Marinating paneer before grilling or barbecuing infuses it with extra flavor and helps keep it moist during cooking. With the right marinade, you can take simple paneer and turn it into a tasty BBQ dish. Here is a guide on how to perfectly marinate paneer for BBQ.
Choose an Acidic Marinade
An acidic marinade is key for tenderizing the paneer and allowing the flavors to penetrate the cheese. Some good options include:
- Yogurt – The acidic tang of yogurt nicely compliments and tenderizes the paneer. Greek yogurt works especially well.
- Lemon or Lime Juice – The bright acidity helps break down the proteins in the paneer. Squeeze the juice of 1-2 lemons or limes over the paneer.
- Vinegar – Apple cider, white wine, rice wine or balsamic vinegar all work well. The acid helps tenderize the paneer.
- Tandoori Marinade – The classic tandoori yogurt marinade with spices like red chili powder, garlic, ginger and garam masala is perfect for paneer.
Use Plenty of Herbs and Spices
Herbs, spices and aromatic ingredients are essential for adding big, bold BBQ flavors to the mild-tasting paneer. Consider adding:
- Fresh herbs like cilantro, mint, basil, oregano or thyme
- Spices like cumin, coriander, paprika, chili powder
- Garlic, ginger, black pepper, chaat masala
- Spice blends like garam masala, tandoori masala, jerk seasoning
- Onion, shallots
- Oil and mustard seeds for popping and splattering
Marinate for 1-8 Hours
For the best flavor infusion, marinate the paneer for 1-8 hours before cooking. Some guidelines:
- 1-2 hours: Minimum time for lighter marinades
- 4 hours: Ideal for most yogurt and vinegar based marinades
- 8+ hours: Best for thicker spice pastes and rubs
Cover and refrigerate the paneer during marinating to allow the flavors to slowly penetrate.
Cut Paneer into Large Cubes
Cutting the paneer into 1-2 inch cubes gives more surface area for the marinade to coat and flavor. Avoid smaller cubes which can crumble easily.
Pat Paneer Dry Before Grilling
After marinating, pat the paneer cubes dry with paper towels. This helps them get nicely charred on the BBQ, rather than steaming from excess marinade.
Grill on Skewers
Thread the paneer cubes onto metal or wooden skewers for easy grilling. This prevents them from sticking to the grill grates or falling through.
Alternatively, use a grilling basket or tray. Make sure to oil the grates well before grilling.
Grill Over Medium-High Heat
Paneer can be delicate, so avoid direct high heat which may cause it to stick or fall apart. Grill over a medium-high heat, turning occasionally until lightly charred on all sides.
Move it away from any flare ups. The paneer cubes should take 5-8 minutes total to get nicely browned outside and heated through.
Common Marinade Flavor Combos
Some popular marinade combinations for grilled paneer include:
Tandoori Paneer
- Yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, ginger, tandoori masala
Jerk Paneer
- Yogurt, jerk seasoning, scallions, thyme
Tikka Paneer
- Yogurt, garam masala, paprika, cumin
Mediterranean Paneer
- Olive oil, lemon, oregano, garlic, black pepper
Thai Paneer
- Lime juice, fish sauce, basil, chili peppers
Experiment with different herb and spice combos to create your own signature marinade!
Serve Grilled Paneer as an Appetizer or Main
The possibilities are endless when it comes to serving marinated grilled paneer:
- Appetizer – Serve cubed paneer on skewers as a starter
- Salad – Toss grilled paneer into a hearty salad
- Tacos – Add paneer to tortillas with toppings like salsa and guacamole
- Flatbread – Top naan or pita with paneer and sauce
- Bowl – Layer over rice or quinoa with veggies and dressing
- Kabobs – Alternate paneer with veggies and fruit on skewers
- Side – Pair with grilled meats, seafood, or vegetables
So get creative with your marinade, then fire up the barbecue and impress your guests with flavorful grilled paneer this summer!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best oil to marinate paneer in?
Neutral oils like canola, vegetable, or olive oil work well. Avoid heavy, strong oils like sesame or coconut oil which may overpower the marinade flavors.
Can you marinate paneer overnight?
Yes, marinating in the refrigerator overnight allows the flavors to penetrate deeply into the paneer for intensified flavor.
How long does paneer last after marinating?
Marinated paneer will last 2-3 days refrigerated. Discard if any sourness develops.
Should you squeeze paneer before marinating?
Some gently squeeze or press paneer between paper towels to remove excess moisture prior to marinating. This helps the marinade better adhere.
What is a fast paneer marinade?
For a quick marinade, combine yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, and spices. Let sit for just 30 mins to 1 hour before grilling.
Conclusion
Marinating is the key to taking mild paneer from bland to bold and flavorful. An acidic, herbaceous marinade will infuse big flavor and help keep the paneer moist when grilled or barbecued. Let it marinate for at least 1-2 hours, then thread onto skewers and grill over medium-high heat until lightly charred. Serve up the marinated grilled paneer in salads, flatbreads, bowls or as a snack for a tasty BBQ twist on this popular Indian cheese. With the right marinade, simple paneer transforms into a star player at your next barbecue.