Indo-Chinese Paneer Lollipop Recipe: A Perfect Appetizer for Your Party
Indo-Chinese cuisine has found a special place in the hearts of food lovers around the world, combining bold Chinese flavors with the unique spices and ingredients of Indian cooking. One such dish that beautifully exemplifies this fusion is Indo-Chinese Paneer Lollipop. This delightful appetizer is crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and bursts with flavors that are sure to impress your guests. Whether you are hosting a dinner party or simply craving something savory, these paneer lollipops are a must-try! With a quick prep and cook time, they are easy to make and perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Paneer (Homemade Cottage Cheese) | 200 grams |
| Thai Sweet Chilli Sauce | 2 tablespoons |
| Soy Sauce | 1 tablespoon |
| Schezwan Sauce | 1 tablespoon |
| Corn Flour | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Garlic (finely chopped) | 3 cloves |
| Spring Onion Greens (chopped) | 2 tablespoons |
| Sesame Seeds (Til Seeds) | 2 tablespoons |
| Corn Flour (for dusting) | 1 tablespoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Sunflower Oil | As required |
| Toothpicks | As required |
| Spring Onion Greens (for garnish) | As needed for garnish |
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 6
Cuisine: Indo-Chinese
Course: Appetizer
Diet: High Protein Vegetarian
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Paneer:
Begin by cutting the paneer into 1/2 inch by 1-inch thick pieces. For a 200-gram block of paneer, you should end up with approximately 6 pieces. Set them aside. -
Prepare the Marinade:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sweet chili sauce, Schezwan sauce, soy sauce, corn flour, finely chopped garlic, and spring onion greens. Add salt to taste. Mix everything well until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined, creating a flavorful marinade. -
Marinate the Paneer:
Once the marinade is ready, gently add the paneer pieces into the bowl. Toss the paneer carefully to ensure each piece is fully coated in the marinade. Allow the paneer to marinate for about 15 minutes to absorb the flavors. -
Prepare for Grilling:
While the paneer is marinating, heat a grilling pan or a non-stick pan on medium heat. Lightly brush the pan with sunflower oil to prevent the paneer from sticking.On a separate plate, spread a thin layer of corn flour. After the marinating time is complete, gently roll each piece of marinated paneer in the corn flour, ensuring an even coating. This step will help create a crisp, golden crust when grilled.
-
Grill the Paneer:
Place the corn-flour-dusted paneer pieces onto the preheated grilling pan. Cook the paneer on one side until it develops a golden-brown grill mark. Flip the pieces over to cook the other side, ensuring that the paneer is cooked through and evenly crispy on both sides. This should take about 5-7 minutes per side. -
Coat with Sesame Seeds:
Once the paneer is grilled to perfection, remove it from the pan and place the pieces on a plate with sesame seeds. Roll the grilled paneer pieces in the sesame seeds to give them a delightful crunch and an additional layer of flavor. -
Assemble the Lollipops:
Take a toothpick or a small skewer and carefully insert it into one end of each sesame-coated paneer piece. The toothpick will allow you to serve the paneer lollipops with ease and make them look more appealing for your guests. -
Serve:
Arrange the Indo-Chinese Paneer Lollipops in a shot glass or small serving dish, filled with sweet chili sauce or any other sauce of your choice for dipping. Garnish with chopped spring onions to add a fresh, vibrant touch.
Serving Suggestions:
These crispy, flavorful paneer lollipops make the perfect appetizer to serve at any gathering or party. They pair wonderfully with a variety of side dishes, making them a versatile option for any meal. Here are a few serving suggestions:
-
Accompany with a Full Meal:
Serve these lollipops alongside dishes such as Sweet & Spicy Vegetable Hong Kong Style, Burnt Garlic Mushroom Fried Rice, and Mushroom Manchurian Gravy for a complete Indo-Chinese meal that your guests will rave about. -
Dessert Pairing:
For dessert, consider serving a Walnut Cranberry No Bake Cheesecake with fresh strawberries to complement the spicy and savory flavors of the paneer. -
Perfect for Parties:
Indo-Chinese Paneer Lollipops are a crowd-pleasing appetizer that can be served at various events, from casual get-togethers to formal parties. They’re perfect for those who appreciate a balance of spice, crunch, and tenderness in every bite.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
| Nutrient | Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~180-200 kcal |
| Protein | ~10-12 grams |
| Carbohydrates | ~10-12 grams |
| Fat | ~12-14 grams |
| Fiber | ~1-2 grams |
| Sodium | ~400-500 mg |
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- High in Protein: Paneer, or cottage cheese, is a great source of protein, making this recipe a nutritious snack or appetizer, especially for vegetarians.
- Crispy & Flavorful: The combination of the sweet chili, Schezwan, and soy sauce, along with the crunch of sesame seeds, gives these lollipops an irresistible flavor profile.
- Quick and Easy: With just 35 minutes of total preparation and cooking time, this recipe is quick enough to prepare for a last-minute gathering or meal.
Tips for Perfect Indo-Chinese Paneer Lollipops:
- Marination Time: If you have more time, marinate the paneer for 30 minutes or even overnight to enhance the flavors.
- Oil Temperature: Ensure your pan is not too hot when grilling the paneer, as this can cause the coating to burn before the inside is fully cooked.
- Custom Sauce: If you want a sweeter or spicier kick, adjust the level of sweet chili sauce and Schezwan sauce in the marinade to your taste.
Indulge in the crunchy, flavorful goodness of these Indo-Chinese Paneer Lollipops and elevate your next gathering with this delicious fusion appetizer. Enjoy!
