📖 Instructions

1. First things first, let's get that paneer ready. Cut 500g of paneer into 1-inch cubes. Try to get them as uniform as possible, it helps with even cooking. Gently now, we don't want crumbled paneer!
2. In a large bowl, whisk together 1 cup of plain yogurt, 2 tablespoons of ginger-garlic paste (freshly made is best, but the store-bought stuff will do in a pinch), 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder, 1 teaspoon of red chili powder (adjust to your spice preference – be warned, it can get hot!), 1 teaspoon of coriander powder, 1/2 teaspoon of cumin powder, 1/2 teaspoon of garam masala, and salt to taste. Taste the marinade and adjust the seasonings as needed.
3. Gently add the paneer cubes to the marinade. Make sure each piece is well coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight. The longer it marinates, the more flavorful it becomes! I left mine over night, and the result was amazing
4. If you're using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent them from burning on the grill. Who wants burnt skewers, right?
5. Preheat your grill to medium heat. If you're using a charcoal grill, prepare the coals and add wood chips (such as hickory or applewood) for that smoky flavor. If you're using a gas grill, you can use a smoker box or wrap wood chips in foil and place them near the burner.
6. Thread the marinated paneer cubes onto the skewers. Be careful not to overcrowd them; leave a little space between each cube for even cooking.
7. Lightly grease the grill grates with oil to prevent sticking. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the paneer is lightly charred and cooked through. The paneer should be golden brown and slightly crispy on the edges.
8. Once the paneer tikka skewers are cooked, remove them from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. This helps the juices redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful bite.
9. Garnish the Smoked Paneer Tikka Skewers with fresh cilantro leaves and serve them hot with lemon wedges and your favorite chutney or dipping sauce. Mint-coriander chutney or tamarind chutney are excellent choices!
10. Serve immediately and enjoy the delightful smoky flavor! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.