This is a delicious appetizer or a snack with a crispy exterior and a soft paneer on the inside that is ultimate with a lip-smacking dipping sauce. This is my fusion take on the traditional pakora with Japanese flavors.
I received samples from Gopi Paneer towards developing delicious recipes and the opinions expressed are my own. Paneer is a fresh, non-melting, soft Indian cheese. I have to tell you all that Gopi Paneer is AMAZING! It is pure paneer with no fillers! The texture and flavor of this paneer is the best and once you taste this brand, it is guaranteed that you would use this Gopi Paneer again and again. I highly recommend this high quality product!
Paneer is everyone's favorite choice. This paneer can be used from appetizer to dessert. We love Malai Paneer Tikka. Grilled Cilantro Lime Paneer, or Chaat Spiced Paneer Log with crackers for an appetizer, Paneer Burji for a tasty breakfast or for any meal. Panner Burji Swirl Bread, Chutney and Paneer Babka are amazing with a Tomato Soup. Gochujang Panner Bowl, Paneer Burji Naan Grilled Cheese, Paneer and Masoor Dhal Veggie Lasagna, Paneer Tikka Poutine, and Panner and Spinach Stuffed Pasta Shells in Malai Sauce are great fusion dishes that satisfy your hunger. Not to mention that paneer is always wanted in curries. Labne and Roasted Corn Curry and Sprouts, Paneer, and Veggie Curry are tasty sides. Rainbow Salad with Tandoori Dressing and Layered Paneer and Garbanzo Salad will make you rethink the idea about salads, these are totally yum! The list is endless! This shows how much we love paneer and hope you do too!
Like I said before, Gopi Paneer is a game changer! This amazing paneer makes this tasty paneer tempura snack that can be served as an appetizer too. With a cup of chai, this is the best afternoon snack for a relaxing weekend. This is a great appetizer and is a crowd pleaser too! From kids to adults, this tempura paneer is always the most wanted winner!
This paneer tempura is much similar to our traditional Paneer Pakora or paneer bajji. Our traditional pakora is made with chickpea flour or besan that is protein rich and the batter is also spicy and thick. The batter for tempura is a thin ice cold batter that is made with all purpose flour. It is important to use ice cold water, so that gluten doesn't form. Also, this is an eggless version of the traditional tempura and uses aquafaba instead. Quickly mix the batter and fry in hot oil. The temperature of the oil should also be hot for the perfect thin and crispy outer layer. This tempura paneer is then dusted with chaat masala which gives a traditional touch of flavors. Paneer is versatile and can be made into many flavors, try this Italian Style Paneer Sticks for a change from mozzarella sticks.
Now, coming to the dipping sauce, this is also a fusion of both Indian and Japanese flavors. I have not used dashi broth and used water instead. The soy sauce and sweet chili sauce along with Indian style tamarind chutney (that is sweet and spicy chaat chutney) with the herbs cilantro and mint. Radish is traditionally added to tempura dipping sauce. This dipping sauce has grated radish. Radish topping for snacks is quite common in Indian food like in this Ram Ladoo, a delicious street food. The fusion chutney is one of a kind, balancing all the flavors and is perfect to dip or dunk the paneer tempura pieces. I am warning you that dipping sauce is finger licking good and you'll be tempted to have anything with this sauce.
A teatime snack is essential, whether it is a rainy day, or when guests come over, or for a great and relaxing weekend spending quality time with the family. This Paneer Tempura is a perfect one to serve with chai. Check here for more delicious tea time snacks from my friends. I am also linking this to Wonderful Wednesday, What's For Dinner, and Sundays on Silverado.
There is always a need for fun chai time snacks and appetizers, and here are a few snacks that you'd love too!
Gluten Free Low-Carb Cauliflower Bites
Ingredients
Serves 4 to 6
Gopi paneer - 8-oz
Chaat masala - 1 tsp
Oil - 3 to 4 cups for deep frying
For the Tempura Batter
All purpose flour - 1/4 cup
Water - 1/4 cup, ice cold
Aquafaba - 1.5 tbsp
Salt - 1/8 tsp
For the Dipping Sauce
Radish - 3 tbsp, grated
Sweet chili sauce - 2 tbsp
Soy sauce - 2 tbsp
Water - 1/4 cup
Tamarind chutney - 2 tbsp
Cilantro - 1 tsp, chopped
Mint - 1 tsp, chopped
Method
Cut the paneer cubes to 1.5-in by 1/2 in rectangles.
Add all the ingredients listed under "Dipping Sauce", mix, and set aside.
Add aquafaba to water and mix.
Sift the flour and salt, add the ice cold water aquafaba mix and gently mix to a batter.
Heat oil in a pan. Dip the paneer in the batter and carefully drop them into hot oil. Deep fry until golden. This may take about 2-3 minutes.
Drain the oil. Place them in a plate and sprinkle with chaat masala. Repeat with the remaining paneer pieces.
Serve with the dipping sauce immediately.
Whats Cookin Italian Style Cuisine says
what a great appetizer, I am sure we would love to snack on this a must try!
Ieva says
Never though to tempura paneer cheese before! Tried it yesterday and wow, it's delicious! Very good combination of textures: chewy cheese with crispy batter exterior! Brilliant recipe 🙂
Kate says
Gorgeous flavour and a lovely light and crispy batter - delicious!
Toni says
This is such a great snack idea!! My kids really enjoyed it! Thank you so much!
Kushigalu says
Love paneer. Thanks for sharing interesting and new recipe to try with paneer. Delicious.
Priya Vj says
Paneer tempura sounds really interesting. I must try it soon and wow for the radish dip too ..
Priya Vj says
Paneer tempura sounds really interesting. I must try it soon and wow for the radish dip too ..
Priya Vj says
Paneer tempura sounds really interesting. I must try it soon and wow for the radish dip too ..
Priya Vj says
Paneer tempura sounds really interesting. I must try it soon and wow for the radish dip too ..