Paneer Cutlet (Paneer Tikki Snack) - Swasthi's Recipes (2024)

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Paneer Cutlet also known as Paneer Tikki, are simple quick and delicious vegetarian patties made with paneer, vegetables, spices and herbs. These Paneer Cutlet are a staple in my home and are mostly eaten as an after school snack with Mint Chutney or Coriander Chutney. When the mood kicks in for a Chaat, we also transform these to Tikki Chaat. A lot of times, I make them an extra-large in size so they go into our Burgers as patties. No matter how you serve them, these taste amazing!

Paneer Cutlet (Paneer Tikki Snack) - Swasthi's Recipes (1)

These paneer tikki are toddler friendly, if you skip the green chilies and reduce the other spices. Paneer cutlet also go well in the school box for a Mid-morning snack.

I love baking these in the oven or in the air fryer but they can also be pan fried. I have shown both the ways to make them.

What is Paneer Cutlet

Paneer cutlet are Indian pan-fried patties made with paneer as the key ingredient. Various vegetables and bread are used for the binding. The patty dough is spiced with Indian spices like ginger, red chilli powder, turmeric and garam masala.

The dough is shaped to patties and pan-fried, baked or air fried to perfection until crisp.

This is a decade old recipe on the blog, so please bear with the pictures. I always love to go back to my old recipes and update them with the modifications I make for my growing kids. I have updated with some options and substitutes which are tried and tested.

As kids grow up, they begin to enjoy more flavors and textures in their foods. So you can also make these spicier too for older kids or grown-ups.

Note that these paneer cutlet cannot be deep fried as I have not tested, for the simple reason they turn out good and healthy without deep frying. I don’t feel the need to deep fry.

About this Recipe

This recipe uses crumbled Homemade Paneer that’s unset but completely drained. Feel free to replace it with store bought paneer. You actually won’t know the difference. In the pictures below I have used coarsely crushed sweet corn and a lot of times I use mixed vegetables like potatoes, peas & carrots.

Use whatever you have in hand, but note that your paneer cutlets will have the taste of the veggies you use. Avoid using veggies that you don’t like or prefer.

To absorb the excess moisture I have used stale bread but the recipe works very well with bread crumbs, sattu (roasted chana dal flour) or poha powder. I have tested this recipe with all of these.

For more Paneer Recipes, you can check
Paneer cheese toast
Dahi kabab
Paneer 65
Paneer sandwich
Chilli paneer
Paneer pakora

Paneer Cutlet (Paneer Tikki Snack) - Swasthi's Recipes (2)

How to Make Paneer Cutlet (Stepwise photos)

Preparation

1. To a mixing bowl, add all the ingredients.

  • 1 cup paneer crumbled (Indian Cottage Cheese)
  • ¾ cup boiled mashed vegetables like potato, carrot, peas or crushed boiled sweet corn
  • 2 to 3 green chilies chopped (optional, adjust)
  • ¼ cup bread crumbs or powdered poha (adjust as needed)
  • 1 teaspoon ginger paste
  • ¼ teaspoon cumin or jeera seeds or ½ teaspoon cumin powder
  • 1 medium onion fine chopped optional
  • 1/8 teaspoon turmeric
  • ¾ teaspoon garam masala powder (for toddlers, add a pinch of black pepper)
  • 2 tablespoons coriander leaves chopped
  • ¼ to 1/3 teaspoon salt

I have used boiled sweet corn that I pulsed in the grinder and bread slices.

Paneer Cutlet (Paneer Tikki Snack) - Swasthi's Recipes (3)

2. Mix all the ingredients to form a dough that is fairly moist but not too loose. Taste test and adjust salt, spice etc.

Paneer Cutlet (Paneer Tikki Snack) - Swasthi's Recipes (4)

Make Paneer Cutlet

3. Take small portions and make them to patties. To bake place them on a greased foil or butter paper. Preheat the oven to 220 C or 430 F for at least 15 minutes. Then place the tray in the middle rack. Bake them for 10 to 15 minutes and then turn them to the other side. Continue to bake for another 10 to 12 minutes until golden and slightly crisp.

Paneer Cutlet (Paneer Tikki Snack) - Swasthi's Recipes (5)

4. To Pan fry them, heat 1 tablespoon oil in a pan. When the pan is really hot, place the tikkis on the pan. Fry them until golden. Be careful while turning them to the other side. Fry them on both the sides until golden.

Paneer Cutlet (Paneer Tikki Snack) - Swasthi's Recipes (6)

5. Brush them with ghee or oil while still hot.

Paneer Cutlet (Paneer Tikki Snack) - Swasthi's Recipes (7)

Serve Paneer Cutlet hot with this Coriander chutney.

