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paneer pakora | Punjabi style paneer pakora | paneer pakoda | how to make paneer pakora |

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User Tarla Dalal  •  02 December, 2025
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paneer pakora | Punjabi style paneer pakora | paneer pakoda | how to make paneer pakora | with 28 amazing images

Paneer pakora is a simple and easy snack. It is moist and soft on inside and crisp outside, unlike other pakora’s. paneer pakoda is made with simple and basic ingredients that are easily available in every household. We have first coated paneer in a dry powder masala which has carom seeds, chilli powder, garam masala , coriander-cumin seeds (dhania-jeera) powder, dried mango powder, (amchur)turmeric powder (haldi) and chaat masala as paneer has a bland taste. We did the process to make the dish even more flavorful and tastier.

Once the paneer is coated we have dipped the flavoured paneer into the Bengal gram batter which is made with besan (bengal gram flour), chilli powder, turmeric powder (haldi), asafoetida (hing), hot oil, chopped coriander (dhania) and a pinch of baking soda. Once spiced paneer is dipped in the batter it is deep fried until it turns golden brown.

Looking for a quick and easy evening snack or something to eat with a piping hot cup of tea on a rainy day? Pakoras are an ideal choice. Pakora also known as pakoda, pakodi, bhaji, bhajiya is originated from India. It is a deep fried snack, basically a fritter. It is found in restaurants and also sold by food vendors on the streets. Also, It is a famous Indian street food, found all over.

Pakora is made by choosing a main ingredient like onion, potato, spinach,eggplant, cauliflower, corn etc. which is then dipped in Bengal gram batter and deep fried. Here we have used paneer which is loved by everyone Punjabi style paneer pakora is my personal favourite out of all the pakora’s.

I usually make Punjabi style paneer pakora for my father-in law and husband for evening snack, they are a big fan of paneer pakoda’s and they have it with a cup of tea, it is a perfect combo. I also make it when last minute guests walk in as it is simple, easy and quick but also very mouth-watering and delicious and we can bet your guests would love it!! When making it for my kids, I sometimes cut two pieces of paneer and apply green chutney between them, add little cheese, batter coat and fry. My kids love it.

Serve Paneer pakora with green chutney and tomato ketchup.

Enjoy paneer pakora | Punjabi style paneer pakora | paneer pakoda | how to make paneer pakora | detailed step by step photos and video given below.

 

Paneer Pakoda, Punjabi Paneer Pakora Recipe recipe - How to make Paneer Pakoda, Punjabi Paneer Pakora Recipe

Soaking Time

0

Preparation Time

15 Mins

Cooking Time

15 Mins

Baking Time

0 Mins

Baking Temperature

0

Sprouting Time

0

Total Time

30 Mins

Makes

4 servings

Ingredients

Method

For the batter
 

  1. Combine all the ingredients along with ½ cup of water in a deep bowl and mix well. Keep aside.


How to proceed to make paneer pakoda.
 

  1. Combine the paneer and the prepared dry masala powder in a deep bowl and toss gently.
  2. Heat the oil in a deep non-stick kadhai, dip each masala paneer cubes in the batter, a few at a time and deep-fry on a medium flame till golden brown in colour from all the sides.
  3. Drain the paneer pakodas on an absorbent paper.
  4. Serve the paneer pakodas immediately with green chutney and tomato ketchup.

paneer pakora recipe | Punjabi style paneer pakora | paneer pakoda | Video by Tarla Dalal

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Paneer Pakoda, Punjabi Paneer Pakora Recipe recipe with step by step photos

Like Paneer Pakoda

 

    1. I absoluetly love paneer and paneer pakora | Punjabi style paneer pakora | paneer pakoda | how to make paneer pakora | is one of my favourite recipes. If you are also a paneer lover given below are some delicious recipes made using paneer :
Preparation for the Paneer pakora

 

    1. paneer (cottage cheese) or cottage cheese is a popular cheese in India. It is made using only two ingredients, milk & an acidic agent. Our website has a detailed recipe to make homemade paneer with step by step photos. You can refer this recipe and prepare soft, fresh paneer block at home. If not, then you can easily buy fresh paneer from a local dairy or packaged frozen paneer. In case, the frozen paneer is too hard, you can submerge it in hot water for 15-20 minutes & then use it. Place the paneer (cottage cheese) block on a chopping board.

