Chilli Paneer
Chilli paneer is an Indo-Chinese dish that is made with fried tofu tossed in a sweet and sour sauce. It is a popular dish in India and is often served as a starter or as a side dish. This recipe for chilli paneer is easy to make and can be made in under 30 minutes.
Chilli paneer was first created in the 1950s by a Chinese chef in Mumbai, India. The chef was experimenting with different ways to cook tofu and came up with the idea of frying it and tossing it in a sweet and sour sauce. The dish quickly became popular and is now a staple of Indo-Chinese cuisine. There are many different variations of chilli paneer, but the basic ingredients are always the same: tofu, onion, green bell pepper, red bell pepper, tomato sauce, and spices. The tofu is usually fried until it is golden brown and crispy, and the vegetables are cooked until they are tender. The sauce is typically made with a combination of soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, and chili peppers. Chilli paneer is a delicious and versatile dish that can be served as a starter, a side dish, or a main course. It is a great way to use up leftover tofu and vegetables, and it can be easily customized to your own taste.
Chilli Paneer Chilli Paneer Chilli Paneer Chilli Paneer
Prep time: 20 | Cook time: 30 | Serves: 4
Ingredients
  • 1 block (14 ounces) extra-firm tofu, pressed and diced
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1/2 onion, chopped
  • 1 green bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 red bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 cup tomato sauce
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
  2. In a bowl, combine the tofu, cornstarch, and soy sauce. Toss to coat.
  3. Spread the tofu on a baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes, or until golden brown.
  4. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  5. Add the onion, green bell pepper, and red bell pepper and cook until softened.
  6. Add the tomato sauce and bring to a simmer.
  7. Add the tofu to the skillet and cook until heated through.
  8. Serve over rice or noodles.
Why It Works
  • The cornstarch coating on the tofu helps to create a crispy exterior while keeping the tofu moist and tender on the inside.
  • The combination of sweet and sour flavors in the sauce is perfectly balanced and complements the crispy tofu.
  • The addition of vegetables to the dish adds color, texture, and nutrients.