Paneer Stir Fry – Indian Cottage Cheese Side Dish

This easy-to-make Indian Paneer Stir Fry (Indian Cottage Cheese Stir Fry) is quite filling and satisfying too! Add in just a few veggies and you have a delicious side dish or snack ready!

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A paneer stir fry is easy to make and takes very little time to get ready. Easy to put together, this tasty cottage cheese snack is the perfect appetizer.

What is Paneer you ask?

Paneer is a product of curdled milk and lemon juice. You can buy it at a store or you can make paneer at home as well. Soft and tasty, that’s what it is!

There are many ways to cook paneer. It can also be eaten raw, it is cheese after all! Just sprinkle the paneer at room temperature with a little bit of salt and pepper or fry it as a delicious appetizer too!

I used to always assume that paneer was of Indian origin, but apparently not. Back in the 16th century, the Turks and the Persians introduced paneer to India. The word paneer comes from the Turkish word ‘peynir’ or Persian word ‘panir’ which means cheese. And who doesn’t love cheese?

It’s so easy to use paneer to make some quick snacks or other savory cottage cheese dishes. You can make many delicious cottage cheese and fruit dishes too!

So now, let’s see what goes into making this easy Indian paneer and veggie stir fry…

What Ingredients do you need to make this Easy Indian Paneer Stir fry?

All you need to make this easy paneer stir fry is paneer or Indian cottage cheese, oil, onions, carrots, corn, green capsicum or bell peppers, and crushed pepper.

How to Cook this Paneer Stir Fry Side Dish?

It’s quite simple actually, a lot easier than making breadfruit chips or onion bhajis. In a kadhai, heat some oil. When the oil is hot, add in the chopped onions and green bell peppers.

Stir fry for a little while and then add in the diced carrots and corn. Then, add in the cut pieces of paneer and sprinkle some pepper powder or crushed pepper. And your simple paneer and veggie side dish is ready to dig into!

Cooking Tips & Tricks

• You can replace the pepper with any other spices herbs. We often use chilli powder, basil or rosemary too.
• Do not store the paneer in the freezer as it changes the texture and makes it crumbly when cooked. It’s best stored it in the refrigerator or the chiller section of the fridge.
• If you want a sweeter flavour, can add some honey.
• For a quick grab-and-go meal, wrap the stir fry in a tortilla, puri, or roti and eat. Or add in some
• You can also serve it with some crunchy toasted bread!
• Want to pair it with a rich Indian dessert? Try gajar halwa!

Questions About Making Paneer Stir Fry

What Is Paneer?

Indian Cottage cheese or paneer is an Indian cheese made out of curdled milk and lemon juice. We have a recipe for how to make paneer at home.

Can Paneer Be Eaten Raw?

Yes, paneer can be eaten raw because it is cottage cheese. It has a dense and milky flavor when eaten raw.

How Long Can Paneer Be Stored?

Store-bought raw paneer can be stored in the refrigerator for about a week or two before cooking. Homemade fresh paneer can be stored in a plastic wrap or airtight container in the refrigerator for a few days before cooking.

Cooked paneer can be kept in an air-tight container in a refrigerator for a few months. It is best not to store paneer in the freezer.

Does Paneer Get A Slimy Texture?

If the paneer gets slimy, that means it has gone bad. If you get a sour taste or a bad smell from the paneer and it has a slightly yellowish color, do not use it. It’s best discarded in this instance.

What Else Can I Make With Paneer?

Indian cottage cheese paneer can be used in many dishes, from paneer bhurji to paneer tikka masala, to paneer pulao, or paneer starters, and more.

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