Easy Paneer Tikka + Paneer Starter Recipes

This Paneer Tikka is spiced and pan-fried quickly in ghee for a savory Indian snack. It can be served deliciously on its own, or with other sauces and dips. Paneer starters are low-carb and keto-friendly for your health-conscious friends to enjoy. 

What Makes Paneer Tikka So Great?

• Low Carb - The perfect keto appetizer.
• Gluten Free - No worrying about food allergies.
• Vegetarian - A great meatless dish the whole family will love.
• Fast - Done in less than 30 minutes.
• Delicious - A fabulous Indian comfort food.

What Snacks Can Be Made From Paneer?

This Low-Carb Paneer Tikka makes either a simple paneer starter on its own or a welcome addition to other sauces and dips.

When I figured out how to make Paneer in an Instant Pot without having to babysit the process, I started to think of quick and easy things I could do with the paneer.

If you love appetizer parties, (and who doesn't!) then I have a menu for you. You can serve, or have your guests each bring an app.

Serve this Paneer Tikka, with Tandoori Chicken, and Mint and Chili Kabobs dipped in Cilantro Pesto and served with a refreshing glass of Agua de Jamaica. Your friends will never leave.

What Kind Of Food Is Paneer?

Paneer is an Indian cheese that is creamy and salty. It is so versatile as it doesn't melt, that the possibilities of cooking with Paneer are endless. 

You can buy paneer ready-made at Indian grocery stores where it is typically in the frozen section. At the grocery store, they sell the paneer either plain or fried. You can also make it yourself using my very easy pressure cooker paneer recipe. 

If you are looking for a substitute or can't find Paneer, try queso fresco. It has a similar consistency and taste.

Is Paneer Tikka Good For Health?

Many people have a different definition of what healthy means to them. So while this recipe may not seem like a healthy recipe at first glance, upon further inspection you will see it does have many healthy attributes.

This Paneer Tikka recipe is fairly high in fat, but they are healthy fats. If you're eating a low carb diet, the healthy fats will keep you fuller longer and prevent you from snacking between meals.

On top of being a satisfying appetizer choice, it is also gluten-free, vegetarian, and high in protein.

Can You Eat Paneer By Itself?

Yes! Paneer is just a tasty bite of cheese, so don't feel like you need to jump through hoops just to try out a new ingredient.

While I enjoy paneer most as an addition to another recipe, you can absolutely eat it alone.

Ingredients You'll Need

• paneer
• Oil
• Garlic
• Minced Ginger
• Cilantro
• Kosher Salt
• Garam Masala
• Turmeric
• Ground Cumin
• Ground Coriander
• Smoked Paprika
• Cayenne Pepper
• Ghee
• Lemon juice

How To Make Paneer Snacks

Should Paneer Be Fried?

Paneer is delicious no matter the cooking method. However, for these yummy paneer snacks, you'll want to get out your favorite frying pan with a little oil and enjoy it pan-fried.

How To Make This Fried Paneer Recipe

1. Place paneer into a bowl and add oil and all the spices.

2. Gently mix everything, taking care to not break the paneer. I found this easiest to do with my hands.

3. Allow this mixture to marinate for about 30 minutes.

4. Heat a skillet, and when it's hot, add two tablespoons of ghee.

5. Lay the paneer cubes in a single layer in the pan.

6. Let it sear for 1-2 minutes, and then using tongs, turn the pieces to sear the other side. Once both sides are seared, you can reduce the heat a little to finish warming the paneer.

7. Spritz the lemon juice right before serving.

What Are The Dishes Made From Paneer?

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• If you ever thought making Indian Palak Paneer (or Spinach with Paneer) was complicated, here's the recipe that will convince you otherwise. Delicious, nutritious, full-flavored, & super easy to make.
• Make restaurant-quality Indian Matar Paneer, or Indian Peas and Paneer, in your Instant Pot or pressure cooker. This is a classic Indian Vegetarian recipe you can make at home in minutes!
• Make this Vegetarian Paneer Biryani in your Instant Pot. Make an easy, authentic, kid-friendly, vegetarian/vegan dinner in under 30 minutes.

So the next time you're looking for a great low carb snack or craving delicious paneer starter recipes with tons of flavor, make some delicious Paneer Tikka. Make sure to share this recipe with your friends on Pinterest and Facebook so they can enjoy it too!

Originally Published June 19, 2017

Don't forget to check out my other Keto cookbooks.

Keto Instant Pot, Keto Fat Bombs, Sweets, & Treats, and Easy keto in 30 minutes.