Best Easy Kadhai Paneer Recipe

Kadhai paneer is a quick-cooked vegetarian dish with paneer, bell peppers, and freshly pounded spices in a wok. High in protein and bursting with fresh flavors, it's an easy family weeknight meal.

Cook 30 min Difficulty NORMAL 282 kcal
#vegetarian #high protein #mediterranean
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Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • Paneer (cubed) 12 oz
  • Bell pepper (red or green, cut in chunks) 1 cup
  • Onion (sliced) 1 cup
  • Tomatoes (chopped) 1 cup
  • Tomato paste 2 tbsp
  • Vegetable oil 2 tbsp
  • Cilantro (chopped, for garnish) 0.25 cup
Seasonings/Sauce
  • Coriander seeds (coarsely crushed) 1.5 tsp
  • Cumin seeds 1 tsp
  • Red chili powder 1 tsp
  • Garam masala 0.5 tsp
  • Kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves, crushed) 1 tsp
  • Salt 1 tsp
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 14 g 20%
Protein 14 g 20%
Fat 18 g 60%
Serving size 210g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    Heat a wok or large skillet over medium-high and add the vegetable oil. Once hot, add the cumin seeds and crushed coriander seeds, letting them sizzle for 30 seconds until aromatic.

  2. 2

    Add the sliced onions and sauté over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until translucent but not browned, stirring frequently.

  3. 3

    Toss in the bell pepper chunks and continue to stir-fry on medium-high heat for 2 minutes, ensuring they remain crisp yet slightly charred.

  4. 4

    Add the chopped tomatoes and tomato paste; cook over medium heat for 5-6 minutes until the tomatoes are soft and begin to release their juices.

  5. 5

    Mix in red chili powder, garam masala, salt, and kasuri methi. Stir well, then gently fold in the paneer cubes and cook for 3-4 minutes on low heat, allowing the paneer to heat through but not overcook.

  6. 6

    Finish by topping with chopped cilantro, turn off the heat, and serve immediately for best flavor and texture.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What's the key ingredient in this recipe?
Paneer is the star ingredient in Kadhai Paneer, providing the dish's signature creamy texture and high protein content. Combined with bell peppers and freshly cracked spices, paneer creates the classic flavor and bite that define this vegetarian delight.
Q. Which seasoning makes the biggest difference in flavor for Kadhai Paneer?
The use of freshly crushed coriander seeds and kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves) truly sets the flavor profile apart. These spices, added early and late in cooking, infuse the dish with aromatic warmth and a hint of bitterness that balances the richness of paneer.
Q. How do I avoid overcooking the paneer?
To keep paneer soft and prevent rubberiness, add it in the final step and cook just 3-4 minutes on low heat. This ensures it stays tender and absorbs the spice flavors, while minimizing the risk of drying out.
Q. What is the nutrition breakdown per serving?
Each 210g serving of Kadhai Paneer has about 282 kcal, 14g protein (20%), 14g carbs (20%), and 18g fat (60%), making it a high-protein vegetarian choice with balanced macros for family meals.
Q. Why sauté bell peppers on medium-high heat?
Stir-frying bell peppers on medium-high heat sears their sides, preserving crisp texture and bolder flavor, while avoiding sogginess—a quick toss ensures the signature Kadhai touch.
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