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Recipe Card

Paneer Cutlet (Paneer Tikki Snack) - Swasthi's Recipes (15)

Paneer Cutlet (Paneer Tikki Snack)

Paneer cutlet are a delicious pan-fried snack made with paneer, spices & vegetables. These are a great tea time snack. Serve them with Coriander chutney.

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For best results follow the step-by-step photos above the recipe card

Prep Time5 minutes minutes

Cook Time25 minutes minutes

Total Time30 minutes minutes

Servings4

AuthorSwasthi

Ingredients (US cup = 240ml )

  • 1 cup paneer crumbled (Indian Cottage Cheese)
  • ¾ cup potato boiled or mashed mixed veggies or boiled sweet corn (pulsed coarsely)
  • 2 to 3 green chilies chopped small (adjust to taste)
  • ¼ cup bread crumbs or powdered poha or sattu (adjust as needed)
  • 1 teaspoon ginger grated or paste
  • ¼ teaspoon cumin seeds (jeera, or ½ teaspoon cumin powder)
  • 1 medium onion fine chopped optional
  • teaspoon turmeric or haldi
  • ¾ teaspoon garam masala powder (or a pinch of black pepper for toddlers)
  • 2 tablespoons coriander leaves chopped fine
  • ¼ to ⅓ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)

Instructions

Preparation

  • Boil veggies till soft cooked without making mushy. Mash them. If using sweet corn, boil them till al dente. Cool and pulse them in a blender/ grinder.

  • Add them to a mixing bowl. Also add paneer, bread crumbs, salt, cumin, ginger, turmeric, garam masala, coriander leaves and chilies.

  • Mix them well to make a dough. If the mixture is too soft, you can add more bread crumbs.

Make Paneer Cutlet

  • Take portions of this dough to your hand and shape them to patties. The patties should not be too thin or thick.

  • Grease a pan generously with oil and heat it. When the pan is hot enough, place these on the pan & fry until golden. Turn them to the other side, fry them until golden and crisp.

To Bake Paneer Tikki

  • For baking in oven, preheat the oven to 220 C or 430 F for 15 mins. Prepare a baking tray, grease it well.

  • Make small thin patties (appr ¼ inch thickness), and smear little oil or spray oil on them.

  • Bake for 10 to 15 mins, turn them to the other side carefully. Repeat baking paneer cutlet for another 10 to 12 mins.

  • Serve paneer cutlets with Coriander chutney or ketchup.

Alternative quantities provided in the recipe card are for 1x only, original recipe.

For best results follow my detailed step-by-step photo instructions and tips above the recipe card.

NUTRITION INFO (estimation only)

Nutrition Facts

Paneer Cutlet (Paneer Tikki Snack)

Amount Per Serving

Calories 231Calories from Fat 126

% Daily Value*

Fat 14g22%

Saturated Fat 8g50%

Cholesterol 37mg12%

Sodium 143mg6%

Potassium 216mg6%

Carbohydrates 15g5%

Fiber 2g8%

Sugar 2g2%

Protein 10g20%

Vitamin C 9.2mg11%

Calcium 300mg30%

Iron 1.7mg9%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Tried this recipe?Mention @SwasthisRecipes or tag #swasthisrecipes!

© Swasthi’s Recipes

Paneer Cutlet (Paneer Tikki Snack) - Swasthi's Recipes (16)

About Swasthi

I’m Swasthi Shreekanth, the recipe developer, food photographer & food writer behind Swasthi’s Recipes. My aim is to help you cook great Indian food with my time-tested recipes. After 2 decades of experience in practical Indian cooking I started this blog to help people cook better & more often at home. Whether you are a novice or an experienced cook I am sure Swasthi’s Recipes will assist you to enhance your cooking skills. More about me

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Paneer Cutlet (Paneer Tikki Snack) - Swasthi's Recipes (2024)

FAQs

How to make paneer taste better? ›

and can make paneer of any fresh fruits. Add enough tomatoes for a good taste and thick and creamy texture. Towards the end you can add a light splash of milk cream or milk to tone down the spices and addcreamy texture. Add garam masala and kasuri methi in the End for more favour.

What is a substitute for paneer cheese? ›

What can I use instead of paneer? According to Shilpa from Some Indian Girl blog, the best substitute for paneer is haloumi (but remember, haloumi is much saltier so reduce the quantity of salt in your recipe if you are swapping paneer for haloumi. Other options include firm tofu, ricotta, mozzarella or cottage cheese.

