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🧄 Spicy Garlic Paneer Stir-Fry

Craving a quick, spicy, and utterly delicious appetizer? This Garlic Paneer recipe is your go-to! In just 15 minutes, you can whip up a dish that's perfect as a starter, a side, or even stuffed into wraps and sandwiches. Inspired by Indo-Chinese flavors, this dish combines the richness of paneer with a zesty garlic sauce that's sure to tantalize your taste buds.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Dinner
Cuisine Indo-Chinese
Servings 2

Equipment

  • Blender or food processor
  • Medium skillet or frying pan
  • Spatula or wooden spoon
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Mixing bowls

Ingredients
  

  • 🔸 For the Garlic Sauce:
  • 6 large garlic cloves
  • 5 –6 dried red chilies deseeded, optionally soaked 15 mins
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon vinegar white or apple cider
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • 🔸 For the Paneer:
  • cups paneer diced
  • 2 tablespoons oil
  • ½ cup finely chopped onions optional
  • ½ teaspoon cumin seeds or a small strand of mace
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce optional
  • Fresh coriander leaves or celery for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the Garlic Sauce
  • Blend garlic, red chilies, sugar, salt, vinegar, and water into a coarse or smooth paste.
  • Cook the Sauce
  • Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Add cumin seeds to sizzle.
  • Add chopped onions (if using) and sauté until golden.
  • Stir in the garlic-chili paste. Sauté until aromatic and oil begins to separate.
  • Add Paneer
  • Add paneer cubes and gently toss in the sauce.
  • Optional: Add soy sauce and a splash of water to adjust consistency.
  • Cook for 2–3 minutes until paneer is heated and coated.
  • Garnish & Serve
  • Garnish with fresh coriander or celery.
  • Serve hot as a flavorful appetizer or side.

Notes

💡 Tips for Success Soak Chilies: Softens texture and mellows the heat for a smoother blend. Paneer Softness: Soak store-bought paneer in warm water for 10 minutes before using. Adjust Heat: Reduce heat by deseeding chilies or using fewer. Consistent Sauce: Blend until smooth if you prefer a silky texture.

🔍 Nutrition Information (Estimated per serving)

  • Calories: 220
  • Protein: 12g
  • Fat: 17g
  • Carbohydrates: 5g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Net Carbs: 4g
Keyword Spicy garlic paneer, Indo-Chinese starter, paneer chili garlic, vegetarian appetizer, easy paneer dish