Paneer Chilli Dry (also called Chilli Paneer) is an iconic fusion dish that combines Indian paneer with bold Chinese-style sauces. It’s a dry-style stir-fry—meaning there’s no gravy—making it ideal as an appetizer or finger food.

This dish is especially popular in Indian restaurants, street food joints, and home kitchens alike. The beauty? It comes together quickly and packs a punch of flavor.

Ingredients (Serves 2–3)

For the Paneer Coating:

• 200–250g paneer (cubed)
• 2 tbsp cornflour (cornstarch)
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (maida)
• Salt & pepper to taste
• Water (just enough to make a thick batter)
• Oil for shallow frying

For the Stir-Fry:

• 1 tbsp oil (use the same from frying)
• 1 green chili (slit or chopped)
• 1 tsp finely chopped garlic
• 1 tsp finely chopped ginger
• 1 small onion (cut into petals)
• 1/2 green bell pepper (diced)
• 1/2 red bell pepper (diced)
• Spring onions for garnish (optional)

For the Sauce:

• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp chili sauce (adjust to spice level)
• 1 tsp vinegar
• 1 tsp tomato ketchup
• 1 tsp sugar (balances the spice)
• Salt to taste (very little—soy sauce is salty)
• 1–2 tbsp water (optional, for tossing)

Instructions

1. Prepare and Fry the Paneer

1. In a bowl, mix cornflour, all-purpose flour, salt, pepper, and just enough water to form a thick batter.
2. Coat each paneer cube in the batter.
3. Heat oil in a non-stick pan and shallow-fry the paneer until golden and crisp on all sides.
4. Remove and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.

Tip: Want it ultra-crispy? Double-fry the paneer (fry once lightly, cool, then fry again till golden).

2. Sauté the Aromatics & Veggies

1. In a wok or large pan, heat 1 tbsp oil on high heat.
2. Add chopped garlic, ginger, and green chili. Sauté for 30 seconds.
3. Add onion petals and bell peppers. Stir-fry for 2–3 minutes on high heat. Keep the veggies crunchy!

3. Add the Sauces

1. Mix soy sauce, chili sauce, vinegar, ketchup, sugar, and a splash of water in a small bowl.
2. Pour this mixture into the pan with the veggies.
3. Stir quickly and allow it to sizzle and coat the vegetables.

4. Toss in the Fried Paneer

1. Add the crispy paneer cubes to the pan.
2. Gently toss everything until the sauce coats the paneer and veggies evenly.
3. Cook for 1 more minute, garnish with chopped spring onions.

Optional Garnish & Add-ons

• Toasted sesame seeds for a nutty crunch
• Chopped cilantro for a desi touch
• Extra green chilies if you love it spicy
• A drizzle of chili oil for added heat

Serving Suggestions

• Serve hot as an appetizer or snack
• Pair with fried rice, chili garlic noodles, or Hakka noodles for a full Indo-Chinese meal
• Stuff into wraps or rolls for a fun twist
• Great with a cold beverage to cool down the spice

Variations

Want to Try Something Different?

• Gravy Version: Add ½ cup water + 1 tsp cornflour slurry after tossing paneer to create a semi-gravy version.
• Tofu Chilli: Swap paneer with firm tofu for a vegan version.
• Extra Veggies: Add baby corn, mushrooms, or broccoli for a veggie-loaded dish.
• Air-Fried Paneer: Skip the oil and crisp paneer in an air fryer for a lighter version.

Storage Tips

• Best enjoyed fresh and hot!
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days
• Reheat in a pan or oven—avoid microwave to keep paneer crisp

Pro Cooking Tips

• Always cook on high heat when stir-frying for authentic Indo-Chinese flavor.
• Don’t overcook the bell peppers—they should stay slightly crisp.
• Use low-sodium soy sauce if you’re watching salt intake.
• For extra kick, add Schezwan sauce to the stir-fry.

Quick Recipe Recap

Paneer Chilli Dry

Crispy, spicy, and full of flavor
Indo-Chinese fusion favorite
Ready in 30 minutes

Ingredients:

• Paneer, cornflour, flour, onion, peppers, garlic, sauces

Instructions:

1. Coat and fry paneer
2. Sauté garlic, ginger, chili, and veggies
3. Add sauces and toss everything together
4. Garnish and serve hot!