What is a good substitute for paneer for protein? ›

7 Versatile Vegan Substitutes for Paneer
  • Tofu absorbs flavors well and has a similar texture to paneer, making it ideal for curries and stir-fries.
  • Tempeh is a hearty, protein-rich substitute with a slightly nutty flavor that can be grilled, cubed, or crumbled into dishes.
Nov 17, 2023

What kind of cheese is used in Indian food? ›

Paneer is a fresh cheese that is a common ingredient used in northern Indian (as well as other nearby countries') cooking. Perhaps most well known is Palak Paneer, the iconic green spinach curry served with golden pan-fried paneer!

Should you fry paneer before adding to curry? ›

Paneer is already cooked.

So it's not essential that you cook it prior to adding to curry. Some people like a golden brown colour on the outside. If you like, you can shallow fry, deep fry, or grill paneer before adding it to a curry. This will create a golden crust on the outside.

How to fry paneer and keep it soft? ›

Steps To Follow To Make Paneer Soft And Fluffy After Frying:

Shift the high flame to low flame and add paneer cubes. Keep stirring to avoid burning and sticking. Once the paneer cubes are fried until perfection, shift them into a bowlful of cold water. Keep the paneer cubes inside the bowl for about 7-8 minutes.

Is mozzarella cheese same as paneer? ›

Paneer is a type of cottage cheese that is frequently consumed in bigger quantities, whereas mozzarella cheese is normally used in grated form. Paneer contains 15% more calories, 15% fewer proteins, and 15% more carbs than mozzarella cheese.

What is paneer called in USA? ›

Although many Indians translate "paneer" into "cottage cheese", cottage cheese is made using rennet extracted from the stomach of ruminants, and cow's skim milk. Queso blanco or queso fresco are often recommended as substitutes in the Americas and Spain as they are more commercially available in many American markets.

Is paneer healthier than cheese? ›

Even though cheese is very healthy, it has high amounts of saturated fat and cholesterol making it bad for your heart. A 100g serving of cheese has a whooping 18g of saturated fat and 100mg of cholesterol. Compare this to paneer where the same amount has just 1.7g of saturated fat and 17mg of cholesterol.

What is paneer called in English? ›

Likely originating in India, paneer is also known as Indian cottage cheese. You might find that the mild taste of paneer reminds you of American cottage cheese.

What milk is best for paneer? ›

Typically in India, buffalo milk is used to make paneer—it has a higher fat content than cow's milk and a richer flavor. If you can get your hands on whole buffalo milk, then do use it, but you can still get great results using regular cow's milk.

Which milk is better for paneer? ›

For making good quality paneer, buffalo milk is considered more suitable than cow milk (Bhattacharya et al. 1971; Sachdeva et al.

Why does paneer not melt? ›

Paneer is a non-melting cheese. Since paneer is made using heat and acid, instead of rennet, to curdle the milk, it changes the way the milk proteins are bound together. When paneer is heated, it doesn't melt, but holds its shape, allowing it to be simmered, fried or grilled without liquefying.

Which is the number one cheese in India? ›

Amul is one of the most famous and popular cheese brands in India. It produces a variety of cheeses such as processed cheese, mozzarella, cottage, cheddar and gouda which come in different flavors like garlic and herbs.

Is feta cheese and paneer same? ›

No. Feta is a brined sheep's milk cheese with a lower water content from Greece. Paneer is a South Asian cheese made from cow's milk curdled with an acid (like cottage cheese) and is less dense with higher water content. The two are about as similar as cheddar and chèvre.

How to make store bought paneer better? ›

Boil some water in a bowl. Once it comes to a boil, put a strainer over it and spread out the paneer cubes so that they absorb the steam. Put a lid on top so that the steam cannot escape. After 10-15 mins, you'll have super soft and spongy paneer cubes.

What is the right way to eat paneer? ›

Just dice some paneer cubes into a pan, toss it with some olive oil, add chilli flakes or crushed pepper, some salt, and you are good to go. In short, a yummy on-the-go snack for your tummy in a jiffy. You can also use it as a filling for your sandwiches or replace the aalo patties in your burgers.

Why do people soak paneer in water before? ›

10 minutes makes it extra soft and crumbly!

How is restaurant paneer so soft? ›

Here are some tips for making soft paneer:
  1. Use full-fat milk for the best results.
  2. Do not overcook the milk or the paneer will be rubbery.
  3. Add the lemon juice or vinegar slowly, stirring continuously, until the milk curdles.
  4. Let the curds sit in the whey for 5 minutes before transferring them to the muslin cloth.
Feb 8, 2020

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