Crispy Masala Paneer Skewers with Lemon-Yogurt Dip

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Cubes of paneer marinated in a fragrant spice blend, grilled to golden perfection, served with a cool, tangy yogurt dip. This indian-inspired indian (vegetarian) ready in about 40 minutes blends paneer, yogurt, lemon juice into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 2, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.0 (9 ratings) Prep: 30 min Cook: 10 min Serves 2 Indian cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, combine 8 oz paneer cubes, 1/4 cup plain yogurt, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp ground coriander, 1/2 tsp turmeric, 1/2 tsp paprika, 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper, and 2 minced garlic cloves. Mix well to coat the paneer, then let marinate for 30 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Thread the marinated paneer cubes onto skewers. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a grill pan over medium-high heat. Add the skewers and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until the paneer is golden and slightly charred, turning occasionally.
  3. Step 3: While the paneer cooks, prepare the dip: in a small bowl, mix 1/4 cup plain yogurt, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1/4 tsp cumin, and salt to taste. Stir until smooth.
  4. Step 4: Serve the paneer skewers hot with the lemon-yogurt dip, garnished with 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Crispy Masala Paneer Skewers with Lemon-Yogurt Dip take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (30 min prep + 10 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Crispy Masala Paneer Skewers with Lemon-Yogurt Dip?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Crispy Masala Paneer Skewers with Lemon-Yogurt Dip?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Crispy Masala Paneer Skewers with Lemon-Yogurt Dip for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Crispy Masala Paneer Skewers with Lemon-Yogurt Dip vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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