Meal Prep · North Indian
Paneer Pakora
Crispy, spiced paneer fritters, a beloved North Indian snack or appetizer.
Ingredients
Tap to check offMethod
Step-by-step- In a large bowl, combine besan, rice flour, red chili powder, turmeric powder, garam masala, carom seeds, asafoetida, ginger-garlic paste (if using), and salt. Mix well.
- Gradually add water to the dry ingredients, whisking continuously to form a smooth, thick batter without lumps. The batter should be thick enough to coat the paneer cubes evenly.
- Heat oil in a deep pan or kadai over medium heat for deep frying. To test if the oil is hot enough, drop a tiny bit of batter; it should sizzle and rise immediately.
- Dip each paneer cube into the prepared batter, ensuring it’s fully coated.
- Carefully slide the coated paneer cubes into the hot oil, frying a few at a time to avoid overcrowding the pan.
- Fry the pakoras for 3-5 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown and crispy on all sides.
- Remove the fried pakoras with a slotted spoon and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Garnish with chopped fresh coriander and serve hot with green chutney or ketchup.
Nutrition
Per serving| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 380 kcal |
| Protein | 18 g |
| Fat | 28 g |
| Carbohydrates | 22 g |
Storage & Freezer Guide
Make it last Refrigerator 3-4 days
Store leftover pakoras in an airtight container.
Freezer Up to 1 month
Not ideal for texture, but can be frozen. Lay fried pakoras on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag.
Reheat Air fryer/Oven
Reheat in an air fryer (350°F/175°C for 5-7 min) or oven (375°F/190°C for 10-12 min) until crispy and heated through. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.
Chef’s Corner
- Ensure the batter is thick enough to coat the paneer well but not too thick; a slightly thinner batter can result in a crispier coating.
- Do not overcrowd the frying pan; fry in batches to maintain oil temperature and ensure even cooking and crispiness.
- For extra flavor, you can marinate the paneer cubes lightly with a pinch of red chili powder and salt for 10-15 minutes before dipping in batter.
