Stir-Fried Paneer with Bell Peppers and Garam Masala

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A quick stir-fry of paneer cubes and colorful bell peppers spiced with garam masala for a vibrant vegetarian entrée. This indian-inspired vegetarian (vegetarian) ready in about 25 minutes pairs grams, cut into 1-inch cubes paneer, garam masala, cumin seeds for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 300 calories and feeds 3, 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 3 Indian cuisine 300 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp cooking oil in a large non-stick pan over medium heat. Add 1/2 tsp cumin seeds and let them sizzle for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste and 1 finely chopped green chili to the pan. Sauté for 1 minute until aromatic.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 sliced red bell pepper, 1 sliced green bell pepper, and 1 sliced yellow bell pepper. Stir-fry for 4-5 minutes until the peppers are slightly tender but still crisp.
  4. Step 4: Add 250 grams paneer cubes, 1 tsp garam masala, 1/4 tsp turmeric powder, and salt to taste. Toss gently to coat paneer and peppers evenly with the spices. Cook for 3-4 minutes until paneer turns golden at edges.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro. Serve hot with roti or as a side dish.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Stir-Fried Paneer with Bell Peppers and Garam Masala take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 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 Stir-Fried Paneer with Bell Peppers and Garam Masala?

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 garam masala from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Stir-Fried Paneer with Bell Peppers and Garam Masala?

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 Stir-Fried Paneer with Bell Peppers and Garam Masala for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). 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 Stir-Fried Paneer with Bell Peppers and Garam Masala 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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