Experience this flavorful favorite at Sai Indian Cuisine – your go-to Indian Food Restaurant in Amarillo, TX.
India’s culinary landscape is vibrant, diverse, and rooted in centuries of flavor and tradition. Among the vegetarian classics that have conquered hearts around the world, Paneer Tikka Masala stands tall. With its creamy, spicy tomato-based sauce and smoky grilled paneer chunks, it’s a vegetarian dish that even meat lovers can’t resist.
At Sai Indian Cuisine, located at 3701 Olsen Blvd, Amarillo, TX, 79109, we bring this royal dish to life with authentic ingredients and expert technique. In today’s blog, we’re going beyond taste—we’re giving you a step-by-step recipe, the story behind the dish, and tips to enjoy it like a pro.
A Royal Introduction to Paneer Tikka Masala
Paneer Tikka Masala is the vegetarian cousin of Butter Chicken. It was inspired by the smoky flavors of grilled meats but uses paneer, a fresh Indian cottage cheese, as the main ingredient. Paneer is marinated in aromatic spices, grilled until charred, and simmered in a rich, tangy, and creamy sauce.
Whether you're vegetarian or just exploring meatless options, this dish offers a fulfilling, protein-packed, and flavorful experience. That’s why it’s one of the most loved items at our Indian Food Restaurant in Amarillo, TX.
Ingredients – What Goes into Great Paneer Tikka Masala?
For the Paneer Tikka:
- 250g paneer, cut into cubes
- ½ cup thick yogurt
- 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp red chili powder
- ½ tsp garam masala
- ½ tsp cumin powder
- Salt to taste
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp oil
- Sliced onions and bell peppers (optional)
For the Masala Gravy:
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1½ cups tomato puree
- 2 tsp ginger-garlic paste
- 1 tsp red chili powder
- ½ tsp turmeric
- 1 tsp coriander powder
- 1 tsp kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves)
- Salt to taste
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Step-by-Step Guide to Paneer Tikka Masala
Step 1: Marinate the Paneer
The magic of any tikka dish begins in the marinade. We mix thick yogurt with ginger-garlic paste, chili powder, turmeric, cumin, garam masala, salt, lemon juice, and oil. Paneer cubes are gently tossed in this mix and left to marinate for at least 1 hour. This infuses the cheese with flavor and helps it absorb the smokiness when grilled.
Step 2: Grill the Tikka
The marinated paneer is then grilled or pan-fried until slightly charred on the edges. If you’re doing it at home, you can use a stovetop griddle, oven, or even an air fryer. The result? Smoky, crisp-on-the-outside paneer that forms the heart of this dish.
At Sai Indian Cuisine, we use a traditional tandoor (clay oven), which adds a unique depth of flavor that’s hard to replicate at home. That’s part of what makes our version so popular in Amarillo.
Step 3: Cook the Masala Gravy
We begin the sauce with a butter-oil blend to create a silky base. Onions are sautéed until golden brown, followed by ginger-garlic paste. Next comes the tomato puree, cooked until the raw smell disappears and the oil begins to separate.
Spices are added—chili powder for heat, turmeric for color, coriander for earthiness, and salt for balance. A splash of cream gives the curry a luxurious texture. Finally, kasuri methi is added and gently crushed between palms to release its aroma.
Step 4: Combine and Simmer
The grilled paneer is added to the simmering gravy, and we let it cook together for a few minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. The creamy, tangy gravy clings to each cube of paneer like a rich coating. We garnish with cilantro and a swirl of cream for that elegant finish.
The Sai Indian Cuisine Touch
What sets our Paneer Tikka Masala apart at Sai Indian Cuisine, your trusted Indian Food Restaurant in Amarillo, TX, is our commitment to freshness and authenticity. Our paneer is always fresh and locally sourced, our spices are imported from India, and every dish is made to order.
We don’t just cook food—we create experiences. When you taste our Paneer Tikka Masala, you taste the care, precision, and passion behind every step.
Best Pairings for Paneer Tikka Masala
At our restaurant, we recommend pairing this vegetarian delight with:
- Butter Naan – Soft and fluffy, perfect for scooping up curry.
- Jeera Rice – Lightly spiced with cumin, this rice lets the curry shine.
- Onion Salad – Fresh and crunchy to cut through the richness.
- Mango Lassi – Sweet and cooling, balances the spice.
Loved by Locals in Amarillo, TX
Our guests often say that Sai Indian Cuisine is their go-to for both meat and vegetarian Indian dishes. Paneer Tikka Masala is a hit with everyone—from long-time Indian cuisine lovers to first-timers.
Many Amarillo locals and out-of-town visitors keep coming back for this one dish because it’s:
- Rich without being heavy
- Spiced without being overwhelming
- Creamy without compromising flavor
If you're in search of authentic vegetarian Indian food, look no further than Sai Indian Cuisine.
Visit Us Today
Craving a comforting, flavorful Indian dish that checks all the boxes? Visit Sai Indian Cuisine, your favorite Indian Food Restaurant in Amarillo, TX, and try our famous Paneer Tikka Masala.
📍 Address: 3701 Olsen Blvd, Amarillo, TX, 79109
📞 Phone: 806-437-1399
📧 Email: saiindiancuisine4@gmail.com
Whether you're dining in, ordering takeout, or planning a catering event, we're here to make your meal memorable.
Final Words
Paneer Tikka Masala is more than a vegetarian option—it’s a culinary celebration. With bold spices, creamy textures, and grilled perfection, this dish offers everything you want in a hearty Indian meal.
At Sai Indian Cuisine in Amarillo, TX, we take pride in sharing the true essence of Indian flavors. Come and experience why locals call our food unforgettable, and discover your new favorite dish today.