Bang Bang Paneer appetizer – This is a culinary delight that will captivate your senses and leave your guests wanting more during the next occasion you host. This is an appetizer that is prepared with the deep-fried cubes of tender paneer that is drenched in a rich, sweet, spicy and tangy sauce which has a long-lasting after-taste. Bang Bang Paneer is a simple dish, with an intriguing variation, which everybody loves consuming – a crowd pleaser for both informal and formal gatherings.
What is Paneer?
Paneer, also known as Indian cottage cheese, is a fresh, non-aged cheese made by curdling milk with lemon juice or vinegar. It has a mild flavor and a firm texture, making it the perfect base for soaking up delicious sauces like our bang bang sauce.
How to make Bang Bang Paneer appetizer:
Craving a show-stopping appetizer that’s bursting with flavor and guaranteed to disappear in minutes? Look no further than Bang Bang Paneer! This Indian delight features crispy paneer cubes, a sweet and spicy sauce, and a sprinkle of fresh coriander for a truly irresistible bite.
Ingredients:
For the Crispy Paneer:
- 200g paneer, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Vegetable oil for frying
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 4 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 4 tablespoons sriracha sauce
- 4 tablespoons Thai sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Directions
For Marination:
1. Mix paneer pieces with cornstarch, salt, and black pepper in a bowl.
2. Toss carefully for even coating and let it marinate for 10-15 minutes.
For frying:
1. Heat vegetable oil in a deep frying pan on medium to high heat.
2. Test readiness by dropping a small paneer piece; sizzling and immediate floating indicate readiness.
3. Fry marinated paneer cubes in batches for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden crisp.
Drain on a paper towel.
For the sauce:
1. In a saucepan, heat vegetable oil on medium-high heat.
2. Add grated ginger and minced garlic; cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. In a bowl, mix soy sauce, mayonnaise, sriracha sauce, Thai sweet chili sauce, lime juice, sesame oil, and cayenne pepper (optional).
4. Pour the mixture into the saucepan and simmer for 5-7 minutes until slightly thick.
5. Add fried paneer to the sauce, gently toss to coat evenly, and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to meld flavors.
For garnishing:
1. Place the saucy Bang Bang Paneer on a plate.
2. Garnish with chopped spring onions or cilantro for a fresh taste.
For Serving:
1. Serve your Bang Bang Paneer immediately for maximum crispiness. Watch your party guests devour these flavor bombs and prepare to be complimented on your culinary skills!
Tips:
- For more crispiness, ensure even coating of paneer with cornstarch or consider double frying.
- Substitute cornstarch with all-purpose flour if unavailable, adjusting the amount for desired coating.
- Customize spice level according to your preference by reducing or increasing the amount of spicy ingredients in the sauce.