Dhaba-Style Lemon Paneer

Dhaba-Style Lemon Paneer is a perfect blend of spicy, tangy, and flavorful that can easily be made at home. Cubes of paneer are marinated with chili flakes, garlic powder, black pepper, cornflour, vinegar, and lemon juice, then roasted until crisp. The paneer is tossed in a light, buttery, garlicky sauce with a hint of corn slurry and finished with fresh coriander, creating a dish that’s high in protein, gym-friendly, and utterly satisfying. Serve it as a starter, side, or with rice or naan for a wholesome, restaurant-style experience at home.

Ingredients

🧂 Marination Ingredients:

• 200g paneer cubes
• 1 tsp chili flakes
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp black pepper powder
• Salt to taste
• 2 tbsp cornflour
• Dash of vinegar
• 1 tsp lemon juice

🥄 Sauce Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp butter
• 2–3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 tsp cornflour + 2 tbsp water (corn slurry)
• 1–2 tsp lemon juice (adjust to taste)
• Fresh coriander for garnish
• Oil for roasting paneer

Instructions

1. Mix paneer with marination ingredients and set aside for 10 minutes.
2. Roast marinated paneer in a little oil until crispy & golden. Keep aside.
3. In the same pan, sauté butter, garlic, and onions until soft.
4. Add corn slurry, toss in fried paneer, and mix with lemon juice.
5. Garnish with fresh coriander and serve hot