How To Make Paneer Tikka In A Microwave Oven

(Many of the links in this article redirect to a specific reviewed product. Your purchase of these products through affiliate links helps to generate commission for Storables.com, at no extra cost. Learn more)

Introduction

Paneer tikka is a popular and flavorful Indian dish that is loved by vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike. Traditionally, paneer tikka is cooked in a tandoor, which is a traditional clay oven. However, with the convenience of modern kitchen appliances, you can easily make paneer tikka in a microwave oven as well.

This article will guide you through the process of making paneer tikka in a microwave oven, providing you with an easy and delicious way to satisfy your cravings for this delectable dish. Whether you are a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe will surely impress your family and guests.

Paneer tikka is a versatile dish that can be served as an appetizer, a side dish, or even as a main course. It is made by marinating chunks of paneer (Indian cottage cheese) in a flavorful mixture of spices and yogurt, and then grilling or baking it until it is golden and slightly charred. The result is a dish that is rich in flavor, creamy in texture, and absolutely delicious.

One of the advantages of making paneer tikka in a microwave oven is that it saves time. Unlike the traditional method of using a tandoor or grill, which requires preheating and longer cooking times, a microwave oven can cook the tikka quickly and evenly. Plus, it doesn’t compromise on taste or texture.

Now that you know the basics, let’s move on to the ingredients needed to make paneer tikka in a microwave oven.

Ingredients Needed for Paneer Tikka

To make paneer tikka in a microwave oven, you will need the following ingredients:

• 200 grams of paneer (Indian cottage cheese), cut into cubes
• 1 medium-sized onion, finely chopped
• 1 medium-sized capsicum (bell pepper), cut into cubes
• 2 tablespoons of thick yogurt
• 1 tablespoon of gram flour (besan)
• 1 teaspoon of ginger-garlic paste
• 1 teaspoon of red chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric powder
• 1/2 teaspoon of garam masala powder
• 1/2 teaspoon of cumin powder
• 1/2 teaspoon of coriander powder
• 1/2 teaspoon of chaat masala
• 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
• Salt to taste
• 2 tablespoons of oil
• Fresh coriander leaves for garnishing

The above-mentioned ingredients are easily available in most Indian kitchens or can be found in local grocery stores. Adjust the quantity of spices and seasoning according to your taste preferences.

Now that you have gathered all the ingredients, let’s move on to the procedure of making paneer tikka in a microwave oven.

Procedure to Make Paneer Tikka in Microwave Oven

Follow these simple steps to make delicious paneer tikka in a microwave oven:

1. In a bowl, combine the yogurt, gram flour, ginger-garlic paste, red chili powder, turmeric powder, garam masala powder, cumin powder, coriander powder, chaat masala, lemon juice, and salt. Mix well to make a smooth marinade.
2. Add the paneer cubes, chopped onions, and capsicum to the marinade. Gently toss them until the paneer and vegetables are evenly coated with the marinade. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
3. Meanwhile, preheat the microwave oven on convection mode at 180 degrees Celsius.
4. Take a microwave-safe grilling plate or a glass baking dish and brush it with oil to prevent sticking.
5. Arrange the marinated paneer cubes, onions, and capsicum on the grilling plate or baking dish in a single layer.
6. Place the grilling plate or baking dish in the preheated microwave oven.
7. Cook the paneer tikka on convection mode at 180 degrees Celsius for about 15 minutes or until the paneer is slightly browned and the vegetables are cooked.
8. Check the paneer tikka occasionally and turn the pieces gently to ensure even cooking. You can also brush some oil on the tikka halfway through the cooking process to enhance the flavor and prevent excessive drying.
9. Once the paneer tikka is cooked, remove it from the microwave oven and let it cool slightly.
10. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve hot as an appetizer or as a side dish with mint chutney or yogurt dip.

That’s it! Your mouthwatering paneer tikka in a microwave oven is ready to be savored.

Now that you know how to make paneer tikka in a microwave oven, let’s move on to some tips and variations to add more excitement to your dish.

To prevent the paneer from becoming too dry in the microwave, marinate it in yogurt and spices for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This will help to keep the paneer moist and flavorful.