      Step 2 – <p><a href="https://www.tarladalal.com/glossary-paneer-cottage-cheese-chenna-985i#ing_3095"><u>paneer (cottage cheese)</u></a> or <strong>cottage cheese</strong> is a popular cheese in India. It is …
    2. Cut paneer into cubes. You can even chop them into strips if you like. If the cubes have a lot of moisture, then press and wipe off excess moisture or else it may splutter in oil.

      Step 3 – <p>Cut <strong>paneer</strong> into cubes. You can even chop them into strips if you like. If …
For the Paneer Pakora dry powder

 

    1. Naturally, paneer has a bland flavour which actually makes it a versatile ingredient as it easily absorbs all the flavours. For making tongue-tickling Paneer pakoda, we will make a spice-mix. In a bowl, take 1/4 tsp of 1/4 tsp carom seeds (ajwain).

      Step 4 – <p>Naturally, paneer has a bland flavour which actually makes it a versatile ingredient as it …
    2. Add 1/2 tsp chilli powder. The quantity can be adjusted as per the spice you prefer.

      Step 5 – <p>Add <span style="background-color:rgb(255,255,255);color:rgb(0,0,0);">1/2 tsp </span><a href="https://www.tarladalal.com/glossary-chilli-powder-red-chilli-powder-339i"><u>chilli powder</u></a>. The quantity can be adjusted as per the …
    3. Add 1/2 tsp garam masala.

      Step 6 – <p>Add <span style="background-color:rgb(255,255,255);color:rgb(0,0,0);">1/2 tsp </span><a href="https://www.tarladalal.com/glossary-garam-masala-296i"><u>garam masala</u></a>.</p>
    4. Next, add 1/2 tsp coriander-cumin seeds (dhania-jeera) powder.

      Step 7 – <p>Next, add <span style="background-color:rgb(255,255,255);color:rgb(0,0,0);">1/2 tsp </span><a href="https://www.tarladalal.com/glossary-coriander-cumin-seeds-powder-dhania-jeera-powder-375i"><u>coriander-cumin seeds (dhania-jeera) powder</u></a>.</p>
    5. Add a little 1/2 tsp dried mango powder (amchur) for a tangy hint.

      Step 8 – <p>Add a little <span style="background-color:rgb(255,255,255);color:rgb(0,0,0);">1/2 tsp </span><a href="https://www.tarladalal.com/glossary-dried-mango-powder-amchur-powder-148i"><u>dried mango powder (amchur)</u></a> for a tangy hint.</p>
    6. Add 1/4 tsp turmeric powder (haldi).

      Step 9 – <p>Add <span style="background-color:rgb(255,255,255);color:rgb(0,0,0);">1/4 tsp </span><a href="https://www.tarladalal.com/glossary-turmeric-powder-haldi-645i"><u>turmeric powder (haldi)</u></a>.</p>
    7. Add 1/2 tsp chaat masala for a more chatpata flavour.

      Step 10 – <p>Add <span style="background-color:rgb(255,255,255);color:rgb(0,0,0);">1/2 tsp </span><a href="https://www.tarladalal.com/glossary-chaat-masala-300i"><u>chaat masala</u></a> for a more chatpata flavour.</p>
    8. Finally, add salt to taste.

      Step 11 – <p>Finally, add <a href="https://www.tarladalal.com/glossary-salt-namak-table-salt-418i"><u>salt </u></a><span style="background-color:rgb(255,255,255);color:rgb(0,0,0);">to taste</span>.</p>
    9. Mix well with a clean spoon and our dry powder for Paneer Bhajia is ready.

      Step 12 – <p><strong>Mix well</strong> with a clean spoon and our dry powder for <strong>Paneer Bhajia</strong> is ready.</p>
For the Paneer Pakoda Batter

 

    1. To prepare the batter for Paneer pakoda, in a deep bowl, take 1 cup besan (Bengal gram flour).

      Step 13 – <p>To prepare the batter for <strong>Paneer pakoda</strong>, in a deep bowl, take <span style="background-color:rgb(255,255,255);color:rgb(0,0,0);">1 cup …
    2. For a spicy hint, add little 1/2 tsp chilli powder.

