Are you craving the delicious taste of paneer tikka but don’t want to go through the hassle of grilling or using a tandoor? Then look no further! In this article, we will guide you through the simple and convenient process of making paneer tikka in a microwave oven. This popular Indian dish can be made in just a few minutes, allowing you to enjoy its creamy and flavorful goodness in no time.
Paneer tikka is a vegetarian dish made with marinated paneer (Indian cottage cheese) and a blend of spices. Traditionally, it is cooked in a tandoor, which gives it a smoky and charred flavor. However, with the help of your trusty microwave oven, you can achieve similar results without the need for a tandoor. This method is quick, hassle-free, and perfect for those times when you want to satisfy your cravings without spending too much time in the kitchen.
To make paneer tikka in a microwave oven, you will need a few basic ingredients such as paneer, yogurt, spices, and some vegetables of your choice. The first step is to prepare the marinade by combining yogurt, spices like turmeric, red chili powder, garam masala, and salt. Add some ginger-garlic paste for an extra punch of flavor. Then, cut the paneer into cubes and mix it well with the marinade, making sure each piece is coated evenly. You can also add some diced capsicum, onion, or tomato to enhance the taste and texture of the dish.
Once the paneer and vegetables are well-marinated, it’s time to microwave them. Place the paneer cubes and vegetables on a microwave-safe plate, leaving some space between each piece to ensure even cooking. Microwave them at high power for about 4-5 minutes, or until the paneer is soft and the vegetables are cooked through. Keep a close eye on them to prevent overcooking, as microwave ovens vary in power.
Once the paneer tikka is cooked, remove it from the microwave oven and let it rest for a few minutes. This will allow the flavors to develop further and the paneer to cool down slightly. You can serve it as is for a quick snack, or assemble it into a delicious paneer tikka wrap or salad. Garnish it with some freshly chopped coriander leaves and a squeeze of lemon juice for an added burst of freshness.
So, the next time you’re in the mood for paneer tikka but don’t have access to a tandoor or grill, don’t worry. Just grab your microwave oven and follow these simple steps to enjoy a perfectly cooked and flavorful paneer tikka in no time. It’s an easy and convenient way to satisfy your cravings and delight your taste buds with this classic Indian dish.
Paneer Tikka Recipe
Paneer tikka is a popular Indian appetizer that is made with chunks of paneer (Indian cottage cheese), marinated in a flavorful mixture of spices and grilled to perfection. It is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a starter or as a main course.
To make paneer tikka, you will need the following ingredients:
- 200 grams paneer
- 1 bell pepper, cut into cubes
- 1 onion, cut into cubes
- 1 tomato, cut into cubes
- 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
- 1 tablespoon yogurt
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon chaat masala
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt to taste
Here’s how you can make paneer tikka:
- In a bowl, mix together yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, red chili powder, turmeric powder, garam masala, chaat masala, lemon juice, and salt.
- Add paneer cubes, bell pepper cubes, onion cubes, and tomato cubes to the marinade. Mix well to coat the paneer and vegetables evenly.
- Cover the bowl with a plastic wrap and let the paneer tikka marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat the microwave oven to the grill mode.
- Arrange the marinated paneer and vegetables on a microwave-safe grill rack.
- Grill the paneer tikka in the microwave oven for about 8-10 minutes, or until the paneer is golden brown and the vegetables are slightly charred.
- Remove the paneer tikka from the microwave oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
- Serve the paneer tikka hot, garnished with fresh coriander leaves.
Paneer tikka can be served as is or with mint chutney and tamarind chutney. Enjoy this delicious and flavorful dish with family and friends!
Preparation:
1. Start by cutting the paneer into small cubes and set aside.
2. In a bowl, mix together yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, red chili powder, turmeric powder, garam masala, and salt.
3. Add the paneer cubes to the marinade and let it rest for at least 30 minutes to an hour.
4. While the paneer is marinating, prepare the vegetables by cutting them into bite-sized pieces.
5. Once the paneer has marinated, thread the paneer cubes onto skewers alternating with the vegetables.
6. Place the skewers on a microwave-safe plate, making sure to leave some space between each skewer.
7. Microwave the paneer tikka on high power for about 5 minutes, turning the skewers halfway through to ensure even cooking.
8. Once the paneer is cooked, carefully remove the skewers from the microwave and let them cool for a few minutes.
9. Serve the hot and delicious paneer tikka as an appetizer or as a side dish with mint chutney or tomato ketchup.
10. Enjoy the mouth-watering paneer tikka!
Cooking Process:
To make paneer tikka in a microwave oven, follow these steps:
Step 1: Preparing the Marinade
Ingredients:
- 200 grams of paneer (Indian cottage cheese), cut into cubes
- 1/4 cup of yogurt
- 1 tablespoon of ginger-garlic paste
- 1 tablespoon of tandoori masala
- 1/2 teaspoon of red chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of cumin powder
- Salt to taste
- 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
Instructions:
- In a bowl, combine yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, tandoori masala, red chili powder, turmeric powder, cumin powder, salt, and lemon juice.
- Add the paneer cubes to the marinade and mix well, ensuring that all the cubes are coated with the marinade.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the paneer marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
Step 2: Cooking the Paneer Tikka
Ingredients:
- Marinated paneer cubes
- 1 tablespoon of oil for greasing
Instructions:
- Grease a microwave-safe plate or grill with oil.
- Arrange the marinated paneer cubes on the greased plate, leaving some space between each cube.
- Cook the paneer cubes in the microwave oven on high power for about 4-6 minutes or until they are slightly charred and cooked through. Flip the cubes halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking.
Note: Cooking time may vary depending on the microwave oven. Keep an eye on the paneer cubes to prevent overcooking.
Your paneer tikka is now ready to be served. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot as an appetizer or as a side dish with roti or naan.
FAQ
What is paneer tikka?
Paneer tikka is a popular Indian dish made from paneer (Indian cottage cheese) marinated in a mixture of spices and grilled to perfection.
Can I make paneer tikka in a microwave oven?
Yes, you can make paneer tikka in a microwave oven. It is a quick and easy way to prepare this delicious dish.
What ingredients do I need to make paneer tikka in a microwave oven?
To make paneer tikka in a microwave oven, you will need paneer, yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, lemon juice, tandoori masala, red chili powder, turmeric powder, garam masala, salt, and oil.