kasuri methi (optional). Continue to cook for another minute. Taste test and add more salt if needed. Set this aside.
Image detailsair fryer tikka for masalaSwasthis Recipes · Paneer Tikka Masala RecipeDev reference Inputs and tools1
Uses
- 2 tablespoons oil ((divided 1 tbsp. + 1 tbsp.))
Step 15
You can grill the paneer while your gravy is simmering. Option 1 – For the paneer tikka on stovetop : Heat 1 tsp oil in a wide pan on a medium high flame, place the paneer cubes coated with the marinade in the pan.
Image detailsgrilled ingredients in paneer tikka masala gravySwasthis Recipes · Paneer Tikka Masala RecipeDev reference Inputs and tools1
Uses
- 2 tablespoons oil ((divided 1 tbsp. + 1 tbsp.))
Step 16
Flip them to the other side and cook on a high flame till all the marinade dries up and the paneer turn golden. This takes only 2 to 3 mins. Set aside. Do not over fry them, as the paneer turns hard. Optional if using veggies – In the same pan, Coat the veggies with the marinade and place them on the griddle. Cook till the marinade dries up. The veggies should look partially charred. Do not overdo else they lose the crunch.
Image detailspouring creamSwasthis Recipes · Paneer Tikka Masala RecipeDev reference Checks1
TimingInfoTiming2 to 3 mins
Target: 2-3 minute
Expected state: This takes only 2 to 3 mins.
Why and source
This step has reviewed source-backed guidance.
- Source: Paneer Tikka Masala Recipe
Step 17
Option 2 – If you have an air fryer you can also grill these in the air fryer at 390 F or 200 C for 5 mins. Brush them with the leftover marinade and then air fry for another 2 mins. The timings vary if lesser skewers are placed. Reduce the total time to 5 mins for 3 to 4 skewers. Also space them apart slightly so they don’t stick.
Image detailspaneer tikka masala recipeSwasthis Recipes · Paneer Tikka Masala RecipeDev reference Checks3
TemperatureInfoTemperature390 F
Target: 390 degree-fahrenheit
Expected state: Option 2 – If you have an air fryer you can also grill these in the air fryer at 390 F or 200 C for 5 mins.
TimingInfoTimingfor 5 mins
Target: 5 minute
Expected state: Option 2 – If you have an air fryer you can also grill these in the air fryer at 390 F or 200 C for 5 mins.
HoldingMain recipeSource holding instruction
Option 2 – If you have an air fryer you can also grill these in the air fryer at 390 F or 200 C for 5 mins. Brush them with the leftover marinade and then air fry for another 2 mins. The timings vary if lesser skewers are placed. Reduce the total time to 5 mins for 3 to 4 skewers. Also space them apart slightly so they don’t stick.
Why and source
This step has reviewed source-backed guidance.
- Source: Paneer Tikka Masala Recipe
Step 18
Option 3 – To grill tikka in oven, put them on to skewers alternately paneer, onion and capsicum. Bake in a preheated oven at 430 F or 220 C for 8 to 10 minutes. you may need to adjust the timing as needed. It depends on the size of cubes and oven too.
Step 19
You may need to flip the skewer and then grill again if your oven does not have a fan.
Step 20
Add the grilled tikkas to the gravy. Gently mix. Make sure the gravy is thickened before adding paneer.
Step 21
Pour 3 tablespoons cream and stir. If you omitted the cashews, add more upto 1/3 cup. Garnish with fresh chopped coriander leaves and slit green chilies. Serve paneer tikka masala hot with Basmati Rice, butter naan, roti, plain paratha or jeera rice.
Handling and Storage
Reviewed hold, storage, make-ahead, and service-timing guidance.
My Recipe
Making Paneer Tikka Masala is easy but it is not a fast recipe because it takes some time for you to marinate and grill the paneer.
Next make the gravy and then finish the dish. If you are an experienced cook and can multi-task between the grilling and making the tikka masala you will finish the dish fast. But if you are a newbie you can make the gravy ahead and refrigerate. Simply grill the tikkas & reheat the tikka masala on the day you intend to serve it. This recipe is vegetarian and gluten-free. To make it vegan you can substitute paneer with tofu and use any vegan yogurt. You may also omit the cream and use more cashews or almonds to compensate for the creaminess. Update: I have the new Tofu Tikka Masala here.
Learn More
Extra cooking notes, tests, and source details kept out of the step-by-step method.
Why this works
Quick kitchen reasons behind the main choices.
Faqs
What is tikka masala?
Tikka Masala is a spiced gravy in which chunks of grilled foods are simmered. Is tikka masala spicy?
Article photos
Photos used with the article notes.
Source: Paneer Tikka Masala Recipe
Recipe structure
Components and intermediate outputs created by the method.
Main recipe
Recipe card ingredients and steps.
4
Garnish
Source step 21 creates or uses garnish.
Marinade
Source step 2 creates or uses marinade.
Mixture
Source step 8 creates or uses mixture.
Paste
Source step 1 creates or uses paste.
Sauce
Source step 13 creates or uses sauce.
Extra useful notes
Short source-backed recommendations and facts that do not need a step.
Yogurt: This recipe needs thick curd also known as Hung curd or greek yogurt which is strained yogurt.
Yogurt: This recipe needs thick curd also known as Hung curd or greek yogurt which is strained yogurt. If you do not have thick curd make your own by adding around 1½ cups plain homemade yogurt or curd to a thin muslin cloth or a clean handkerchief. Tie it up. Hang it in the refrigerator for about 2 to 4 hours. Use only ½ cup of the hung yogurt for this recipe.
Runny Marinade: If your marinade it runny, you need to fix it else it drip all over the pan when you grill the tikkas.
Runny Marinade: If your marinade it runny, you need to fix it else it drip all over the pan when you grill the tikkas. To fix runny marinade, you may add 1 tablespoon gram flour/ besan or sattu (roasted chana dal flour)
Nut-free Option: You may substitute the nuts with more heavy cream.
Nut-free Option: You may substitute the nuts with more heavy cream. Instead of 3 tbsps add 6 to 8 tablespoons cream. Alternately you may skip the nuts completely, the dish will still taste good. White poppy seeds, sunflower seeds and melon seeds (magaz) are the close substitutes. Make sure you don’t use rancid seeds as these substitutes go rancid very fast even during their shelf period.
Onions & Bell Peppers: You can skip onions and bell peppers for the tikka.
Onions & Bell Peppers: You can skip onions and bell peppers for the tikka. But grilled onions and pepper lend a nice flavor to the curry.
Vegan option: Use tofu in place of paneer and add more cashews and skip the cream.
Vegan option: Use tofu in place of paneer and add more cashews and skip the cream. Use vegan yogurt for the marinade.
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More source notes
Useful article notes that do not need to interrupt the cooking method.
Make Paneer Tikka Masala Gravy
Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a pan.
Optional – You can add any whole spices if you have – 2 cardamom, 1 small cinnamon piece or even 2 cloves. When the spices begin to sizzle, add 1½ teaspoon ginger garlic paste (or grated ginger and garlic).
Grill paneer
You can grill the paneer while your gravy is simmering.
Option 1 – For the paneer tikka on stovetop : Heat 1 tsp oil in a wide pan on a medium high flame, place the paneer cubes coated with the marinade in the pan. Flip them to the other side and cook on a high flame till all the marinade dries up and the paneer turn golden.
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Paneer Tikka Masala Recipe
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