      Step 14 – <p>For a spicy hint, add little <span style="background-color:rgb(255,255,255);color:rgb(0,0,0);">1/2 tsp </span><a href="https://www.tarladalal.com/glossary-chilli-powder-red-chilli-powder-339i"><u>chilli powder</u></a>.</p>
    3. Add some 1/4 tsp turmeric powder (haldi) to give a yellow hue to the batter.

      Step 15 – <p>Add some <span style="background-color:rgb(255,255,255);color:rgb(0,0,0);">1/4 tsp </span><a href="https://www.tarladalal.com/glossary-turmeric-powder-haldi-645i"><u>turmeric powder (haldi)</u></a> to give a yellow hue to …
    4. Furthermore, add 2 pinches of asafoetida (hing). It helps aid digestion.

      Step 16 – <p>Furthermore, add <span style="background-color:rgb(255,255,255);color:rgb(0,0,0);">2 pinches of </span><a href="https://www.tarladalal.com/glossary-asafoetida-hing-113i"><u>asafoetida (hing)</u></a>. It helps aid digestion.</p>
    5. Add 1 tbsp hot oil. This helps in giving the Paneer Pakora’s crispy texture.

      Step 17 – <p>Add <span style="background-color:rgb(255,255,255);color:rgb(0,0,0);">1 tbsp hot </span><a href="https://www.tarladalal.com/glossary-oil-671i"><u>oil</u></a>. This helps in giving the <strong>Paneer Pakora’s</strong> crispy …
    6. Add 2 tbsp of 2 tbsp chopped coriander (dhania).

      Step 18 – <p>Add 2 tbsp of <span style="background-color:rgb(255,255,255);color:rgb(0,0,0);">2 tbsp </span><a href="https://www.tarladalal.com/glossary-coriander-dhania-kothmir-369i#ing_2365"><u>chopped coriander (dhania)</u></a>.</p>
    7. Add a pinch of baking soda and salt to taste.

      Step 19 – <p>Add <span style="background-color:rgb(255,255,255);color:rgb(0,0,0);">a pinch of </span><a href="https://www.tarladalal.com/glossary-baking-soda-soda-bi-carb-615i"><u>baking soda</u></a> and <a href="https://www.tarladalal.com/glossary-salt-namak-table-salt-418i"><u>salt </u></a><span style="background-color:rgb(255,255,255);color:rgb(0,0,0);">to taste</span>.</p>
    8. Add around ½ cup of water. The quantity of water will depend upon the quality of besan.

      Step 20 – <p>Add around ½ cup of <strong>water</strong>. The quantity of water will depend upon the quality …
    9. Mix well. Keep aside.

      Step 21 – <p><span style="background-color:rgb(255,255,255);color:rgb(0,0,0);">Mix well. Keep aside.</span></p>
How to make Paneer Pakora

 

    1. For making crispy Paneer Pakoras, in a deep bowl take the 1 1/2 cups paneer (cottage cheese) cubes.

      Step 22 – <p>For making crispy <strong>Paneer Pakoras</strong>, in a deep bowl take the <span style="background-color:rgb(255,255,255);color:rgb(0,0,0);">1 1/2 cups …
    2. Sprinkle the prepared dry masala powder.

      Step 23 – <p>Sprinkle the <strong>prepared dry masala powder</strong>.</p>
    3. Toss gently or else the paneer will crumble and break. Alternatively, you can even slit the paneer in the center and stuff with dry spice mix instead of coating it outside.

      Step 24 – <p><strong>Toss gently</strong> or else the paneer will crumble and break. Alternatively, you can even slit …
    4. Heat the oil  in a deep non-stick kadhai.

      Step 25 – <p>Heat the <a href="https://www.tarladalal.com/glossary-oil-671i"><u>oil&nbsp;</u></a> in a deep non-stick kadhai.</p>
    5. Dip each masala paneer cubes in the batter one by one.

      Step 26 – <p>Dip each masala paneer cubes in the batter one by one.</p>
    6. Carefully drop a few paneer cubes at a time. Fry the Paneer pakoras in small batches as you don’t want to drop the temperature of oil suddenly by over-crowding the pan.

