🇮🇳 India · Food

Kadai Paneer

30 min
A relaxed effort
🔥 280 kcal
Nicely balanced
🍽 4 servings
Great for the family

By eatmundo · August 3, 2026

Kadai Paneer🇮🇳 INCHAO 777 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons

A spicy and flavorful North Indian dish where paneer cubes are tossed with peppers and aromatic spices in a heavy iron wok called a kadai.

Ingredients

How to Make It

  • 1

    Cut 300g of paneer into 1-inch cubes and set aside; chop peppers and onions into similar sized chunks.

  • 2

    Heat 2 tbsp oil in a heavy-bottomed wok or kadai over medium-high heat.

  • 3

    Sauté the onions and peppers for 3 minutes until they are slightly charred but still maintain a crunch.

  • 4

    Remove the vegetables from the kadai and set aside; add a little more oil if needed.

  • 5

    Stir in the ginger-garlic paste and sauté for 1 minute until the raw smell disappears.

  • 6

    Pour in 200ml tomato puree and cook for 5-7 minutes until the oil starts to separate at the edges.

  • 7

    Add the garam masala and salt, then return the vegetables and paneer cubes to the wok.

  • 8

    Toss everything gently for 2 minutes on high heat to coat the paneer without breaking it, then serve hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use tofu instead?+

Yes, firm tofu is a great plant-based alternative that holds its shape well in this stir-fry.

What if I don't have a kadai?+

A standard heavy-bottomed skillet or a cast-iron pan will work perfectly well.

Why did my paneer break?+

Paneer is delicate; avoid over-tossing or adding it too early in the cooking process.

Is it supposed to be dry or saucy?+

Kadai Paneer is meant to be a semi-dry dish, not a soup-like curry.

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