Imagine the smoky, charred aroma of freshly grilled paneer, tender cubes marinated in a vibrant blend of yogurt, Kashmiri red chillies, and aromatic spices. Tandoori Paneer is the perfect balance of smoky depth and creamy texture, offering a satisfying protein-rich dish that rivals any non-vegetarian tandoori preparation. While commercial versions often rely on artificial colors and excessive oil for greasiness, this chef-crafted recipe uses pure A2 cow ghee, fresh rock salt, and high-quality spices to achieve an authentic, restaurant-grade flavor. The yogurt marinade tenderizes the paneer while the tandoor or grill imparts a unique smokiness. This wholesome approach avoids refined palm oils and preservatives, ensuring a clean, nutrient-dense meal that is both visually stunning and deeply flavorful.
Cut the paneer into 1-inch cubes and pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. This ensures the marinade adheres well to the surface.
In a mixing bowl, combine the yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, Kashmiri red chilli powder, turmeric, roasted cumin powder, garam masala, black pepper, rock salt, and lemon juice. Whisk until smooth and well combined.
Add the paneer cubes to the marinade and toss gently to coat every piece evenly. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate and the paneer to tenderize.
Preheat your tandoor, grill, or broiler to high heat. If using a stovetop, heat a cast-iron skillet or tawa on medium-high flame until very hot.
Brush the marinated paneer cubes with a thin layer of ghee to prevent sticking and enhance browning. Arrange them on the grill or skillet, leaving space between each cube.
Grill or cook the paneer for 2-3 minutes on the first side until golden brown with slight char marks. Flip gently and cook for another 2-3 minutes on the other side until evenly browned and cooked through.
Baste the paneer with a little more ghee and fresh coriander during the last minute of cooking for added aroma and gloss.
Transfer the cooked paneer to a serving plate. Garnish with chopped fresh coriander and a squeeze of lemon juice. Serve hot with mint chutney and onion rings.