By Kaushik Brahmakshatriya

Published On 31 March 2026.

If you love rich, creamy North Indian starters, Paneer Malai Tikka is a must-try dish. Known for its melt-in-the-mouth texture and mild flavors, this recipe is perfect for parties, family dinners, or even as a quick snack. In this SEO-optimized blog, you’ll learn how to make soft and juicy paneer malai tikka at home with simple ingredients and easy steps.

Ingredients for Paneer Malai Tikka

For Marination:
250 grams paneer (cut into cubes)
½ cup fresh cream (malai)
3 tablespoons thick curd (hung yogurt)
1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
2 tablespoons grated cheese
1 teaspoon cornflour
½ teaspoon black pepper powder
½ teaspoon garam masala
Salt to taste
1 tablespoon lemon juice
For Grilling:
1 tablespoon butter or oil
Capsicum and onion cubes (optional)
Skewers (wooden or metal)

Preparation Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Marination Time: 1–2 hours
Cooking Time: 15 minutes

Step-by-Step Paneer Malai Tikka Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
In a mixing bowl, add fresh cream, hung curd, grated cheese, ginger-garlic paste, cornflour, black pepper, garam masala, salt, and lemon juice. Mix everything well until smooth and creamy.
Step 2: Marinate the Paneer
Add paneer cubes to the marinade. Gently coat each piece to avoid breaking them. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1–2 hours for best flavor.
Step 3: Assemble the Skewers
Thread the marinated paneer onto skewers. You can also add capsicum and onion pieces between paneer cubes for extra flavor and color.
Step 4: Cook the Tikka
You can cook paneer malai tikka using different methods:
Oven Method:
Preheat oven to 200°C.
Place skewers on a baking tray.
Bake for 12–15 minutes until slightly golden.
Tawa (Pan) Method:
Heat butter in a pan.
Place paneer pieces and cook on medium heat.
Turn occasionally until lightly charred.
Grill Method:
Grill on a barbecue or grill pan for smoky flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve hot paneer malai tikka with:
*Mint chutney
*Onion rings with lemon
*Sprinkle of chaat masala
It pairs perfectly with naan, roti, or even as a starter before a main course meal.

Tips for Perfect Paneer Malai Tikka

* Use fresh and soft paneer for best results.
*Do not overcook, as paneer can become rubbery.
*Hung curd is important to avoid watery marinade.
*Add a pinch of kasuri methi for extra aroma.
* For smoky flavor, use the dhungar method (coal smoke).

Nutritional Benefits

Paneer malai tikka is rich in:
* Protein from paneer
* Calcium for bone health
* Healthy fats from cream
It is a great vegetarian option for those looking for a protein-rich appetizer.

Conclusion

Paneer Malai Tikka is a delicious and easy-to-make recipe that brings restaurant-style taste right into your kitchen. With its creamy texture and mild spices, it’s loved by both kids and adults. Try this recipe today and impress your guests with a flavorful and healthy starter.