Craving a delicious fusion dish? Try Paneer Noodles! This Indo-Chinese delight combines the goodness of paneer with spicy, tangy noodles for a mouthwatering experience. Perfect for a quick meal or lunch box or a special treat.
More Paneer Recipes To Try – Homemade Paneer Pizza, Paneer Dum Biryani, Curried Paneer Grilled Sandwiches, Paneer Pav Bhaji
Evolution Of South Indian Street Food
In the late 90s and early 2000s, street food in South India underwent a revolutionary transformation, introducing new flavors, dishes, and culinary innovations that have since become staples of the region’s vibrant food culture.
The shift from traditional snacks like bajji, pakodi, vada, and punugulu to new favorites like pav bhaji, pani puri, and noodles reflects the dynamic nature of South Indian culinary culture. This evolution not only expanded the variety of street food available but also enriched the region’s food heritage. A remarkable transformation of South Indian Street Food began by blending the old with the new in a delicious and exciting way.
Rapid urbanization and a fast-paced lifestyle increased the need for quick, convenient, and filling meals. New street food offerings like pav bhaji and noodles met these demands perfectly. Along the way, many new and innovative recipes emerged. One standout creation is Noodles.
About This Recipe
When it comes to fusion food, paneer noodles stand out as a perfect blend of Indian and Chinese culinary traditions. This dish combines soft chunks of paneer cubes (Indian cottage cheese) with the spicy, tangy flavors of Chinese noodles. This Desi Chinese recipe creates a delightful and versatile meal that is enjoyed by people of all ages.
Fusion cuisine has been gaining popularity worldwide, and paneer noodles are a prime example of this trend. The origins of this dish can be traced back to Indo-Chinese cuisine, which emerged in Kolkata, India, during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Chinese immigrants in Kolkata began to adapt their traditional recipes to suit Indian tastes, resulting in a unique culinary tradition that combines the best of both worlds. Paneer noodles are a relatively modern addition to this tradition, incorporating the beloved Indian ingredient paneer into a classic Chinese noodle dish.
With its rich flavors, vibrant colors, and satisfying textures, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a show-stopping dish for a special occasion, paneer noodles are the perfect choice. Give this recipe a try and delight your taste buds with this mouthwatering fusion dish.
Homemade spicy paneer noodles are the ideal choice for a lunch box or quick meal, offering a delicious fusion of flavors and textures that are both satisfying and easy to prepare.
Why Homemade Spicy Paneer Noodles?
- Flavorful Fusion: These noodles combine the rich, creamy texture of paneer with the bold flavors of spicy seasonings. A simple noodle recipe that appeals to both Indian and Chinese cuisine enthusiasts.
- Quick and Convenient: Perfect for busy mornings or rushed lunch breaks. Preparing these noodles is quick and hassle-free. With minimal cooking time and simple ingredients, they ensure a satisfying meal without the fuss.
- Customizable: You can tailor the spice levels to your preference. Suitable for anyone who enjoys a bit of heat in their meals. Add more chili sauce or fresh green chilies for an extra kick, or dial it down for a milder taste.
- Nutritious and Filling: Paneer adds protein to the dish, making it a wholesome option for lunch. Combined with vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, and cabbage, these noodles provide essential vitamins and minerals for a balanced meal.
- Versatile Serving Options: Whether packed in a lunch box for work or enjoyed at home for a quick dinner, homemade spicy paneer noodles are versatile. You can pair this with baby corn capsicum stir-fry or tomato ketchup for flavor and variety.
- Family Favorite: Loved by kids and adults alike, these noodles are sure to become a staple in your kitchen rotation, bringing smiles to the faces of those who enjoy a delicious and fulfilling meal.
Paneer Noodles Ingredients
- Noodles: The noodles form the base of this dish. Hakka noodles are a traditional choice, but you can use soba for a nutty flavor or whole wheat noodles for a healthier option.
- Paneer | Indian Cottage Cheese: A type of fresh cheese common in South Asian cuisine. Known for its creamy texture and mild flavor. When cubed, it provides a satisfying, chewy bite that contrasts well with the other ingredients in the dish. Ensure the paneer is fresh for the best results. You can fry it lightly to give it a golden crust before adding it to the noodles.
- Onions: Provide a sweet and savory base. Slice them thinly for even cooking and to enhance the dish’s texture.
- Veggies: Bell peppers add color, crunch, and a slight sweetness. Use any color you prefer or a mix for a vibrant dish. Carrots offer a slight sweetness and a satisfying crunch. Julienne them finely to blend well with the noodles. Cabbage adds a crisp texture and pairs well with the other vegetables. It also contributes to the dish’s overall volume and nutritional value.
- Garlic: Infuses the dish with a robust, aromatic flavor. Mince it finely to ensure it distributes evenly throughout the noodles.
- Green Chilies: Provide heat and a fresh, spicy flavor. Adjust the amount according to your spice tolerance.
