Vegan Paneer Tikka
5/5
Vegan Paneer Tikka is a delightful and flavorful Indian appetizer or snack made with marinated tofu instead of traditional paneer (Indian cottage cheese). It’s a great plant-based alternative to a classic favorite and is perfect for serving at parties or as a tasty starter.
INGREDIENTS
For the Marinade:
- 1 block (14 oz) extra-firm tofu, pressed and cubed
- 1/2 cup dairy-free yogurt (e.g., almond, soy, or coconut yogurt)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (for color)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
For the Tikka:
- 1 onion, cut into wedges
- 1 bell pepper (any color), cut into chunks
- Skewers (wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes if using wooden)
For Garnish:
- Fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
- Lemon wedges
- Chaat masala (optional)
INSTRUCTIONS
Making the Marinade:
- In a bowl, combine dairy-free yogurt, vegetable oil, lemon juice, ground cumin, ground coriander, ground turmeric, garam masala, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to create a smooth marinade.
Preparing the Tofu:
- Press the extra-firm tofu to remove excess water. You can do this by placing the tofu between paper towels and gently pressing with a heavy object for about 15-20 minutes.
- Cut the tofu into cubes.
Marinating the Tofu:
- Place the tofu cubes in a large bowl.
- Pour the marinade over the tofu and toss to coat the cubes evenly. Make sure the tofu is well-covered with the marinade.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for best results.
Assembling the Tikka:
- Preheat your grill or oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Thread the marinated tofu cubes, onion wedges, and bell pepper chunks onto skewers, alternating them as desired.
- Place the skewers on the grill or on a baking sheet if using the oven.
- Grill or bake for about 15-20 minutes, turning the skewers occasionally, until the tofu and vegetables are lightly charred and cooked through.
TIPS
- You can use metal skewers or wooden skewers for this recipe. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes before using to prevent them from burning.
- Adjust the level of spiciness by varying the amount of paprika or adding cayenne pepper.
- Serve with mint chutney or a vegan yogurt-based dip for added flavor.
NUTRITION VALUE
- Calories: Approx. 150 kcal
- Protein: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Fat: 10g
- Vitamin C: 70% DV
- Iron: 15% DV
