Paneer Bhurji
Ingredients
- 200g paneer, crumbled
- 1 small onion, very finely chopped
- 1 medium tomato, finely chopped
- 1 green chilli, finely chopped
- 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste
- ½ tsp cumin seeds
- ¼ tsp turmeric
- ½ tsp red chilli powder
- ½ tsp coriander powder
- ¼ tsp garam masala
- 1 tbsp oil
- Salt to taste
- Fresh coriander to finish
- Lemon juice to finish
Steps
- 1
Cook the masala base
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine oil, cumin seeds, onion, and ginger-garlic paste. Microwave on HIGH for 2.5 minutes, stirring once, until onion is soft and light golden.
- 2
Add tomato and spices
Add tomato, green chilli, turmeric, red chilli powder, and coriander powder. Microwave on HIGH for 2 minutes until the tomato breaks down and the masala thickens.
- 3
Add paneer
Add crumbled paneer and salt. Mix well to coat every piece in the masala.
- 4
Final cook
Microwave on HIGH for 1 minute. Stir. The paneer should be heated through and coated in masala. Add garam masala and stir.
- 5
Serve
Finish with fresh coriander and a squeeze of lemon juice. Serve with roti, paratha, or toast. Also excellent as a filling for rolls.
Tips for Best Results
💡 Fresh paneer stays softer
Fresh, soft paneer (not refrigerator-cold) crumbles evenly and absorbs spices better. Take paneer out of the fridge 10 minutes before cooking.
💡 Do not overcook the paneer
Paneer that microwaves too long becomes rubbery and releases moisture. One minute on HIGH after the masala is ready is all it needs.
💡 Add capsicum for extra flavour
Finely chopped capsicum added with the tomato adds sweetness and colour without significantly changing the cooking time.
About this recipe ↓About this recipe ↑
Quick Protein Without a Gas Stove
Paneer bhurji is one of the most versatile Indian dishes — works as breakfast, lunch, or a quick dinner, stuffed into a roll or eaten with roti. On a gas stove it takes about 10 minutes. In the microwave it takes 5, and the result is indistinguishable.
The key is cooking the masala base first until fragrant, then crumbling the paneer in and cooking briefly — the paneer only needs heat to warm through and absorb the spices, not to actually cook.
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More 5-Minute Microwave Meals
Paneer bhurji is one of the fastest gas-free protein dishes. Explore more microwave recipes and no-gas cooking ideas in our collection.
