Vegetarian Paneer Satay (Video Recipe)

Spicy paneer satay skewers with earthy and rustic malay style peanut sauce. This tasty paneer recipe is for days you want something spicy and tasty in minutes. These vegetarian satay with peanut sauce are a perfect vegetarian snack recipe when you are craving a restaurant-style appetizer at home.

We all love easy paneer recipes. Paneer or cottage cheese is a delicious vegetarian option for substituting for meat. So to make a vegetarian satay I adapted this Malaysian Chicken satay recipe to make paneer satay.     

You can easily make this same recipe with Tofu which is another vegetarian and vegan option for making satay. During the lockdown when each one of us is craving restaurant food and people have donned chef hats. It is better to cook your favorite dishes at home and I think many of us are doing it. 

Whenever dining in an Asian restaurant I invariably order a vegetarian satay so naturally, I had to make it at home. The only difference this time was that I made Malay satay and made real peanut sauce from scratch. By real peanut Satay sauce, I mean with peanuts and spices, none of that peanut butter stuff. I will share that soon too.

What is Satay 

Satay is a southeast Asian dish in which meat which is marinated with flavourful spices is skewered grilled to spicy perfection. There are many versions of this popular South Asian appetizer, Indonesian, Thai, Malay and it is served with satay sauce.

How To Make Vegetarian Satay 

If I want to make vegetarian appetizers to substitute for a meat dish I either Pick Paneer, Tofu or Mushrooms for their obvious meaty texture. WIth some creamy Homemade paneer at home this time I made satay with paneer.

I know, you will hardly find vegetarian satay in original cuisine, but being a vegetarian I had to do something to make it. Husband and Boy enjoyed it so much and In India, we have a vegetarian equivalent for every dish so I rest my case 😀 

Basically these are grilled paneer skewers marinated with spices served with thick earthy-flavored satay sauce. The marinade used in making satay is the same as Chicken satay But this Paneer Satay is different from other grilled paneer recipes which we are used to of. 

This paneer Satay is a step healthier than regular grilled paneer recipes. I have used less oil and focussed on making it flavorful and less-calorie.

Paneer Satay Ingredients 

The marinade is the most important element in making delicious Satay. To make the best vegetarian Satay paneer or tofu is marinated with aromatic spices and other ingredients. To make satay marinade you need:

• Red chili powder,
• Paprika, 
• Curry powder,
• Cardamom powder, 
• Salt, 
• Black pepper,
• Lemongrass,
• Oil and
• Coconut milk.

Mix all these ingredients in a mixing bowl with a spoon or whisk. Allow the ingredients with marinade to sit for minimum 30 minutes or more. This way paneer will soak all the ingredients and have robust flavors.

Paneer Satay Recipe Step by Step

Crush lemongrass in a mortar and pestle to maximize the flavor. (pic 1) In a mixing bowl add red chili powder, paprika, curry powder, cardamom powder, salt, oil, and coconut milk. Mix the ingredients with a spoon or whisk. (pic 2,3)

When it is mixed add black pepper and pour some more coconut milk to make a smooth marinade. Mix again and add one-inch stalk lemongrass in the bowl. Whisk again so that the flavor is well absorbed. (pic 4,5) Now add paneer cubes in the bowl. (pic 6)

Coat them with the marinade and allow it to rest for 30 minutes. (pic 1) Thread 3 pcs of paneer cubes on to each skewer. Once skewed keep it aside. (pic 2,3) Brush oil in a grill pan and place the paneer skewers in it.  Cook paneer satay from all the sides. (pic 4,5,6)

Paneer Satay Video

Recipe Notes and Tips

• Paneer satay or satay is the vegetarian version of Chicken satay. It is perfectly grilled and nicely charred paneer cubes in skewers with mouthwatering peanut sauce. 
• Paneer satay tastes best with homemade paneer. You can make homemade paneer by following the easy steps here. Or you can buy frozen paneer cubes as well.
• If you like you can switch Indian cottage cheese/paneer with tofu Mushrooms or even soya chaap.

Is Paneer Satay Healthy?

Paneer is rich in protein and this recipe uses less oil for both marinating and grilling. Paneer satay is healthy and it also passes the calorie test. If you are looking to include a filling Low GI snack in your menu this South Asian style a Vegetarian appetizer is a good option.

Can you bake it in Oven?

You can bake this vegetarian Satay in the oven with minimum oil or pan-fry it on a skillet. You can also make Satay on the Barbeque or grilled over charcoal. In this recipe, I have shown how to pan-fry it for ease. Originally Satay is made in open barbecues in backyards but living in a city I find Air frying best. So I grill it in an air fryer.

Can I Pan-fry on a skillet?

You can easily pan-fry Paneer Satay on a skillet. For best results, use a cast-iron grill pan to pan-fry the skillet.

Can I freeze Paneer Skewers?

Once you have marinated the paneer, wrap uncooked skewers tightly in aluminum foil. Then keep it in the freeze. When you want to grill it, thaw it either overnight in the fridge, or on the kitchen counter for 2 hours then grill it. 

How to Serve Paneer Satay?

Spicy Paneer Satay tastes best when served with Peanuts Satay sauce. This satay sauce has a strong earthy and rustic flavor and goes well with the spices. Serve it with sliced cucumber, onion, and peanut sauce. You can even wrap it in a tortilla and make a Frankie.

Other Asian Recipes You can Try

Bang Bang Cauliflower

Asian vermicelli Noodle Bowl

Asian Thai Noodles Salad in Peanut sauce

Veg Thai Green Curry Recipe