Dairy-Free Chilli Paneer

This vibrant and flavor-packed Dairy-Free Chilli Paneer is a plant-based twist on the classic Indo-Chinese favorite, replacing paneer with firm tofu for a creamy yet dairy-free alternative. Perfectly crispy tofu cubes are coated in a cornstarch blend, pan-fried until golden, and tossed in a luscious, umami-rich sauce made with soy sauce, tomato ketchup, and chili sauce. Stir-fried bell peppers, onions, and green chilies add a delightful crunch and a burst of color, while aromatic garlic and ginger create bold, irresistible flavors. Ready in just 40 minutes, this easy recipe is ideal for weeknight dinners or as an appetizer, served alongside steamed rice or noodles. A must-try for those looking for a vegan or lactose-free fusion dish that doesn’t compromise on taste!

Nutriscore Rating: 72/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 400 grams Firm tofu
• 2 tablespoons Cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 1 teaspoon Black pepper
• 4 tablespoons Cooking oil
• 4 units Garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon Ginger, grated
• 1 medium Green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 medium Red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 medium Onion, chopped
• 2 units Green chilies, slit
• 2 tablespoons Soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons Tomato ketchup
• 1 tablespoon Chili sauce
• 3 units Spring onions, chopped
• 1 cup Water

Directions

Step 1

Press the tofu for 15-20 minutes to remove excess moisture. Pat dry and cut into 1-inch cubes.

Step 2

In a bowl, mix cornstarch, salt, and black pepper. Toss the tofu cubes in the mixture until evenly coated.

Step 3

Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a non-stick pan over medium heat. Add the coated tofu cubes and fry until golden brown on all sides. Remove and set aside.

Step 4

In the same pan, add 2 tablespoons of oil. Sauté the minced garlic and grated ginger for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 5

Add the chopped onions, green and red bell peppers, and slit green chilies. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are slightly tender but still crisp.

Step 6

In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, tomato ketchup, and chili sauce with 1 cup of water. Mix well and pour over the sautéed vegetables.

Step 7

Bring the sauce to a simmer and allow to thicken slightly, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 8

Add the fried tofu cubes back into the pan and toss to coat them evenly in the sauce.

Step 9

Garnish with chopped spring onions and serve hot with rice or noodles.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1233.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1108.2

Total Fat 76.1g	0%
Saturated Fat 10.5g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.0g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 4137.2mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 72.2g	0%
Dietary Fiber 14.6g	0%
Total Sugars 30.1g
Protein 50.9g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 739.3mg	0%
Iron 8.8mg	0%
Potassium 1576.1mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 58.2%

Protein: 17.3%

Carbs: 24.5%