      Step 27 – <p>Carefully drop a few paneer cubes at a time. Fry the <strong>Paneer pakoras</strong> in small …
    7. Deep-fry on a medium flame till golden brown in colour from one side. Do not stir in the initial few seconds or else the batter will stick to the slotted spoon.

      Step 28 – <p>Deep-fry on a medium flame till golden brown in colour from one side. Do not …
    8. Flip and fry to cook the Paneer pakoras evenly from all sides.

      Step 29 – <p>Flip and fry to cook the <strong>Paneer pakoras</strong> evenly from all sides.</p>
    9. Remove the Paneer pakoras using a slotted spoon and drain on absorbent paper to remove excess oil.

      Step 30 – <p>Remove the <strong>Paneer pakoras</strong> using a slotted spoon and drain on absorbent paper to remove …
    10. Serve Paneer pakora with green chutney and tomato ketchup.

      Step 31 – <p><span style="background-color:rgb(255,255,255);color:rgb(0,0,0);">Serve </span><strong>Paneer pakora</strong><span style="background-color:rgb(255,255,255);color:rgb(0,0,0);"> with green chutney and tomato ketchup.</span></p>
    11. Paneer pakora | Punjabi style paneer pakora | paneer pakoda | how to make paneer pakora.

      Step 32 – <p><strong>Paneer pakora</strong><span style="background-color:rgb(255,255,255);color:rgb(0,0,0);"> | </span><strong>Punjabi style paneer pakora</strong><span style="background-color:rgb(255,255,255);color:rgb(0,0,0);"> | </span><strong>paneer pakoda</strong><span style="background-color:rgb(255,255,255);color:rgb(0,0,0);"> | </span><strong>how …
Nutrient values (Abbrv)per plate

Nutrient values (Abbrv) per serving
 

Energy488 cal
Protein12.5 g
Carbohydrates19.3 g
Fiber3.9 g
Fat40.1 g
Cholesterol0 mg
Sodium19.2 mg

Click here to view Calories for Paneer Pakoda, Punjabi Paneer Pakora Recipe

The Nutrient info is complete

Your Rating*

User
Swati Aiyer

Nov. 30, 2020, 11:11 a.m.

Since I am diabetic, I wanted to know the nutritional value. How many grams of paneer pakoda constitute 1 serving? Could you please let me know? Thanks.

user
Tarla Dalal

Nov. 30, 2020, 11:11 a.m.

We don?t weigh the food we cook. We estimate the amount a serving size is. In this recipe, approximately 25 to 30 pieces may have been used. The key to take from the analysis of a recipe is if it''s healthy and fits into your lifestyle. When in doubt, eat less of that recipe.

User
Mvm

Oct. 16, 2020, 5:58 p.m.

Thankyou so much for quick response... Wat do u suggest for tiffin snacks, tht will remain as it is for 3 hrs & same for lunch..?? My daughter is tired of upma, poha, thepla, paratha & tindli, bhindi, rajma, etc

user
Tarla Dalal

Oct. 16, 2020, 5:58 p.m.

Hi, We have an excellent book on tiffin treats and also below are the recipe link https://www.tarladalal.com/RecipeSearch.aspx?rec=1&term=tiffin treats

User
Mvm

Oct. 16, 2020, 8:54 a.m.

Want to know whether this pakora will stay crispy for 2-3 hrs, for my daughter''s bfast time in school? If not, thn wat shall i add

user
Tarla Dalal

Oct. 16, 2020, 8:54 a.m.

Hi, These need to be served immediately as mentioned in the recipe, they will turn soft and soggy after some time.

User
Mvm

Oct. 15, 2020, 9:07 p.m.

User
Archana M

July 26, 2020, 7:05 p.m.

paneer pakoda... these pakodas i relished in rainy day.. the masalas around the the paneer is coated so well.. in every bite you can get the taste of chaat masala, amchur, corainder jeera powder.. this is a must try pakoda.. with a crispy covering

User
Vidushi Saxena

April 25, 2020, 10:15 p.m.

I made it and it was amazing

user
Tarla Dalal

April 25, 2020, 10:15 p.m.

