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Achari paneer tikka grilled paneer pieces, seasoned in yogurt marinade, served with fresh cilantro and lemon
Grilled paneer tikka marinated in pickling spice yogurt

Achari Paneer Tikka (Pickled Spice Paneer)

Author: Flavelo
Recipes Appetizers
'Tikka' means bite-sized piece, and 'Achari' refers to the spice blend used in pickles (achar). In this recipe, fresh, non-melting Indian cheese (paneer) is marinated in aromatic, toasted spices. The special quality of paneer is that it doesn't melt under heat, but keeps its shape and texture, making it excellent for grilling while absorbing the rich flavors of the yogurt marinade.
🕒 Prep Time 40 mins
🍳 Cook Time 15 mins
⌛ Total Time 55 mins
🍽️ Servings 4 servings
🔥 Calories 320 kcal
🌍 Cuisine Indian

Ingredients

Equipment Needed

  • Skewers (wooden or metal)
  • Mortar or spice grinder
  • Grill pan or oven

Allergen Information

⚠️ Milk

Instructions

1 ✓

If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes so they don't catch fire on the grill.

2 ✓

Toast the spices (mustard, fennel, fenugreek) in a dry pan for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and popping. Then crush coarsely in a mortar.

Tip: Heat releases the essential oils in the spices, making their flavor much more intense.
3 ✓

Prepare the marinade: mix the yogurt, ground spices, oil, ginger-garlic paste, salt, and lemon juice.

Tip: Mustard oil gives a characteristic pungent flavor reminiscent of horseradish, making the dish authentic.
4 ✓

Toss the paneer cubes in the marinade to coat completely. Let sit in the fridge for 20-30 minutes.

Tip: The acidity and enzymes in yogurt don't tenderize the cheese (like meat), but the marinade flavor clings to the surface and forms a delicious crust when grilled.
5 ✓

Thread the cheese cubes onto skewers (you can put onion or pepper pieces in between).

Tip: Don't crowd them too much; leave a little space so the heat reaches everywhere and they roast instead of steam.
6 ✓

Grill in a hot grill pan or oven (400°F / 200°C) for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until edges brown and dark charred spots appear.

Tip: The caramelization of sugars and proteins in the yogurt gives the characteristic grilled flavor.

Recipe FAQ

Why did the cheese fall off the skewer?
You cut it too soft, or the paneer wasn't firm enough. Use pressed cheese. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water before grilling so they don't burn.
What can I substitute for paneer?
Firm tofu or grilling cheese (e.g. halloumi), though the latter is saltier.

Ingredients

  • 14 oz Paneer cheese (or firm grilling cheese) cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 2/3 cup Thick plain yogurt (Greek yogurt)
  • 1 tsp Mustard seeds
  • 1 tsp Fennel seeds
  • 1/2 tsp Fenugreek seeds
  • 1 tbsp Oil (preferably mustard oil)
  • 1 tsp Chili powder
  • 1 tbsp Ginger-garlic paste (or grated ginger and garlic)
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • 1 tbsp Lemon juice