Paneer Prep First
Begin your Chilli Paneer journey by carefully preparing the paneer. Start by cubing the paneer into approximately 1-inch pieces. For a crispy texture,
you have a couple of options: you can either shallow fry the paneer until it's golden brown or deep fry it for a more pronounced crunch. If you're opting for the former, ensure you use a non-stick pan to prevent sticking. Heat a generous amount of oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, gently place the paneer cubes in the pan, making sure not to overcrowd it. Fry them until they turn a light golden color on all sides, turning them frequently. If you're going for a deep fry, heat the oil in a wok or deep fryer to a medium-high temperature and carefully immerse the paneer cubes until they achieve a similar golden hue. Once fried, remove the paneer and set it aside. This step sets the foundation for the dish, so be sure to get this just right.
Vegetable Preparations
The next step focuses on preparing the vegetables, which are crucial for adding both flavor and texture to your Chilli Paneer. You'll need bell peppers (capsicum), onions, and green chilies. Start by chopping the bell peppers and onions into roughly similar-sized pieces; this allows for even cooking. For the bell peppers, remove the seeds and membranes, and then chop them into cubes or strips, depending on your preference. Similarly, peel the onions and cut them into chunks, separating the layers slightly to allow them to cook well. Finely chop the green chilies, adjusting the quantity according to your spice preference. Some people like to deseed the chilies to reduce the heat, but that is entirely up to you. Once your vegetables are ready, set them aside, as they will be added to the dish in a later step.
Making the Sauce
Now, let’s move on to preparing the sauce, the heart of the Chilli Paneer. This sauce brings together all the flavors of your dish. In a bowl, combine soy sauce, chili sauce, tomato ketchup, and vinegar. The quantities of each ingredient can be adjusted to suit your taste; start with a basic ratio and then adjust as necessary. The chili sauce adds heat, the tomato ketchup adds sweetness, the soy sauce adds a savory depth, and the vinegar adds a tangy note. Next, you need to prepare a slurry for thickening the sauce. In a separate small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and water until smooth. Ensure there are no lumps, as this will prevent an even consistency of the sauce. This mixture will thicken the sauce, giving it the perfect coating for the paneer and vegetables. Once everything is ready, set aside the sauce and cornstarch slurry.
Stir-Frying Ingredients
Get ready to stir-fry! Heat some oil in a wok or large pan over medium-high heat. Add finely chopped garlic and ginger and stir-fry until the raw aroma dissipates. Next, add the chopped onions and bell peppers, and stir-fry them for a few minutes until they soften slightly but still retain some crunch. Then, add the green chilies. Now is the time to pour in your prepared sauce mixture, stirring continuously. Let the sauce bubble and thicken a bit, stirring until it reaches the desired consistency. At this point, add the cornstarch slurry, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens and coats the vegetables evenly. Finally, add the fried paneer cubes and gently toss everything together until the paneer is well coated in the flavorful sauce. Be careful not to break the paneer while stirring.
Final Touches & Serve
The final steps are all about enhancing the presentation and flavor of your Chilli Paneer. Season your dish to taste with salt, keeping in mind that the soy sauce already contains sodium, so start with a smaller amount and add more if needed. You can add a pinch of sugar to balance the flavors. Garnish generously with freshly chopped spring onions (scallions), which provide a fresh, vibrant contrast to the rich flavors of the dish. For an extra layer of flavor and texture, sprinkle a few sesame seeds on top. Once your Chilli Paneer is ready, serve it hot, immediately. It pairs perfectly with fried rice, noodles, or simply enjoy it as a standalone snack. The combination of textures and flavors will leave your taste buds wanting more!
