Tandoori Paneer Tikka Tacos
Indian Fusion With Tandoori Paneer Tikka tacos
Paneer tikka is a super popular dish traditionally made in a tandoori oven. This takes that yummy paneer and turns it into an Indian fusion/ Indian Mexican dish! What makes tacos so good besides the filling? The toppings of course. I absolutely love the Mango Jalapeno Crema and a fresh salsa using green chutney ingredients. I made the fresh salsa because paneer tikka is usually served with mint cilantro green chutney. Using a fresh version of the chutney ingredients to turn it into salsa gives it a totally new refreshing taste.
Tandoori Paneer Tikka Tacos Components
What makes tacos so good are all the pieces that come together to delivery a flavor packed bite! Spicy, sweet, tangy and freshness are all in this taco. The active time is not very long but you need to factor in time to let the paneer soak in the marinade.
- Tandoori Paneer Tikka (15 minutes active time to make, additional time for paneer to soak in marinade atleast 2 hours)
- Sauteed Bell Peppers (6-7 minutes to make)
- Mango Jalapeno Crema (sauce, 5 minutes to make)
- Fresh mint and cilantro green chutney inspired salsa (5 minutes to make)
First, we make the paneer marinade and let it soak before cooking
I used the stove top method to make the paneer tikka to save time. I used a grill pan in order to get a bit of charred paneer. You can use whatever pan you have and cook to get it a bit crispy.
While the tandoori paneer tikka is marinading the mango jalapeno crema is easy to whip up
Mango Jalapeno Crema Ingredients
- Mango – alfonso or champagne
- Jalapeno
- Lime juice
- Salt
- Sour cream (feel free to substitute with yogurt)
Just chop the mangos and half jalapeno. Then, blend with sour cream, lime juice and salt. That’s it! So simple but so soo good.
If it isn’t mango season you can look into frozen mango pulp. Just be careful that you buy some that doesn’t have sugar added. It may be too sweet, if so.
Make the fresh mint and cilantro “green chutney” inspired salsa next
Ingredients:
- Mint
- Cilantro
- Red Onions
- Lemon juice
- Salt
This really adds brightness and freshness to the dish. Simpley chop the mint, cilantro and red onions. Then, mix with lemon juice and salt.
The last piece is sauteing bell peppers and tossing with salt and oregano
Add oil to pan and saute the bell peppers. It will take about 6-7 minutes and you will see them char a bit.
Assemble tacos and add other toppings you like!
These tacos have all the flavor you need. There is spicy, fresh, crispiness and tinge of sweet.
They taste great with a little lettuce and some shredded cheese on top!
Looking For Other Indian Fusion Recipes? Check Out:
Pav Bhaji NachosJalapeno Paneer Corn TacosAloo Tikki BurgerSpicy Inside Out Grilled Cheese
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Tandoori Paneer Tikka Tacos
Equipment
- Grill pan or pan
Ingredients
Tandoori Paneer Tikka
- 2 8 oz paneer packages about 450 grams
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tsp ginger minced
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 4 tsp tandoori masala I used MDH brand
- 4 tsp chaat masala
- 2 cup greek yogurt I used Fage 5% fat
- 2 tsp cumin powder
- 2 tsp oregano
- 2 tsp kashmiri pepper powder gives color and hint of spice
- 2 tsp salt
Sauteed Bell Peppers
- 2 medium bell peppers chopped
- 1 pinch salt
- 1 tsp oregano
Mango Jalapeno Crema
- 1½ cup chopped mango about 1 medium-large mango
- 3/4 cup sour cream
- 1 tbsp jalapeno chopped, about ½ jalapeno
- 1½ tsp lime juice fresh squeezed
Fresh Mint Cilantro Green Chutney Inspired Salsa
- 1 cup red onions chopped
- 1 cup cilantro chopped
- ½ cup mint chopped
- 2 tbsp jalapeno chopped, about 1/2 jalapeno
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Taco Shells and toppings of choice
- 12 taco shells
- lettuce per taste, optional
- shredded cheese per taste, optional
Instructions
Tandoori Paneer Tikka Tacos
- Whisk greek yogurt in a bowl. Add spices,lemon juice and mix. Add cubed paneer and combine until thoroughly coated. Let paneer soak in marinade atleast 2 hours and up to overnight in fridge.
- Coat pan with oil and heat pan (about 1 tbsp oil). Once hot, add paneer. Cook paneer mixing so sides get a bit of char and crispiness. About 8-10 minutes, giving time for water of marinade to burn off first. Alternatively, you can bake in oven (instructions in blog post).
- Set paneer aside when ready
Sauteed Bell Peppers
- Using same pan saute bell peppers until begin to char a bit for 5-6 minutes. Add salt and oregano. Mix and set aside.
Mango Jalapeno Crema
- Chop mango and 1/2 jalapeno. Add to blender along with salt, lime and sour cream. Blend until smooth and set aside.
Fresh Mint and Cilantro Green Chutney Inspired Salsa
- Dice onions and remaining 1/2 jalapeno. Chop cilantro and mint finely. Mix in a bowl with salt and lemon juice.
Notes
- Tandoori Paneer Tikka (15 minutes active time to make, additional time for paneer to soak in marinade)
- Sauteed Bell Peppers (6-7 minutes to make)
- Mango Jalapeno Crema (sauce, 5 minutes to make)
- Fresh mint and cilantro green chutney inspired salsa (5 minutes to make)
