Wondering what to make for dinner tonight? Put this paneer onion masala stir-fry on the menu!
This paneer recipe takes no time at all as long as you’ve got some pre-made onion masala handy! I tell ya, that stuff is magic sauce. You can do so many things with it! And this paneer onion masala stir-fry has to be on your list of things to make!
An Indian Onion Masala Recipe:
This dry paneer dish is part of my Onion Masala series where I share recipes that call for exact amounts of onion masala, which you can make in bulk in advance. Having this masala ready to go makes it so easy to cook Indian meals! I’m talking minutes. It’s meal prepping at it’s finest!
Click on the image below to find out how to make onion masala, store it, and find other recipes that call for it.
Using onion masala in this tawa paneer (stovetop paneer) recipe cuts down cook time significantly because there’s no need to cook down tomatoes/onions. You add the onion and tomato masala to the pan along with some spices and green bell pepper. Just look at how the masala clings onto the paneer:
I shared another paneer recipe not too long ago, also calling for onion masala: paneer makhani. Even though that paneer dish also called for onion masala, the flavor couldn’t be more different from this recipe. That paneer is soaked in a creamy cashew sauce while this one is coated with a spiced onion masala sauce and is more of a stir-fry type of dish.
You can definitely add more onion masala to this if you prefer a saucier dish. That’s the beauty of onion masala; since it’s already cooked, you can add it to the end of a recipe according to your preference. If you wanted to, you could add more onion masala and a bit of water to make a paneer curry.
You can also serve this with plain basmati rice or pea pulao, or any type of Indian flatbread.
Ingredients
- 1 14 ounce block paneer, chopped into small rectangles/pieces
- 2 tablespoons oil
- ½ teaspoon cumin seeds
Spices
- Âľ teaspoon salt adjust to taste
- ½ teaspoon garam masala
- ½ teaspoon roasted cumin powder*
- ÂĽ teaspoon black pepper
- ÂĽ cayenne
- 1 green pepper chopped into large pieces
- ½ cup fresh/thawed onion masala click here for recipe
Instructions
- Add the oil to a sauté pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the cumin seeds and when they turn brown, reduce the heat to low and add the paneer. Stir-fry the paneer for 1-2 minutes then add the spices and mix well.
- Add the bell pepper and onion masala and cook until the onion masala coats the paneer (you can increase the heat to speed up this process).
Notes
- Roasted cumin powder is highly aromatic and has a more intense flavor than regular (unroasted) cumin. Do not substitute this with regular cumin as you won’t get the right favor.
- To make roasted cumin powder:Â heat a skillet over low heat and dry roast cumin seeds (I usually do 1 cup) for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally until the color of the cumin changes to a dark brown. Turn off the heat and allow the cumin seeds to cool down. Place the cumin into a spice grinder and blend until smooth. Store in an airtight jar and use within 6-8 months for the most flavor.
- This recipe is part of my onion masala series – be sure to check it out!
- If you prefer a saucier paneer dish, you can add more onion masala.
- If using homemade paneer you will want to stir-fry it for less time as it’s more gentle compared to store-bought.
Swati says
This paneer recipe continues to be one of my favorite recipes on your blog. Super easy and tasty! <3 Thanks Ashley!
Ashley - My Heart Beets says
Swati, I’m so glad to hear that! Thanks for letting me know how much you like it 🙂
Cathy says
Every time I make a batch of onion Masala to freeze I keep out 1/2 cup to make this recipe as my treat, I just love it!
Ashley - My Heart Beets says
Cathy, that’s awesome! Love that this is your treat! 🙂
Jen says
A little salty but delish and spicy. We are it up. I would just cut the salt in half next time. Agree – your onion masala is the bomb to have on hand for quick recipes
Emily says
I love this recipe and have made it many times. So easy! If anything, leftovers the next day taste even better 🙂 Thanks!
Ashley - My Heart Beets says
Emily, I’m so happy to hear that! Thank you for letting me know how much you like the paneer onion masala stir-fry recipe 🙂
Shari says
So easy and fast with the Onion Masala already made. It was delicious with a mild, pleasant spiciness and even more flavorful and yummier the next day. Thanks so much!
