If you’re a fan of Indian cuisine, you’re probably familiar with the creamy and versatile delight known as paneer. But have you ever tried an orange-infused twist on this classic favorite? Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with my take on the recipe for Orange Chicken but with Paneer. The combination of tangy citrus flavors and the rich creaminess of paneer creates a culinary experience that will leave you craving more. Let’s dive into this recipe and explore the wonderful world of orange-infused paneer!
A Burst of Citrus Bliss: Discover the Flavorful Delights of Orange Paneer
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This is a fusion for Indian and Chinese adapted from the Panda Express recipe
Author: Shiela Not Sheila
Recipe type: Main
Cuisine: Indian
Serves: 4
Ingredients
- FOR PANEER:
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil for frying
- FOR SAUCE
- 2 tablespoon oil
- 3-4 dry red chilis
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon ginger, minced
- ¼ cup sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup orange juice
- ¼ cup black vinegar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons water
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- Optional: garnish with green onions & sesame seeds
Instructions
- Prepare the paneer: Start by cutting the paneer into bite-sized cubes. In a shallow bowl, combine cornstarch, flour, salt, and black pepper. Toss the paneer cubes in the cornstarch mixture, ensuring they are coated evenly.
- Fry the paneer: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the coated paneer cubes to the hot oil and fry until they turn golden brown and crispy. This process typically takes around 5-7 minutes. Once done, transfer the paneer to a plate lined with a paper towel to absorb any excess oil.
- Prepare the orange sauce: In the same skillet or wok used for frying the paneer, add oil and heat over medium heat. Once the oil shimmers, add chilies, garlic and ginger and cook until fragrant. Add the sugars and juice to the wok, and mix until the sugars dissolve. Add vinegar and soy sauce and stir. Now add the cornstarch and water to a small bowl and combine. Add that to your sauce in the wok. Cook until the sauce has thickened to a syrup like consistency.
- Combine paneer and sauce: Gently add the fried paneer cubes to the skillet with the orange sauce. Toss them carefully to ensure each piece is coated in the flavorful sauce. Cook for an additional minute or two, allowing the paneer to absorb the flavors. Top with sesame oil.
- Serve and garnish: Once the paneer is fully coated and heated through, transfer the orange paneer to a serving dish. Sprinkle sesame seeds and sliced green onions on top for a visually appealing and flavorful garnish.
- Enjoy: Serve your zesty orange paneer as a main dish with steamed rice or alongside your favorite stir-fried vegetables. Each bite will explode with the bright and citrusy flavors that perfectly complement the paneer's soft interior and crispy exterior.
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