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Restaurant-Style Schezwan Paneer at Home – Easy & Delicious!

Schezwan Paneer 2

If you’re looking for a Schezwan Paneer recipe that’s packed with bold flavors, you’ve come to the right place! This Paneer Recipe is not only a delight to the taste buds but also a perfect balance of crispy, tender paneer cubes in a spicy, tangy sauce. Whether you're preparing it as a Paneer Dry Recipe for a snack or a Paneer Curry to go along with your rice or naan, this recipe promises to be a crowd-pleaser. With a touch of aromatic spices, fiery chilies, and the goodness of paneer, this Paneer Sidedish will undoubtedly steal the show at any dinner table.

Schezwan Paneer

What is Schezwan Paneer?

Schezwan Paneer is a vibrant, tangy, and spicy dish from Chinese-Indian fusion cuisine. It is a favorite among fans of Indo-Chinese food and can be prepared as a dry dish or with a little more gravy to serve with rice or flatbreads like naan or roti. The dish features crispy paneer cubes cooked in a tangy Schezwan sauce, flavored with garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and fiery red chilies. Its bold taste makes it a wonderful Paneer Dry Recipe for parties or a flavorful Paneer Curry when served with rice or bread.

Why Choose Paneer for This Recipe?

Paneer is the star ingredient of this recipe. It’s a fresh, soft cheese made from milk, and its neutral flavor makes it an excellent base for absorbing the rich and spicy flavors of the Schezwan sauce. Paneer is not just tasty, but it’s also packed with protein and calcium, making it a healthy option in your meal. Plus, it has a satisfying texture that holds up well when cooked in rich sauces, which is why it’s such a popular choice in both vegetarian and vegan dishes. For a Paneer Sidedish, this recipe offers a satisfying dish that pairs perfectly with main courses like fried rice, noodles, or even a simple paratha.

The Richness of Schezwan Sauce

The secret to an amazing Schezwan dish lies in its sauce. Made with red chilies, garlic, vinegar, soy sauce, and other spices, the Schezwan sauce is what elevates the dish to a whole new level. The key to the perfect Schezwan sauce is balancing the heat from the chilies with the tanginess from the vinegar and the savory depth from the soy sauce. This unique sauce not only gives the dish its signature spicy kick but also adds a complex, aromatic flavor that is unmistakable. Whether you prefer a dry version or a saucy one, the Schezwan sauce is the heart and soul of the dish.

A Versatile Paneer Dish

One of the best things about this Paneer Sidedish is its versatility. You can adjust the spice level to suit your taste, making it as fiery or mild as you like. If you want to enjoy it as a dry snack, the crispy, golden-brown paneer cubes tossed in the Schezwan sauce will make a perfect appetizer. For those who prefer a saucy dish, simply add a little more water to the gravy and serve it with rice, chapati, or even fried noodles. This adaptability makes Schezwan Paneer a go-to recipe for different occasions, whether it's a casual family meal or a dinner party with friends.

How to Make Schezwan Paneer Dry

If you’re craving a crunchy, bite-sized snack, you can make this recipe as a Paneer Dry Recipe. The process involves frying the coated paneer cubes until they’re crispy and golden brown, then tossing them in the spicy Schezwan sauce. The crispy texture of the paneer cubes, paired with the rich and tangy sauce, makes this dish absolutely irresistible. Serve it as an appetizer or enjoy it as a quick snack. It’s the perfect choice for those who love their Paneer Sidedish with a little crunch!

A Flavor Explosion with Garlic, Ginger, and Chilies

What makes Schezwan Paneer stand out is the use of aromatic ingredients such as garlic, ginger, and green chilies. These ingredients not only bring a delightful fragrance to the dish but also contribute to its fiery flavor profile. The combination of garlic and ginger forms the flavor base for the sauce, giving it a warm, savory foundation. The green chilies add that extra kick of heat, ensuring that every bite of the dish is bursting with flavor. For those who prefer a more moderate level of heat, the amount of green chilies can be adjusted to taste.

Perfect for Special Occasions and Gatherings

Schezwan Paneer makes for a perfect dish when you’re hosting a special occasion or gathering. Its bold flavors and attractive presentation make it an instant hit at parties. Whether you’re serving it as a Paneer Sidedish with a larger spread or as a stand-alone appetizer, it’s sure to impress your guests. The combination of crispy paneer and spicy Schezwan sauce is simply irresistible, and it’s a great way to introduce your friends and family to Indo-Chinese cuisine.

A Protein-Packed Dish

Not only does this Paneer Curry taste delicious, but it’s also a healthy option packed with protein. Paneer is made from milk and is rich in essential nutrients like calcium and vitamin D, making it an excellent choice for vegetarians looking to get their protein fix. This makes the dish not just tasty but also nourishing. You can enjoy this recipe as part of a balanced meal, knowing that you’re indulging in something wholesome and satisfying. Whether you’re having it as a snack, a side dish, or a full meal, Schezwan Paneer is a fantastic way to add more protein to your diet.

Customizing Your Schezwan Paneer

The beauty of this dish is that you can easily tweak it to suit your preferences. You can add or remove ingredients to make the dish your own. For instance, if you prefer a bit of sweetness to balance the heat, you can add a teaspoon of sugar to the sauce. Alternatively, if you love vegetables, feel free to toss in a variety of stir-fried veggies like carrots, beans, or mushrooms along with the paneer. You can also experiment with different garnishes like toasted sesame seeds, cilantro, or even roasted peanuts for an added crunch. The options are endless, allowing you to create a Paneer Curry that fits your taste perfectly.

