Healthy Indo-Chinese Chilli Paneer (Dry Style)

A simple, healthy and beginner-friendly recipe for vegetarian Chilli Paneer with minimal oil and lots of flavour.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 2 persons
Course: Appetizer, Main, Side Dish
Cuisine: Indian, Indian-Chinese
Calories: 290

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 200 grams paneer (cottage cheese) cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 tbsp corn flour (or corn-starch) for light coating
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper powder
  • 1/4 tsp salt for paneer coating
  • 1 tbsp oil (olive or vegetable) for shallow pan-frying
  • 1/2 cup onion medium, chopped into cubes or petals
  • 1/2 cup capsicum / bell pepper (green or mix) cubed
  • 3 green chillies slit or chopped (adjust to taste)
  • 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste or finely chopped garlic + ginger
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
  • 1 tbsp tomato ketchup (or tomato sauce)
  • 1/2 tsp red chilli sauce (or chilli paste) optional, for more heat
  • fresh coriander / spring onion greens for garnish

Equipment

  • non-stick pan or kadai
  • Mixing bowl

Method
 

  1. Lightly coat the paneer cubes with corn flour, salt and black pepper. Toss gently to cover evenly.
  2. Heat 1 tbsp oil in a non-stick pan over medium heat. Add the coated paneer cubes and shallow pan-fry until all sides are light golden. Remove and keep aside.
  3. In the same pan, add a little more if needed. Add chopped onions, bell pepper and slit green chillies. Sauté on high flame for 2–3 minutes so vegetables remain slightly crisp.
  4. Stir in ginger-garlic paste; sauté for another 30 seconds until aroma rises.
  5. Add soy sauce, tomato ketchup, and red chilli sauce (if using). Stir well to coat veggies.
  6. Return the fried paneer cubes to the pan. Toss gently to coat paneer and vegetables with the sauce. Cook for 1–2 minutes so everything combines well.
  7. Switch off the flame. Garnish with chopped fresh coriander or spring onion greens. Serve hot with whole-wheat roti, brown rice or noodles.

Notes

For a healthier version, use less oil and low-sodium soy sauce. Avoid deep-frying; shallow pan-frying keeps calories lower. You may add carrots or beans for extra fibre.

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