Chilli Paneer (Dry Indo Chinese Style)
Golden paneer cubes tossed with peppers and onion in a spicy, garlicky glaze.
Made with All purpose stir fry sauce. Make a batch of the base first, then this takes minutes. Skip to the method
- Time30 min
- LevelEasy
- Costabout £2.52 a head
Cost is worked out from Aldi and Tesco shelf prices in October 2026. Your shop and brands will differ.
Ingredients
Tick what you need to buy. It goes on your shopping list.
Method
- 1
Toss the paneer in the cornflour until lightly coated.
- 2
Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large non stick pan over a medium high heat. Fry the paneer for 4 to 5 minutes, turning, until golden on most sides. Remove to a plate.
4 min 30 s - 3
Add the remaining oil and fry the onion and peppers for 3 minutes until just tender but still bright.
3 min - 4
Add the chillies, then pour in 100 ml of your ready made all purpose stir fry sauce (see the base recipe) and bubble for 1 minute.
1 min - 5
Return the paneer and toss gently for 1 to 2 minutes until glazed.
- 6
Top with spring onions and serve with rice or naan.
Tips
- Handle the paneer gently once it is fried or it breaks.
- Soak the paneer in warm water for 10 minutes first for a softer texture.
- Use extra chillies for heat.
Storing and freezing
Eat fresh. Keep leftovers in the fridge for up to 2 days and reheat gently in a covered pan until steaming hot.
Questions
Can I use tofu instead of paneer?
Yes. Firm tofu works well and makes the dish vegan. Press it first so it crisps.
Is it gluten free?
Yes, as written. Check your paneer and tamari labels.
Can I bake the paneer?
Yes. Toss with oil and bake at 200C (180C fan) for 20 minutes, turning once.
More made with all purpose stir fry sauce
Double check before you cook. Recipes can contain mistakes. Any diet labels come from the ingredients as written in this recipe and are a guide, not a guarantee. Always check every ingredient and the packet label for allergens and cross contamination, and ask your doctor or dietitian what is right for you, especially with coeliac disease, diabetes or a serious allergy. This is not medical advice.