From rich curries to delicious appetisers, cheese is a key ingredient in countless dishes. Ask anyone and paneer will feature on their list of favorite dishes. While its soft and creamy texture is delicious when cooked correctly, many people have trouble with the cheese becoming hard and chewy when fried. The good news is that with a few smart techniques, you can enjoy the softest fried cheese without frying. Here’s a comprehensive guide including a simple hack shared by a chef to get perfect results every time.
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How to stop chewing fried cheese:
If you’re tired of eating rubbery paneer, chef Neha Deepak Shah’s method will prove to be a game-changer. In an Instagram post, he suggested a simple but highly effective technique:
Cook on medium flame: Heat a pan and cook the paneer pieces on medium flame from all sides. This ensures an even golden crust without overcooking the cheese.
Dip in salted hot water: Once cooked, immediately put the cheese in a bowl of salted hot water. Let it soak for at least 20 minutes. This step helps to rehydrate the cheese, restore its softness and enhance its flavor.
Chef Neha emphasizes two important points: avoid cooking on low flame and keep the cooking time short. The longer the paneer cooks, the harder it becomes, so cook on medium flame for best results.
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Other ways to keep cheese soft
While Chef Neha’s hack is fantastic, there are additional tips and techniques that can ensure soft, delicious paneer:
- Choose fresh cheese: Fresh cheese is naturally softer and less likely to be chewy. If you’re buying packaged cheese, check the manufacturing date and choose the freshest option available.
- Avoid overfilling the pan: While frying paneer, overfilling the pan can lead to uneven cooking. Cook in batches if necessary to give each piece enough room to brown evenly.
- Use minimal oil: Excess oil can lead to overcooking. A non-stick tawa or a well-seasoned iron pan works best for frying the paneer with minimal oil.
- Add paneer at the right time: If you are adding paneer to curry or gravy, do so at the end of the cooking process. Overcooking the cheese in the sauce can make it tough.
- Use dairy for extra softness: Before frying, marinate the paneer in a mixture of curd, cream or milk with spices. This not only keeps it moist but also adds flavor to it.
- Grill on a pan instead of frying: For a healthier option, grill the paneer on a pan. Brush it lightly with oil and cook on medium flame for a charred but soft texture.
Why does this cheese hack work?
Paneer is essentially curdled milk and its texture depends on retaining moisture. By roasting it briefly and then soaking in salted hot water, the paneer reabsorbs the moisture lost during cooking, resulting in a soft and delicious taste. Salt enhances its flavour, making this recipe ideal for dishes like paneer tikka, stir-fry or salads.
Whether you are preparing a quick snack or a delicious meal, soft and juicy fried paneer is now within your reach.
