Spiced Paneer and Bell Pepper Skewers with Lemon-Tamarind Sauce

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender paneer cubes marinated in warming spices, grilled with vibrant bell peppers and onions, and paired with a tangy-sweet lemon-tamarind sauce. This indian-inspired grilling (vegetarian) ready in about 67 minutes blends paneer, plain 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 280 calories and feeds 4, 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.

★ 3.3 (9 ratings) Prep: 55 min Cook: 12 min Serves 4 Indian cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, mix 1/4 cup plain yogurt, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp ground coriander, 1/2 tsp turmeric, 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper, and 1 tsp salt to form a marinade. Add 14 oz paneer (cut into 1-inch cubes) and toss to coat; marinate 30 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Cut 1 red bell pepper and 1 green bell pepper into 1-inch pieces, and 1 medium red onion into 1-inch pieces. Thread 14 oz marinated paneer, 1 red bell pepper, 1 green bell pepper, and 1 red onion onto skewers, alternating ingredients.
  3. Step 3: Brush skewers with 2 tbsp vegetable oil and preheat grill to medium (350°F). Grill for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until vegetables are tender-crisp and paneer is golden (internal temperature 140°F).
  4. Step 4: Whisk 2 tbsp tamarind paste, 1 tbsp additional lemon juice, 1 tsp sugar, 1/4 cup water, and 1/4 tsp additional salt in a small bowl until smooth; serve with skewers.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Spiced Paneer and Bell Pepper Skewers with Lemon-Tamarind Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 67 minutes (55 min prep + 12 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Spiced Paneer and Bell Pepper Skewers with Lemon-Tamarind Sauce?

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 Spiced Paneer and Bell Pepper Skewers with Lemon-Tamarind Sauce?

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 Spiced Paneer and Bell Pepper Skewers with Lemon-Tamarind Sauce 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 Spiced Paneer and Bell Pepper Skewers with Lemon-Tamarind Sauce 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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