Have you ever tried a fusion food? Or rather a burger recipe with so much of Indian flavors? Well, this spicy paneer burger is one such recipe packed with all Indian flavors. Doesn’t the word paneer pretty much imply Indian?
So, this is yet another recipe from my archives. It has been a few months since I actually made this recipe. I guess today was its day to finally make it to the blog. Lol! So, my long wait will get over once I click on that publish button.
Could the preparation of burger get any simpler, is one’s thought when you see the actual recipe of this spicy paneer burger. It is so very simple to prepare that you will almost do this in no time. For any sudden night cravings, this spicy paneer burger is the best option available.
Oh, it is healthy too! Paneer is the best replacement for meat. It is packed with lots of protein and other essential nutrients as well. And, I have already told you right – that this burger recipe is easy to make? So, why give it any second thoughts when it is easy as well as healthy?!
I have used store-bought burger buns to make this spicy paneer burger. You can make the burger bun from scratch at home. I will give the detailed recipe very soon in the blog. But, if you are running short of time or if you want to reduce your cooking time, then opt for store-bought ones like me. There are so many brands available in your local supermarket too!
Did you also know that you need not even marinate the paneer for this spicy paneer burger?! Yep, you heard me right?! Oh my god! This recipe is trly incredible. For this burger, you just have to cut the block of paneer into half to one inch thick rectangular pieces that fit inside the burger buns.
Then, just dip this in an Indian flavored batter base and coat the pieces in bread crumbs and corn flakes. Voila! Your paneer is ready to fry! Not so difficult right? Oh, this Indian spiced batter makes the burger so much more delicious! Anything Indianized (to suit our taste buds) makes the recipe even more delish and it definitely has a very special place in our hearts!!
Paneer by itself is very bland. But, when you add the right spices to it, it takes your entire dish to another level! That bread crumbs and corn flakes will make the paneer very crispy and crunchy on the outside, whereas on the inside, the paneer remains very soft and fluffy.
The paneer will remain soft only until it is hot. So, remember to consume it immediately after you prepare it. Also, for this spicy paneer burger, the choice of vegetables is completely yours. I have kept it very simple by including just lettuce. But you can go ahead and add some tomatoes or onions or anything that you like.
For me I wanted the flavor of the paneer to be dominant paired along with a spicy mayo. This spicy paneer burger can be served with French fried and some beverage by the side. Even coleslaw combination works too good! And, nothing can beat the good old burger – French fires combo!
So, once you see this spicy paneer burger on your plate, no second thoughts. Dig in right away! Enjoy this spicy paneer burger with any appetizer and a beverage on the side with your loved ones! Stay safe; stay healthy! Happy cooking and eating!
While you are here, do checkout my burger recipes to prepare for a weekend brunch or dinner! Try out my other American recipes too for a different and indulgent meal! Also, look through my Indo-American recipes for a hint of Indian flavors in your American style meal.
Has meal planning been a little bit difficult during this lockdown? Look through my No Veggies, 21-Day Lockdown Series for ideas on what to cook during this lockdown.
If you have tried any of my recipes, then tag @the_busy_apron and share it on Instagram with the hashtag #thebusyapron. Also tag @TheBusyApron and share it on Twitter with the hashtag #thebusyapron
Spicy paneer burger
Ingredients
- 200 grams paneer block
- oil, to deep fry the paneer
For the batter
- ½ cup all purpose flour
- ½ tsp black pepper powder
- 1 tsp red chili powder
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- salt, as required
- water, to make the batter
To fry the paneer
- crushed corn flakes, to coat the paneer
- ½ tsp red chili powder
- ½ tsp black pepper powder
- salt, a pinch
For the spicy mayo
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp tomato ketchup
- 1 tbsp capsico sauce
- 1 tbsp red chili sauce
- 1 tbsp red chili paste
To assemble each burger
- 1 burger bun
- 1 cheese slice
- ½ tsp butter, to toast the buns
- 1 lettuce leaf
- 2-3 tbsp mayo
Instructions
- Cut the block of paneer horizontally into two pieces.
To prepare the paneer
- In a mixing bowl, add all the ingredients for the batter (except for the paneer).
- Add water, little at a time to make a thick batter.
- In a large plate, add the crushed corn flakes along with the spices and mix well.
- Dip each paneer piece in the batter and then coat them in the crushed corn flakes mixture and keep aside.
- Heat a pan or a kadai on medium, with enough oil to fry the paneer. Drop each paneer piece once the oil is hot and fry until golden brown on all sides.
- Drain the fried paneer pieces onto a plate.
To prepare the buns and mayo
- Halve each burger bun and toast them with some butter on a tawa on medium heat.
- In a small bowl add the mayo and the sauces and mix until it turns homogenous.
To assemble the burger
- On the bottom half of a burger bun, spread 1-2 tbsp mayo ad place the fried paneer on top. Place a sheet of cheese on the fried paneer.
- Spread 1-2 tbsp mayo on the top half of the bun and place a lettuce leaf on top.
- Bring both the bottom and the top part together and serve hot with any sides of your choice.
Notes
- Do not add more water to make the batter. We want a batter thick enough to coat the paneer pieces.
- You can use bread crumbs instead of crushed corn flakes or even a mixture of both for a good binding.
- If you feel that the mayo is very hot for you, then reduce the amount of the sauces by half or according to your taste.
- If you do not have capsico sauce, then replace with any hot sauce available or simple leave it out.
- Do not burn the paneer pieces while frying them.
- You can add any vegetables of your choice to assemble the burger.
- You can even keep the mayo plain or simply switch with burger mayo for a less hot version.
- Toasting the bun is completely optional, but it adds a good flavor to the burger.
- You can add another cheese slice if you prefer or you can even load the burger with two paneer pieces.
