Paneer Seekh Kebab (Grilled Spiced Paneer Skewers)
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Punjabi CuisineVegetarian

Paneer Seekh Kebab (Grilled Spiced Paneer Skewers)

ਪਨੀਰ ਸੀਖ ਕਬਾਬ

Paneer Seekh Kebab is the vegetarian answer to the mutton seekh kebab — a boldly spiced mixture of crumbled paneer, grated vegetables, and fragrant herbs pressed onto metal skewers and grilled in a tandoor or on a charcoal grill until the outside is lightly charred and the kebab is fragrant with smoke and cumin. The challenge of paneer seekh kebab (versus its meat counterpart) is binding — paneer lacks the protein strands and fat of mince that naturally bind during cooking. The solution is a combination of roasted besan (chickpea flour), breadcrumbs, grated paneer, and mashed potato. Paneer seekh kebab has become a hugely popular restaurant starter across North India and one of the most requested vegetarian grilled dishes.

Total
35 min
Serves
4
Level
Medium

Prep 20 min · Cook 15 min

Ingredients

4 servings

Method

  1. Squeeze out ALL moisture from the grated paneer (twist in a cloth until as dry as possible). Squeeze moisture from capsicum similarly. In a bowl, combine dry paneer, mashed potato, roasted besan, green chilli, capsicum, coriander-mint, and all spices. Mix thoroughly. The mixture should be firm enough to shape around a skewer without slipping. Refrigerate 30 minutes.

    About 15 min

    Tip: Dry paneer is the absolute key. Even a small amount of residual moisture will make the mixture too soft to hold on the skewer. Roasting the besan (dry-pan for 3 minutes) removes its raw flavour and also helps absorb residual moisture.

  2. Wet palms lightly. Press a portion of the mixture (about 70g) firmly around a flat metal seekh skewer, creating a uniform, compact cylinder. Smooth the surface. Refrigerate the skewered kebabs 15 minutes before grilling.

    About 5 min

    Tip: Paneer seekh is more fragile than mutton seekh — be especially gentle during shaping. Press firmly enough to compact, but do not over-squeeze or the mixture crumbles.

  3. Grill over high heat (charcoal, grill, or oven broiler) 3–4 minutes per side, turning gently and basting with butter. The surface should be lightly charred and the interior firm. Serve immediately with green chutney, sliced onion, and lemon wedges. Sprinkle chaat masala at the table.

    About 10 min

    Tip: Unlike meat seekh, paneer seekh should not be overcooked — the inside dries out quickly. Remove from heat as soon as all sides have charred slightly. Overcooked paneer seekh becomes chalky and dry.

Nutrition per serving (estimate)

Calories
340
Protein
18 g
Carbs
16 g
Fat
22 g
Fibre
2 g
Sugar
1 g
Sodium
600 mg

Contains: dairy, gluten

All Indian recipes

Recipe by Boon Tools.