Paneer Tikka Masala with Basmati Rice

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender paneer cubes marinated in spices and grilled, tossed in a creamy tomato sauce, served over fragrant basmati rice. This indian (vegetarian) ready in about 70 minutes pairs paneer, yogurt, ginger-garlic paste for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 400 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. 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.

★ 4.3 (10 ratings) Prep: 25 min Cook: 45 min Serves 4 Indian cuisine 400 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, mix 1/2 cup yogurt, 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste, 1/2 tsp turmeric, 1 tsp cumin, and 1 tsp coriander; coat 1 block paneer cubes in the marinade and let rest for 30 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp coconut oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add 1 diced onion and sauté for 5 minutes until golden.
  3. Step 3: Add 2 cups tomato puree and 1 tsp salt; cook for 10 minutes until thickened. Add paneer cubes and simmer for 15 minutes.
  4. Step 4: Cook 2 cups basmati rice according to package instructions. Serve rice with the paneer tikka masala, garnished with cilantro.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Paneer Tikka Masala with Basmati Rice take to make?

Total time is about 70 minutes (25 min prep + 45 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Paneer Tikka Masala with Basmati Rice?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep paneer from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Paneer Tikka Masala with Basmati Rice?

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 Paneer Tikka Masala with Basmati Rice for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 Paneer Tikka Masala with Basmati Rice 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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