My Heart Beets says
Hi Shari, that’s so great to hear! Thanks for letting me know how this turned out for you 🙂
Jenny says
I love this recipe! I make it all the time with your basmati rice. I don’t even like green peppers that much but they’re great in this. I’ve just started making my own paneer and it’s so tasty in this recipe.
My Heart Beets says
Jenny, that’s so great to hear! Thanks for letting me know how much you like this recipe 🙂 And that’s awesome that you’re making your own paneer!
Erika Zoller says
Absolutely loved this recipe! An easy weeknight meal but also had the slow-cook feel of a Sunday dinner. I added some spinach and it was a hit. Thanks for all your recipes – I use at least one a week!
My Heart Beets says
Erika, that’s so great to hear! Love how you described the dish 🙂 Thank you for letting me know how much you liked this recipe.
Charlotte says
We made this last night after making your onion masala for the first time and it was sooo tasty. It’s very satisfying to be able to make such a delicious dish at home, and it was so easy to make! Thanks for posting your fantastic recipes!
My Heart Beets says
Charlotte, I’m so happy to hear that you made the masala! And made this stir-fry too! I can’t wait to hear what you think of any other onion masala recipes that you try 🙂
Charlotte says
So far we’ve made the chicken patiala, aloo matar, and dal makhani with the onion masala and they have all been wonderful! The onion masala really makes it so easy to put together a quick meal!
My Heart Beets says
Charlotte, so happy you’ve tried so many of my onion masala recipes! Happy to hear you’re liking them 🙂
Arvind Reuben says
Hi Ashley,
Thanx for this awesome and simple recipe, made this for my wife’s birthday today, she just loved it….I made the onion masala yesterday using the insta pot , followed your recipe to the letter and it turned out awesome too…I have a whole bunch of the onion masala and am going to try out different recipes using it….I’ve been on a Keto diet for far too long looking forward to these recipes with some delicious naans and rotis….Thank you once again for all this…..(BTW I use a Mealthy Instapot)…wish you and MHB all the very best and success…
Much love and regards to you and your family..
Cheers
Arvind Reuben
(Shivanasamudram, India)
My Heart Beets says
Hi Arvind, I’m so sorry for the late reply! I’m so happy to hear that your wife loved this recipe! I can’t wait to hear what you think of any other recipes you make using the onion masala 🙂
Carey says
Another winner! I made up a quick batch of paneer and ended up only having 8 oz. so I added in a couple more peppers to fill the dish out a bit. I served it with the instant pot matar palau and it was a very nice match.
Everything came together so fast that this is easily a great weeknight dinner. Thanks Ashley!
My Heart Beets says
Carey, I’m so happy to hear that! Thanks for letting me know how it turned out for you 🙂
Deepti says
I tried making the onion masala and then used it for this paneer stirfry…It was just delicious and so unbelievably easy. looking forward to trying more of your veggie recipes using this magic masala sauce!
Thank you
My Heart Beets says
Deepti, I’m so happy to hear that!! I can’t wait to hear what you think of my other onion masala recipes! 🙂
Sandra says
super yum, I love all the vegetarian recipes with the onion masala sauce! thanks for posting them, all have been outstanding
My Heart Beets says
Sandra, that’s so great to hear! Thanks for letting me know how much you like them 🙂
Baxter says
Your recipes look amazing. Thank you for sharing
My Heart Beets says
Thank you!
Maneesha says
Such a tasty recipe!! I love the addition of the onion masala! My husband and I loved this! We had it for dinner, and I packed him some for lunch as well. When he heated it up, it attracted the attention of all his colleagues! “oh wow, what’s that incredible smell?” And THAT’s how you know this is a slam-dunk recipe! I recommend this recipe to everybody – try it!
My Heart Beets says
Maneesha, that’s so great to hear!! Thank you for letting me know how much you and your hubby liked this 🙂