- Sauces: I add red chilli sauce pasta-pizza sauce. Chili sauce adds heat and a tangy flavor. Pasta-Pizza sauce adds a unique flavor, blending Italian influences with the Indo-Chinese profile. It provides a rich tomato base with herbs and spices.
- Vinegar: Adds a tangy note, balancing the flavors and enhancing the dish’s overall taste. It also helps to tenderize the vegetables slightly.
Spicy Paneer Noodles
Whenever my dad was working late at night, he always made it a point to bring home piping hot noodles or cashew pakodi. It became a cherished family tradition, with the tantalizing aroma of these late-night treats signaling his return.
The noodles, often stir-fried with a medley of vegetables and egg or chicken, were a perfect blend of spices and flavors that delighted our taste buds. The cashew pakodi, crunchy and savory, was a special indulgence that we eagerly anticipated. These moments not only satisfied the hunger but also filled our home with warmth and togetherness. At that time, I did not realize we were creating lasting memories of love and comfort over delicious food.
Over the years, noodles have become a staple in my kitchen. Noodles are not only comforting but also versatile, offering endless possibilities in the kitchen. They can be prepared in a variety of ways with a myriad of ingredients, fresh vegetables to succulent meats and savory sauces.
Making noodles for lunchboxes is incredibly easy and convenient, as they can be swiftly cooked and customized depending on the available ingredients. Noodles consistently deliver both satisfaction and nourishment.
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Paneer Noodles Recipe
Homemade spicy paneer noodles offer a delightful combination of convenience, flavor, and nutrition, making them an excellent choice for anyone seeking a satisfying meal on the go or at home. Whether you're packing them for lunch or preparing a quick dinner, these noodles are sure to please with every flavorful bite.
Ingredients
For the Noodles:
- 200g Noodles (Hakka, soba, or any other type of your choice)
- 1 tbsp. Oil
- Water for boiling
- Salt to taste
For the Stir-Fry:
- 150g Paneer, cubed
- 1 large Onion, finely sliced
- 1 large Bell pepper, finely sliced
- 1 large carrot, julienned
- ½ cup cabbage, shredded
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2-3 Green chilies, slit (optional)
- 1 tsp. Red chili sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp. Pasta-Pizza sauce or Tomato ketchup
- 1 tbsp. Vinegar
- 2-3 tbsp. Oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
How To Make Paneer Noodles
Step 1: Boil the Noodles
- In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add a pinch of salt and a tablespoon of oil to the water.
- Add the noodles and cook according to the package instructions until they are al dente.
- Drain the noodles and rinse them with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set them aside.
- When noodles cool to room temperature, simply use tongs or chopsticks to gently separate and untangle them and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Stir-Fry
- Heat 2-3 tablespoons of oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the cubed paneer and stir-fry until they are light golden brown on all sides. Remove the paneer from the wok and set it aside.
- In the same wok, add more oil if necessary. Add the minced garlic, and slit green chilies. Sauté for a minute until they are fragrant.
- Add the sliced onions and stir-fry until they turn translucent.
- Add the sliced bell pepper, julienned carrot, and shredded cabbage. Stir-fry the vegetables for 3-4 minutes until they are tender but still crisp.
Step 3: Combine and Season
- Add the cooked noodles to the wok, followed by the golden-brown paneer cubes.
- Pour in the red chili sauce, pasta-pizza sauce, and vinegar. Toss everything together to ensure the noodles and vegetables are well coated with the sauces.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Be careful with the salt, as we added salt while boiling noodles.
- Continue to stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through and well combined.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
- Transfer the paneer noodles to a serving platter.
- Garnish with red chili flakes, oregano or mixed herbs for extra flavor.
- Serve hot and enjoy your delicious paneer noodles with a side of your favorite dipping sauce or a simple green salad.
- Add love to make this Paneer Noodles taste 'Yummy'.
Notes
Tips For The Perfect Paneer Noodles
- Choose the Right Noodles: While Hakka noodles are the most common choice, you can experiment with other types of noodles like soba, udon, or even whole wheat noodles for a healthier twist.
- Customize the Vegetables: Feel free to add or substitute vegetables based on your preference. Broccoli, French Beans, Snap peas, and Mushrooms are great additions.
- Adjust the Spice Level: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of green chilies and chili sauce. For those who love spicy food, you can add more chilies or even a dash of Szechuan sauce.
- Use Fresh Paneer: Fresh, homemade paneer works best for this recipe. If using store-bought paneer, ensure it is of good quality and soft.
- Serve Immediately: Paneer noodles are best enjoyed hot and fresh. If you need to prepare in advance, keep the components separate and combine them just before serving.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
4Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 471Total Fat: 34gSaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 25gCholesterol: 26mgSodium: 629mgCarbohydrates: 31gFiber: 3gSugar: 8gProtein: 12g
The nutritional information provided is approximate and is calculated using online tools. Information can vary depending on various factors, but we have endeavoured to be as accurate as possible.
kushi says
I’m totally in love with these paneer noodles. So delicious. Thanks for sharing.
suja md says
This looks amazing and such a treat! Thank you!
Paula says
These noodles were so delish!!!