Tips and Variations for Paneer Tikka in Microwave Oven

Here are some helpful tips and variations to enhance your paneer tikka in a microwave oven:

• If you want a smoky flavor similar to that of a traditional tandoor, you can use a charcoal smoking technique. Simply heat a charcoal piece on the stovetop until it turns red. Place the hot charcoal in a small bowl and carefully place it in the center of the grilling plate or baking dish. Drizzle a few drops of ghee or oil on the charcoal and immediately cover the dish with a lid or aluminum foil. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes, allowing the tikka to absorb the smoky aroma.
• You can add a variety of vegetables to the marinade, such as tomatoes, mushrooms, or zucchini, to make it a more colorful and nutritious dish. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly as different vegetables have different cooking times.
• If you prefer a spicier tikka, you can increase the amount of red chili powder or add some chopped green chilies to the marinade.
• For a creamier and richer tikka, you can add a tablespoon of cream or cashew paste to the marinade.
• If you don’t have a grilling plate or glass baking dish, you can use skewers to thread the paneer cubes and vegetables alternately. Place the skewers on a microwave-safe plate and cook them as directed.
• To make the paneer tikka oil-free, you can skip the oil brushing step. However, the tikka may turn out slightly drier.
• If you don’t have a microwave oven with convection mode, you can still make paneer tikka using the grill function. Preheat the grill and cook the tikka on a grill rack until it is cooked and slightly charred.

By following these tips and experimenting with different variations, you can customize your paneer tikka to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.

Now that you have learned various tips and variations, let’s move on to the serving suggestions for paneer tikka.

Serving Suggestions for Paneer Tikka

Paneer tikka is a versatile dish that can be served in multiple ways. Here are some serving suggestions to enjoy your delicious paneer tikka:

• As an appetizer: Serve the paneer tikka with mint chutney, tamarind chutney, or any other flavorful dip. You can also sprinkle some chaat masala on top for an extra burst of tanginess. The combination of the spicy tikka and the cool chutney creates a perfect balance of flavors.
• In wraps or rolls: Use leftover paneer tikka to make delicious wraps or rolls. Take a soft roti or tortilla, spread some mint chutney or yogurt sauce, and place a few pieces of paneer tikka. Add some sliced onions, lettuce, and tomatoes. Roll it tightly and secure it with a toothpick. It makes for a satisfying and filling snack or meal on the go.
• In rice or biryani: Incorporate the paneer tikka into your favorite rice dishes or biryani. Simply add the cooked tikka along with the marinade to the rice during the final stages of cooking. Mix well and let it simmer for a few minutes. The flavors of the tikka will infuse into the rice, creating a mouthwatering combination.
• In salads: Add the paneer tikka to a bed of fresh greens and vegetables to create a flavorful and protein-packed salad. Drizzle some lemon juice, olive oil, and sprinkle some salt and pepper for dressing. You can also add some toasted nuts or seeds for crunchiness.
• As a side dish: Serve the paneer tikka alongside your favorite Indian curries, such as butter chicken, palak paneer, or dal makhani. The creamy and flavorful paneer tikka complements the rich and spicy curries, making it a perfect accompaniment to complete your meal.

Feel free to get creative and explore different ways to serve your paneer tikka. Whether you enjoy it as an appetizer, in wraps, in rice dishes, in salads, or as a side dish, the paneer tikka is sure to delight your taste buds and leave you craving for more.

Now that you have a variety of serving options, it’s time to bring it all together.

Conclusion

Paneer tikka made in a microwave oven is a quick and convenient way to enjoy this popular Indian dish without compromising on taste or flavor. With the right ingredients, marinade, and cooking technique, you can achieve perfectly cooked paneer tikka with a smoky aroma and deliciously spiced flavors. Whether you’re hosting a party, enjoying a family meal, or simply satisfying your craving for a flavorful snack, paneer tikka is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways.

In this article, we discussed the step-by-step process of making paneer tikka in a microwave oven, highlighting the ingredients, procedures, tips, and variations that you can incorporate to create your own unique twist. From the marination process to the cooking time and presentation, every detail plays a role in creating a mouthwatering paneer tikka experience.

Remember to experiment with different variations, such as adding vegetables or incorporating a smoky flavor, to make your paneer tikka truly yours. Whether you prefer it as an appetizer, in wraps, in rice dishes, in salads, or as a side dish, paneer tikka is a versatile dish that can elevate any meal.

So, gather your ingredients, whip up the marinade, and get ready to delight your taste buds with the aromatic and flavorful paneer tikka made in a microwave oven. Enjoy the wonderful blend of spices, the creamy texture of paneer, and the satisfaction of knowing that you created a delicious Indian dish right in the comfort of your kitchen.

Now, it’s time to get cooking and savor the deliciousness of homemade paneer tikka!