Easy Paneer Tikka in Oven and Zip-top bags review

Paneer tikka is the most popular Indian appetizer where the paneer (Indian cottage cheese) and assorted veggies like onion, and capsicum are marinated in the yogurt and spices and cooked in tandoor. This recipe works perfectly for your summer grilling. You can serve this Paneer tikka along with a salad as a side or you can also fill it inside the wrap.

Here I show you how to make this popular dish without messing up your hands and multiple dishes. You don’t have a tandoor? No problem, here I give you instructions to make it the oven and the stovetop.

I received the Ziptop products to use and review them. The feedback is all mine and not paid.

How did I use Ziptop reusable pouches?

I have been replacing my plastic storage and that’s when I received the ziptop. It’s a reusable, food-grade silicone bag that you can use in innumerable ways. It’s dishwasher-safe, freezer-safe, and microwave-safe. It comes in various colors, sizes, and shapes.

I used it to 

• Store the nuts and snacks.
• I used to store the veggies as a part of my meal plan. Check out my Indian lunch meal plan post to see how I prep and store veggies.
• To marinate the foods.
• To freeze the leftovers.
• On the go smoothie or water for my kids. ( My son loves to drink water in a ziptop pouch)

I really love the design of the ziptop and its efficiency in reducing plastic usage. 

What is Paneer tikka?

Paneer tikka originated from India is the vegetarian alternative for the famous chicken tikka recipe. It is the most popular appetizer in any Indian restaurant. 

Paneer tikka is basically Paneer ( Indian cottage cheese) cubes and vegetables like onions, bell peppers, and mushrooms are marinated in the yogurt-based spice mix. It is then cooked in a tandoor which gives a smoky flavor to the dish.

How to make Paneer tikka in the oven without skewers

As I said earlier, paneer tikka is made in tandoor. So you may ask, can’t I enjoy tikka if I don’t have a tandoor at home? My answer is you can. If you have an oven at your home, you can make these tikkas.

 The only thing you must be missing is the smoky aroma other than that no compromise in the taste. Here I explain how to make Paneer tikka in the oven without skewers.

Ingredients used

Paneer tikka marination

Thick yogurt 

Turmeric powder 

Red chili powder / Kashmiri chili powder

Coriander powder

Garam masala

Salt 

Mint leaves

Method

I used the ziptop pouch to marinate the paneer. It’s no fuss and you need just a pouch for the marination. You can drop the ziptop in the dishwasher, that’s it no messy hands.

Cut the paneer and veggies into 1-inch cubes. Add all the ingredients for the marination to the ziptop or a bowl. Whisk it thoroughly without any lumps. Add the paneer and veggies. Marinate the paneer and let it stay for 30 minutes to 2 hours. 

Preheat the oven to 450 Deg F. Line the baking tray with foil or parchment paper. I missed this and cleaning the pan was hard. Arrange the marinated paneer and veggie cubes on the baking tray and bake in the preheated oven for 8 minutes then broil for 2 to 3 minutes to get the charred look. Tastes best when it is warm. 

Squeeze lemon on the paneer and veggies before serving. It tastes amazing all on its own. Still, you can serve along with cilantro or mint chutney.

Protip – You can add chaat masala along with other spices to give the tanginess.

How to make paneer tikka on the stovetop

Once the marination is done, heat a heavy-bottomed pan or tava. Drizzle oil and place the marinated paneer and veggies on the pan. Cook in medium flame till one side turns golden. Then flip the paneer and veggies slowly to another side till all the sides turn dark golden brown. Make sure it’s not overcooked. Serve warm.

How to serve the paneer tikka

Paneer tikka or any tikka recipe tastes best when it is warm. Though you can have the tikkas on its own, it tastes amazing with cilantro or mint chutney. Do not forget to squeeze some lemon over the paneer tikka before serving for a tangy taste.

You can fill this paneer tikka in paratha or tortilla to make it a wrap and enjoy a fuss-free dinner or pack it in a lunch box. If you have leftover paneer tikka (which is impossible), you can use it to make paneer tikka masala.

Also do not forget to check out our Chicken tikka masala recipe.

How to adapt this recipe for vegan

For vegans, use tofu instead of paneer and plant-based yogurt for Greek yogurt.

More appetizers for you

Aloo Pakoda

Garlic roasted potato wedges

Air fried chicken breasts

Veg cutlets

Paneer Tikka recipe

Ingredients

Paneer / Indian cottage cheese – 250 grams or ½ lbs

Capsicum – 1 large

Onion – 1 large

For marination

Yogurt – ¼ Cup

Turmeric powder – ½ teaspoon

Red chili powder – 1 ½ teaspoon

Coriander powder – 2 Tablespoons

Garam masala – ½ Teaspoon 

Ginger garlic paste – 1 teaspoon

Mint leaves – ½ cup chopped

Salt – As required

Method

• Cut the paneer and veggies into 1-inch cubes. 
• Add all the ingredients for the marination to the ziptop or a bowl.
•  Whisk it thoroughly without any lumps. Add the paneer and veggies.
• Marinate the paneer and let it stay for 30 minutes to 2 hours.
•  Preheat the oven to 450 Deg F. Line the baking tray with foil or parchment paper. I missed this and cleaning the pan was hard. 
• Arrange the marinated paneer and veggie cubes on the baking tray and bake in the preheated oven for 8 minutes.
• Then broil for 2 to 3 minutes to get the charred look. 
• Serve warm with lemon wedges and cilantro or mint chutney.

Notes

1. Do not overcook the paneer as it gets tough and chewy.
2. The oven should be really hot before you place the baking tray in. So do not skip the preheating step.
3. The curd or yogurt should be really thick else the marination will not stick to the paneer and veggies. So if you are not using Greek yogurt, strain the curd in a muslin cloth for 1 to 2 hours.
4. Adjust the spice powders as per your preference. 
5. Do not skip squeezing lemon on the paneer tikka before serving. It tastes awesome.

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