Final Thoughts

Paneer Chilli Dry is one of those dishes that disappears fast—whether you’re cooking for guests or just indulging in a cozy dinner. It’s spicy, crunchy, and saucy in all the right ways. Once you master this simple recipe, you’ll find yourself coming back to it again and again.

Looking for a salad that’s bright, refreshing, and bursting with flavor? The Carrot and Orange Salad is a beautiful mix of sweet, citrusy, and slightly earthy flavors, balanced with a light vinaigrette and optional herbs or nuts for extra texture.

This dish is perfect for spring and summer meals, great as a side to grilled meats or fish, and can even be served on its own for a light, healthy snack.

Why Carrot and Orange?

Carrots and oranges are a natural match. They both bring sweetness, vibrant color, and a ton of health benefits:

Health Benefits:

• Carrots are rich in beta-carotene, fiber, vitamin K1, and antioxidants. They support eye health and immune function.
• Oranges are packed with vitamin C, folate, and hydration. They boost immunity and give the salad a juicy freshness.

Together, they make a salad that not only tastes amazing but is also good for your body.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need for a basic Carrot and Orange Salad (serves 2–3):

For the Salad:

• 2 large carrots, peeled and julienned or grated
• 2 medium oranges, peeled and sliced (or segmented)
• 1 tablespoon fresh mint or parsley, chopped (optional)
• 2 tablespoons chopped walnuts or pistachios (optional, for crunch)

For the Dressing:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (or orange juice for extra sweetness)
• 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Carrots

• Peel the carrots and either grate, julienne, or shave into ribbons using a peeler.
• Place them in a large bowl.

Step 2: Slice the Oranges

• Cut off the top and bottom of the orange. Stand it upright and cut away the peel and white pith.
• Slice into rounds or segment them.
• Add to the bowl with the carrots.

Step 3: Make the Dressing

• In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, honey, salt, and pepper.
• Taste and adjust: more lemon for tang, more honey for sweetness.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad

• Pour the dressing over the carrots and oranges.
• Gently toss to coat everything evenly.
• Sprinkle with chopped herbs and nuts if using.

Step 5: Chill or Serve Fresh

• This salad can be eaten immediately or chilled for 15–30 minutes to let the flavors meld.

Serving Ideas

This salad is extremely versatile. Try pairing it with:

• Grilled chicken or fish
• Quinoa or couscous for a light grain bowl
• Roasted beets or chickpeas for a vegetarian twist
• As a side dish for holiday meals or picnics

It’s light enough to refresh your palate but bold enough to stand out.

Recipe Variations

You can customize this salad easily depending on what you have on hand:

Moroccan Twist:

• Add cumin, cinnamon, or a pinch of cayenne to the dressing.
• Top with toasted almonds and raisins or chopped dates.

Greens Addition:

• Toss in arugula, baby spinach, or mixed greens for a fuller salad.

Creamy Version:

• Add sliced avocado for creaminess.
• Swap olive oil with a yogurt-based dressing for a creamy contrast.

Tropical Style:

• Add mango or pineapple chunks.
• Drizzle with lime juice and fresh cilantro.

Storage Tips

• Best enjoyed fresh or within 1 day.
• If making ahead, store the dressing separately and combine before serving to keep the carrots crisp.
• Avoid freezing—it’ll change the texture of the oranges and carrots.

Quick Recipe Recap

Carrot and Orange Salad

Ready in 10 minutes
Vegan and gluten-free
Refreshing, healthy, and flavorful

Ingredients:

• 2 carrots (grated)
• 2 oranges (sliced)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp honey
• Salt & pepper
• (Optional) Mint, nuts

Instructions:

1. Mix carrots and orange slices.
2. Whisk dressing ingredients.
3. Combine and toss.
4. Garnish with herbs or nuts.
5. Serve chilled or fresh.

Final Thoughts

Carrot and Orange Salad is the kind of recipe that proves simple ingredients can come together to make something extraordinary. It’s light, hydrating, and packed with nutrients—and it brings a splash of sunshine to your plate.

Whether you’re trying to eat healthier, need a quick side dish, or want to impress with minimal effort, this salad checks every box. And the best part? You can tweak it endlessly based on what’s in your fridge.