Tandoori-Style Paneer Skewers with Mint Chutney

If there’s one dish that captures the heart of Indian street food and the smoky charm of backyard grilling, it’s Tandoori Paneer Skewers. Juicy cubes of paneer marinated in yogurt and spices, grilled until lightly charred — this dish is as irresistible to vegetarians as chicken tikka is to meat lovers.

The blend of yoghurt, spices, and smoke delivers a perfect balance of tang, heat, and creaminess. Paired with fresh mint chutney, these skewers are ideal as a party appetiser, BBQ centrepiece, or even a protein-rich evening snack.

In this post, we’ll dive deep into how to make the perfect Tandoori-Style Paneer Skewers at home — even without a tandoor — plus explore tips, variations, and pairing ideas.

What Makes These Paneer Skewers So Special

• Restaurant-style flavour: Achieved through the right mix of spices and yogurt marination.
• Easy and versatile: Can be grilled, baked, or air-fried.
• Protein-packed: Paneer is a great vegetarian source of protein and calcium.
• Perfect for all occasions: From festive dinners to casual gatherings.
• Customisable: Works beautifully with veggies, tofu, or even mushrooms.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Paneer Skewers

• Paneer (Indian cottage cheese): 400g, cut into 1-inch cubes
• Thick yoghurt (hung curd): ½ cup
• Ginger-garlic paste: 1 tablespoon
• Lemon juice: 1 tablespoon
• Mustard oil (or vegetable oil): 1 tablespoon
• Red chilli powder: 1 teaspoon (adjust to spice tolerance)
• Turmeric powder: ¼ teaspoon
• Coriander powder: 1 teaspoon
• Cumin powder: ½ teaspoon
• Garam masala: ½ teaspoon
• Kashmiri chilli powder: 1 teaspoon (for colour)
• Salt: to taste
• Bell peppers (capsicum): 1 cup, cut into chunks (red, green, yellow mix)
• Red onion: 1 large, cut into petals
• Butter or ghee (for basting): as needed

For the Mint Chutney

• Fresh mint leaves: 1 cup
• Coriander leaves: ½ cup
• Green chillies: 1–2
• Garlic cloves: 2
• Lemon juice: 1 tablespoon
• Salt: to taste
• Yoghurt (optional): 1 tablespoon for creaminess

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

In a large bowl, whisk together the hung curd, ginger-garlic paste, mustard oil, lemon juice, and all the dry spices — chilli, turmeric, coriander, cumin, and garam masala. You should have a thick, smooth, aromatic paste.

Pro Tip: For best flavour, use mustard oil — it gives that authentic tandoori smokiness.

Step 2: Add Paneer and Vegetables

Gently fold in the paneer cubes, onion petals, and bell pepper chunks into the marinade. Use a light hand to avoid breaking the paneer. Make sure each piece is well coated.

Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to 6 hours for deeper flavour infusion.

Step 3: Skewer the Ingredients

Thread the marinated paneer and vegetables alternately onto metal or wooden skewers (soaked in water if wooden). Keep them slightly loose so the heat circulates evenly while grilling.

Step 4: Grill, Bake, or Air-Fry

Option 1: Grill / BBQ

• Preheat the grill to medium-high.
• Place the skewers and cook for 8–10 minutes, turning occasionally and basting with butter or ghee for that rich, smoky finish.

Option 2: Oven-Baked

• Preheat oven to 220°C (425°F).
• Arrange skewers on a tray lined with foil and bake for 15–18 minutes, turning once halfway through.
• Broil for an extra 2 minutes for charred edges.

Option 3: Air-Fryer

• Preheat air-fryer to 200°C.
• Cook skewers for 10–12 minutes, flipping midway.

Step 5: Prepare the Mint Chutney

Blend together mint, coriander, green chillies, garlic, lemon juice, and salt. Add a tablespoon of yoghurt if you prefer a creamier texture. Chill before serving.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Serve hot tandoori paneer skewers right off the grill with a side of mint chutney, lemon wedges, and onion rings. Sprinkle a bit of chaat masala over the top for that extra zing.

Expert Tips for Perfect Tandoori Paneer

1. Use hung curd: Regular yogurt can make the marinade watery; strain it for 1–2 hours first.
2. Don’t over-marinate: Too long and the paneer can break down and lose texture.
3. High heat, short time: Quick cooking at high temperature retains moisture and gives a charred exterior.
4. Avoid overcrowding skewers: Air circulation ensures even cooking.
5. Add smoked flavour (optional): Place a small piece of hot charcoal in a bowl inside the marinated paneer and drizzle ghee over it. Cover for 5 minutes — this infuses a true “tandoor” aroma.

Serving Ideas

• As party appetisers with toothpicks and chutney dips.
• Stuff into kathi rolls or wraps with onions and sauces.
• Add to a salad bowl with roasted veggies.
• Serve as part of a BBQ platter with grilled corn and naan.
• Use leftovers in a tandoori paneer sandwich for lunch.

Nutritional Benefits

Paneer is not just delicious — it’s also packed with nutrients:

• High in protein: Ideal for vegetarians looking to meet protein needs.
• Calcium-rich: Supports bone and dental health.
• Low-carb: Perfect for balanced diets or low-carb meal plans.
• Gut-friendly: The yoghurt in the marinade provides probiotics.

Combined with mint chutney, this dish offers both nutrition and freshness in every bite.

Variations to Try

1. Tofu Tikka Skewers: Swap paneer for tofu for a vegan version.
2. Malai Paneer Skewers: Replace red chilli with cream, cheese, and white pepper for a mild, creamy twist.
3. Achari Paneer: Add pickle masala or a spoon of achar for tangy heat.
4. Hariyali Paneer: Blend spinach and mint into the marinade for a vibrant green look.
5. Paneer & Mushroom Combo: Add button mushrooms for extra bite and flavour.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

• Marinate ahead: You can prepare the marinated paneer up to 24 hours in advance.
• Refrigerate cooked skewers: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Air-fry or grill for 3–4 minutes to regain crispness.
• Freeze: Paneer doesn’t freeze well, so fresh prep is best.

Perfect Pairings

These skewers pair wonderfully with:

• Mint chutney and lemon wedges
• Garlic naan or paratha
• Cucumber raita or onion salad
• Masala chai or cold lassi
• Jeera rice for a full meal setup

For Special Occasions

Tandoori Paneer Skewers shine during:

• Festivals: Holi, Diwali, Navratri feasts
• Barbecues & picnics: Easy to carry and grill outdoors
• Parties: Serve as finger food with cocktails or mocktails
• Family dinners: Light yet indulgent option everyone loves

Why This Recipe Works

The key lies in the marinade’s balance of yoghurt, spices, and mustard oil — which tenderises the paneer while adding smoky depth. The combination of high-heat grilling and butter basting locks in moisture, while mint chutney cuts through the richness with herbal freshness.

This harmony of spice, texture, and aroma is what makes Tandoori-Style Paneer Skewers not just a recipe, but an experience.

Final Thoughts

With this recipe, you can recreate that classic tandoor magic at home — no clay oven required. Whether you’re hosting friends, preparing for a family dinner, or craving a street-style appetiser, these skewers are guaranteed to impress.

So fire up your grill, whisk up the marinade, and let your kitchen smell like an Indian BBQ haven.