🇮🇳 India · Food

Paneer Jalfrezi

40 min
A relaxed effort
🔥 380 kcal
Nicely balanced
🍽 4 servings
Great for the family

By eatmundo · August 3, 2026

Paneer Jalfrezi🇮🇳 INAndy Li · CC0 · Wikimedia Commons

A vibrant and tangy stir-fry featuring cubes of paneer tossed with crunchy bell peppers and a spicy tomato-based gravy. It is a popular Indo-Chinese fusion dish known for its quick preparation and bold flavors.

Ingredients

How to Make It

  • 1

    Cut 300g of paneer into uniform bite-sized cubes and lightly shallow-fry them in 1 tbsp butter until golden.

  • 2

    In the same pan, heat the remaining butter and sauté 2 sliced onions until they become translucent.

  • 3

    Add the bell peppers cut into thin strips and stir-fry on high heat for 3 minutes to keep them crunchy.

  • 4

    Pour in the tomato puree, coriander powder, and salt, simmering for 5 minutes until the sauce thickens.

  • 5

    Gently fold in the golden paneer cubes and let them absorb the spices for 2 minutes.

  • 6

    Stir in the 3 tbsp of cream to add a velvety richness to the tangy gravy.

  • 7

    Cook for 1 final minute to let the flavors meld perfectly.

  • 8

    Serve hot garnished with fresh coriander leaves, ideal for pairing with naan or paratha.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I prevent paneer from becoming rubbery?+

Avoid over-frying the paneer; a light golden crust is sufficient before adding it to the sauce.

Can I replace paneer with tofu?+

Yes, firm tofu works well as a plant-based substitute and absorbs the spices similarly.

Why is it called Jalfrezi?+

The name stems from the Bengali word 'jhal' meaning spicy and refers to the stir-fry method used to cook the meat or vegetables.

Is the dish very spicy?+

It is moderately spicy, leaning towards a tangy and peppery profile; adjust the green chilies if you want more heat.

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