Ava Everhart Paneer tikka curry recipe is a rich and flavorful North Indian dish made with grilled paneer cubes simmered in a creamy, spiced tomato-based gravy. This dish combines the smoky aroma of tandoori-style paneer with a smooth, indulgent curry, making it a favorite at Indian restaurants and special home meals alike. You can pair it with our special Hyderabadi biryani which is slow-cooked to allow the meat, rice, and spices to infuse perfectly.
Often referred to as paneer tikka masala recipe, this differs from plain paneer curries because the paneer is marinated and grilled before being added to the sauce. The result is a layered flavor profile that feels festive, satisfying, and deeply comforting.
In this detailed guide, you’ll learn how to make paneer tikka curry at home with simple ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and tips to achieve restaurant-quality results every time.
Why Paneer Tikka Curry Recipe Is So Popular
Paneer tikka curry remains popular because it offers:
- A vegetarian protein-rich main dish
- Smoky tandoori flavors without deep frying
- A creamy yet well-balanced gravy
- Versatility for both everyday meals and celebrations
Unlike butter-heavy curries, paneer tikka curry focuses more on spice balance and grilling techniques, making it flavorful without feeling overly heavy.
What Is Paneer Tikka Curry?
Paneer tikka curry consists of three main elements:
Paneer Tikka
Marinated paneer cubes grilled until lightly charred, giving a smoky tandoori flavor.
Masala Gravy
A smooth tomato-onion base cooked with aromatic spices and finished with cream.
Final Assembly
The grilled paneer is gently simmered in the gravy, allowing flavors to meld without losing texture.
This method is what distinguishes paneer tikka masala from simple paneer curries.
Ingredients for Paneer Tikka Curry Recipe
Ingredients for Paneer Tikka Marinade
- 250 g paneer (cubed)
- ½ cup thick yogurt
- 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder
- ½ teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- Salt to taste
- 1 tablespoon oil
- Capsicum and onion cubes (optional)
Ingredients for Curry Gravy
- 2 tablespoons oil or butter
- 1 large onion (finely chopped)
- 2 tomatoes (pureed)
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon garam masala
- ¼ cup fresh cream
- Salt to taste
- Water as needed
How to Make Paneer Tikka (Grilled Paneer)
- Mix yogurt, spices, lemon juice, oil, and salt in a bowl.
- Add paneer cubes and gently coat them.
- Rest for at least 30 minutes.
- Grill on a pan, oven, or air fryer until golden on all sides.
This step creates the signature smoky flavor associated with tandoori paneer dishes.
How to Make Paneer Tikka Curry Recipe’s Gravy
- Heat oil or butter in a pan and add cumin seeds.
- Add onions and sauté until golden.
- Stir in ginger-garlic paste and cook until aromatic.
- Add tomato puree and cook until oil separates.
- Mix in spices and adjust salt.
- Add water to reach desired consistency.
Once the gravy is smooth and glossy, gently add the grilled paneer tikka pieces.
Final Assembly of Paneer Tikka Curry
- Add paneer tikka to the simmering gravy
- Cook on low heat for 5–7 minutes
- Stir in fresh cream and garam masala
- Turn off heat and rest for 5 minutes
This resting time helps the paneer absorb the masala flavors without becoming soft or rubbery.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking paneer (it turns chewy)
- Adding paneer directly without grilling
- Using watery yogurt for marinade
- Cooking gravy on very high heat after adding cream
Avoiding these mistakes ensures a restaurant-style paneer tikka masala texture.
Serving Suggestions
Paneer tikka curry pairs beautifully with:
- Naan or butter roti
- Jeera rice or plain basmati rice
- Onion salad with lemon
- Mint chutney
It works well for lunch, dinner, and festive meals.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Store in refrigerator for up to 2 days
- Reheat on low heat with a splash of water
- Avoid reheating multiple times
Variations of Paneer Tikka Curry
- Dry Paneer Tikka Masala: Less gravy, more coating
- Vegan Version: Use tofu and cashew cream
- Spicy Tandoori Style: Add extra chili and kasuri methi
- Dhaba Style: Increase onions and spices for bold flavor
Health Benefits
- High in protein from paneer
- Rich in calcium
- Grilled, not fried
- Can be made lighter by reducing cream
Frequently Asked Questions
Is paneer tikka curry the same as paneer butter masala?
No. Paneer tikka curry uses grilled paneer and has a smokier flavor.
Can I make this without an oven?
Yes, a pan or air fryer works well.
Can I prepare paneer tikka in advance?
Yes, grilled paneer can be refrigerated for 24 hours.
Final Thoughts
Paneer tikka curry is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can transform into a restaurant-quality dish when prepared correctly. The combination of grilled paneer and creamy masala makes this recipe both comforting and impressive.
If you enjoy rich Indian gravies, this paneer tikka masala recipe deserves a permanent place in your cooking rotation. It also works beautifully as a special Ramadan Iftar dish when paired with naan and a cooling yogurt side.