Schezwan Paneer 1

Chilli Paneer>>

Why You Should Try Schezwan Paneer

Schezwan Paneer is not just a meal; it’s an experience. The layers of flavors—from the heat of the chilies to the tanginess of the vinegar—create an exciting explosion of taste that’s unlike any other. Whether you choose to serve it dry as a snack or as a saucy curry, it’s guaranteed to be a hit. This Paneer Recipe offers the perfect balance of crispy, tender, and spicy, making it a must-try for any fan of Indo-Chinese food. It’s simple to make, customizable, and versatile enough to be enjoyed at any meal or occasion.

Schezwan Paneer is more than just a dish; it’s a flavor-packed celebration of paneer and spices. Whether you’re preparing a Paneer Sidedish for a gathering or a comforting Paneer Curry for dinner, this recipe will satisfy your cravings for something spicy and savory. The crispy paneer cubes coated in a bold Schezwan sauce will definitely become your go-to dish for every occasion.

Cooking Method
Cuisine ,
Time
Prep Time: 40 mins Cook Time: 30 mins Total Time: 1 hr 10 mins
Servings 2
Ingredients
    For Chilli paste
  • 5 number Kashmiri chilli
  • 3 tbsp Oil
  • 1 tsp Vinegar
  • To fry Paneer and Veggies
  • 250 gm Paneer
  • 1.5 tbsp Corn starch
  • 1 tsp Pepper Powder
  • 0.25 tsp Salt
  • 1 cup onion cubes
  • 1 cup capsicum cubes
  • 2 cups oil to fry
  • For schezwan Paneer
  • 3 tbsp Oil
  • 2 tbsp Garlic
  • 1 tbsp Ginger
  • 1 tbsp Spring Onion
  • 2 number Green Chilli
  • 1 tbsp Ketchup
  • 1 tsp Red chilli Sauce
  • 1 tsp Soy Sauce
  • 0.5 tsp Vinegar
  • 0.5 tsp Pepper Powder
  • 0.5 tsp Salt
  • 0.25 cup Water
  • 1 tbsp Spring onion greens
  • For corn flour slurry
  • 0.25 cup water
  • 1 tsp Corn starch
Preparation
  1. Preparing the Paneer and Veggies:
    • Coating and Frying Paneer:
      1. In a bowl, mix together the paneer cubes, corn starch, pepper powder, and salt.
      2. Heat 2 cups of oil in a pan. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the coated paneer cubes.
      3. Fry the paneer for about 2 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy on the outside, but soft inside.
      4. Remove the paneer from the oil and set aside on a paper towel to drain excess oil.
    • Frying the Veggies:
      1. In the same hot oil, add the onion and capsicum cubes.
      2. Fry for a few seconds, just until they are slightly tender but still crunchy.
      3. Remove the veggies and set them aside with the fried paneer.
  2. Making the Chilli Paste:
    1. Soak 5 dried Kashmiri chilies (seeds removed) in hot water for 30 minutes.
    2. After soaking, transfer the chilies to a grinder and blend them into a smooth paste.

    Cooking the Chilli Paste:

    1. Heat 3 tablespoons of oil in a pan.
    2. Add the ground chilli paste to the pan and cook it over medium heat for about 5 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
    3. Once the paste is cooked, add 1 teaspoon of vinegar and mix well.
    4. Set the prepared chilli paste aside for later use.
  3. Preparing the Schezwan Gravy:
    • Cooking the Aromatics:
      1. In a pan, heat 3 tablespoons of oil.
      2. Add 2 tablespoons of finely chopped garlic and 1 tablespoon of grated ginger. Cook for a few seconds until aromatic.
      3. Add 1 tablespoon of finely chopped spring onions and 2 slit green chilies. Sauté for another 30 seconds.
    • Adding the Sauces and Spices:
      1. Stir in the prepared chilli paste, 1 tablespoon of ketchup, 1 teaspoon of red chilli sauce, and 1 teaspoon of soy sauce. Mix well.
      2. Add 0.5 teaspoon of vinegar, 0.5 teaspoon of pepper powder, and 0.5 teaspoon of salt. Stir and cook for another minute.
    • Simmering the Gravy:
      1. Add 1/4 cup of water and bring the mixture to a simmer. Allow the flavors to combine.
  4. Thickening the Gravy:
    • Preparing Corn Starch Slurry:
      1. In a small bowl, mix 1 teaspoon of corn starch with 1/4 cup of water. Stir until fully dissolved.
    • Thickening the Sauce:
      1. Slowly pour the corn starch slurry into the simmering gravy while stirring continuously.
      2. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
  5. Final Assembly:
    • Combining the Fried Paneer and Veggies:
      1. Add the fried paneer cubes and sautéed veggies to the gravy.
      2. Stir well to coat the paneer and veggies evenly with the sauce.
    • Garnishing:
      1. Garnish with 1 tablespoon of chopped spring onion greens.

    Serving:

    • Serve the Schezwan Paneer hot as an appetizer, or pair it with roti, naan, or rice for a delicious main course.