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Baked Paneer Tikka

This baked paneer tikka is a smoky, flavorful dish featuring cubes of marinated paneer baked until golden and slightly charred, with colorful bell peppers for crunch. It captures the essence of grilled street food using simple oven techniques, resulting in a crispy exterior and tender interior reminiscent of summer barbecues. Perfect as a snack or a casual main course, it’s easy to make and bursting with bold spices and smoky aroma.
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Prep Time 40 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Indian
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 250 g firm paneer cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 cup thick Greek yogurt for marinade
  • 1 tsp garam masala spice mix
  • 0.5 tsp turmeric for color and flavor
  • 1 tsp chili powder adjust for heat
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice brightens marinade
  • 2 tbsp oil vegetable or canola
  • 1 bell pepper bell pepper sliced into strips
  • 2 skewers skewers metal or soaked wooden

Equipment

  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper or silicone mat
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Skewers (metal or wooden)
  • Brush (optional)

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat for easy cleanup.
  2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, garam masala, turmeric, chili powder, lemon juice, and oil until smooth and fragrant. This creates a spicy, creamy marinade.
  3. Add the paneer cubes to the bowl and carefully toss to coat each piece evenly with the marinade. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours, to absorb all those bold flavors.
  4. Slice the bell pepper into thin strips. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning during baking.
  5. Thread the marinated paneer cubes and bell pepper slices onto the skewers, arranging them alternately with some space for even cooking.
  6. Place the skewers on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between them. Optionally, brush with a little extra marinade or oil for extra flavor and crispness.
  7. Bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes. Halfway through, flip or rotate the skewers to promote even browning and prevent sticking.
  8. Watch for a golden, slightly charred exterior and a smoky aroma filling the kitchen—these are signs that your paneer tikka is ready. For extra smokiness, broil on high for 2-3 minutes, keeping a close eye to avoid burning.
  9. Remove from the oven and let the skewers rest for a couple of minutes. Serve hot with lemon wedges or fresh herbs for a burst of brightness.

Notes

For vegan options, substitute paneer with firm tofu and use coconut yogurt for the marinade. Adjust spice levels by reducing chili powder or adding smoked paprika for extra smoky flavor. Reheat leftovers in a warm oven to regain crispness.