Thanks for the feedback !!! Keep reviewing recipes and articles you loved.

User
Mayank

Sept. 17, 2019, 2:30 p.m.

User
Foodie #681470

Feb. 25, 2016, 8:11 p.m.

excellent receipe Tarla mam..the taste of paneer pakoda was amazing...

User
Anurag

Aug. 21, 2015, 10:31 a.m.

Recipe did not work out

user
Tarla Dalal

Aug. 21, 2015, 10:31 a.m.

Hi Anurag: Can you please tell us what went wrong in making this recipe as it has been tested many times and there is a video link below to show you how to follow it. We look forward to hearing from you. Thanks.

User
Parul

March 28, 2015, 3:12 p.m.

user
Tarla Dalal

March 28, 2015, 3:12 p.m.

Parul thanks for the feedback !!! keep reviewing recipes you loved.

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sharmila chavan

Dec. 15, 2014, 12:50 p.m.

?? ??? ?? ?????? ?? ???? ?????? ???? ????? ???? ?? ?????? ?????? ???? ???? ??? ???

User
rakhiIndia.in

July 15, 2014, 10:18 a.m.

Thank you very much, your Paneer Pakoda, Punjabi Recipe was very tasty. Your recipe is very easy to follow. Certainly I will share this relationship with my relatives. My family will enjoy it Thanks

User
Rashmi J.Patel

July 11, 2014, 8:37 a.m.

User
roshni

March 21, 2014, 3:19 p.m.

lovely recipe how long to marinate panner thank u

User
Kavita

April 3, 2013, 12:50 p.m.

I tried this recipe just now & it came awesome. Since I left with little paneer I added one potato in similar manner to paneer & made punjabi paneer & aloo pakora . I am a huge fan of u & keep on trying ur receipes. Thank u.

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Tarla Dalal

April 3, 2013, 12:50 p.m.

Hi Kavita, great to hear from you. Please keep posting your comments of the Tarla Dalal recipes you have tried and loved. It will help others choose recipes to try based on your experience. Happy cooking.

User
bidyut dutta

March 4, 2013, 12:14 p.m.

Your recipe is very simple. I prepaired it for my daughter.she likes this paneer pakora very much. Now she wants that Iwill prepare crunchy potato chips for her.I do not know the recipe so please help

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Tarla Dalal

March 4, 2013, 12:14 p.m.

Hi, We are very happy that you liked the recipe. you can try these below recipes http://www.tarladalal.com/Spicy-Creamy-French-Fries-40943r http://www.tarladalal.com/Masala-French-Fries-4094r

User
Dhwani

Sept. 6, 2012, 7:44 p.m.

Marinating paneer is something new that i learnt from this recipe. It certainly makes a difference in the taste of the pakodas. My family loved this recpe so much that now i often make them for snacks at my place.

User
Esha

May 13, 2012, 9:11 p.m.

Yummy pakora. All my guest love it. I got so many compliment. Its easy to make.

user
Tarla Dalal

May 13, 2012, 9:11 p.m.

Hi Esha, We are very happy to know you loved the recipe. Do try more and more recipes and let us know how you enjoyed them. Happy Cooking !

User
Suneetha

Feb. 4, 2012, 5:11 p.m.

Thank u so much cud make a quick snack for my 4yr old for school....

user
Tarla Dalal

Feb. 4, 2012, 5:11 p.m.

Hi Suneetha, We are very happy to know you loved the recipe. Do try more and more recipes and let us know how they turned out. Happy Cooking !!

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Tanisha

Aug. 6, 2011, 12:05 a.m.

It''s yummy woww

user
Tarla Dalal

Aug. 6, 2011, 12:05 a.m.

Hi Tanisha, We are very happy to know you loved the recipe. Do try more and more recipes and let us know how you enjoyed them. Happy Cooking !!

User
Noorain gori

Feb. 17, 2011, 9:27 p.m.

this was very yummy

user
Tarla Dalal

Feb. 17, 2011, 9:27 p.m.

Hi Noorain , we are delighted you loved the Paneer Pakoda recipe. Please keep posting your thoughts and feedback and review recipes you have loved. Happy Cooking.

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