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Home » Paneer » Paneer Bhurji Recipe

Paneer Bhurji Recipe

Published: Oct 1, 2015 · Modified: May 10, 2022 by Shweta Arora · This post may contain affiliate links

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Paneer Bhurji is a popular North Indian dish made with crumbled paneer (Indian cottage cheese), onion, tomatoes, bell pepper, and spices. This quick and easy paneer bhurji recipe (scrambled paneer) is a delicious vegetarian side dish that is soft, creamy, and ready to serve in 20 minutes. It pairs well with bread, and pav for breakfast or with flatbreads like roti, paratha, and naan for lunch or dinner. 

In this post, sharing how to make the Punjabi Style Dry Paneer Bhurji recipe with step by step photos and video. 

Paneer bhurji served in a bowl and garnished with cilantro

Paneer is a great source of proteins for vegetarians. I love paneer and could probably eat it almost every day especially if it is as quick, easy and delicious as this Paneer Bhurji.

It is one of my go-to vegetarian dishes to make for my kid's lunch box too. It's the perfect kind of recipe when you want something quick and delicious.

If you are a paneer lover like me, check out these paneer recipes, Matar Paneer Pulao and Paneer Vegetable Jalfrezi.

Jump to:
  • What is Paneer Bhurji
  • Recipe Ingredients
  • How To Make Paneer Bhurji (Step by Step Method)
  • Serving Suggestions 
  • Variations
  • Recipe Tips
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • More Paneer Recipes
  • Recipe Card

What is Paneer Bhurji

Paneer Bhurji is a spicy and easy paneer dish made by stir-frying crumbled paneer with onion, tomatoes, bell pepper, and Indian spices.

Bhurji means scrambled and paneer is Indian cottage cheese in English so paneer bhurji literally means scrambled paneer or scrambled cottage cheese.

Think of it as the vegetarian version of Indian-style scrambled eggs which is also known as Egg bhurji or Anda bhurji in Hindi.

Paneer bhurji is typically made with fresh paneer which gives it a soft and moist texture. I often have frozen paneer stacked in my freezer so I'm sharing how you can still make soft paneer bhurji using frozen paneer. Don't forget to read all the tips.

This paneer bhurji is a quick, easy protein-packed meal that gets done in 20 mins making it perfect for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or even for lunchbox.

It can be served with Indian flatbread like roti, chapati, paratha, or naan as well as bread, toast, or pav for that Indian street food feel.

Recipe Ingredients

Ingredients for paneer bhurji arranged in bowls on white surface

Paneer: It is also known as Indian cottage cheese. A freshly made paneer is recommended for making bhurji but you can also use storebought (fresh or frozen). If I'm using frozen paneer, I prefer Haldiram's paneer. Thaw it to room temperature then soak in hot water until soft and it's as good as fresh paneer.

Oil and butter: Highly recommend making bhurji in both butter and oil or just butter for a rich flavor.

Spices: Regular Indian spices like cumin seeds, turmeric powder, Kashmiri red chili powder (great color, mildly spicy), garam masala, coriander powder, salt, and Kasuri methi. All these are available on Amazon or in Indian grocery stores.

Aromatics - Onion (yellow or red), green chili, ginger, and garlic. These ingredients add a great base level of flavor.

Tomatoes: I like to use Roma tomatoes that have a nice thick flesh and fewer seeds.

Bell pepper - I have used green bell pepper (capsicum) which adds a nice crunch to the soft scrambled paneer and lends a great flavor. You can also add green peas if you like.

Lemon juice: The acidity of the lemon juice helps to balance out the creamy paneer.

Cilantro: To add freshness and flavor.

Please refer to the recipe card for exact measurements of ingredients. 

How To Make Paneer Bhurji (Step by Step Method)

Steps for sautéing onion ginger garlic tomatoes for Paneer Bhurji

1 - In a pan, heat oil and butter. Once hot and butter has melted add the cumin seeds and allow them to sizzle. 

2 - Then add onions and saute till translucent (don't brown the onions). 

3 - Stir in the green chilies, ginger, and garlic. Cook till the raw garlic smell goes away.

4 - Add the tomatoes and cook for 1-2 minutes.

Adding the spices and paneer bhurji and finishing the recipe

5 - Add the bell pepper and cook till the tomatoes are soft.

6 - Stir in the spices - turmeric, red chili powder, coriander powder, garam masala, salt, and saute for another minute or two. 

7 - Add in the crumbled paneer, mix well and cook on low heat for 1-2 minutes.

8 - Crush Kasuri Methi between your palms and add along with lemon juice, and cilantro. Mix well. Mildly spicy and easy Paneer Bhurji is ready!

Dry Paneer bhurji served in a yellow wok garnished with fresh cilantro

Serving Suggestions 

Serve Paneer bhurji hot as a side dish with freshly made chapati, roti, paratha, and naan along with salad, chutney, and raita for that complete meal (lunch/dinner).

Alternately you can serve it with bread, pav, or toast for a quick a filling breakfast or brunch along with chai or coffee.

I also love using paneer bhurji as a filling for wraps, dosa, sandwiches, and quesadillas to pack for kid's lunch box.

Variations

With Pav Bhaji Masala - for that Mumbai street style bhurji, add Pav Bhaji Masala (a teaspoon or to taste) along with other spices. 

Matar Paneer Bhurji - add fresh or frozen green peas along with bell pepper.

With Spinach (Palak) - add finely chopped spinach leaves for that boost of green and to make bhurji healthy. 

With Gravy - to make Paneer bhurji gravy, add ¼ cup tomato puree along with the rest of the ingredients and cook before adding the crumbled paneer. Add water to adjust the consistency to your preference.

Paneer bhurji served on a blue plate with roti next to a glass of water with a slice of lemon

Recipe Tips

Use fresh homemade paneer for that soft fluffy Paneer bhurji. Alternately store-bought fresh or frozen paneer can be used too.

If using store-bought paneer, soak it in a bowl of hot water for 20-30 mins or until soft. Thaw frozen paneer to room temperature before soaking or increase the soaking time.

Highly recommend making bhurji in both butter or ghee and oil or just butter for the richer flavor.  

You can add more veggies like colorful bell peppers, green peas, carrots or greens like spinach and fenugreek leaves to make bhurji more healthy and colorful. 

Do not overcook the paneer to prevent it from turning dry and chewy. 

Adjust the spice levels to your preference by adjusting the number of green chilies and red chili powder.

You can also add Pav Bhaji Masala for that Street Style Paneer Bhurji. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you make it vegan?

Paneer is made from milk so as it is, this dish is not suitable for vegans. However, you can substitute paneer for crumbled tofu, which has a similar texture, to make this a plant-based meal.

What to do with leftover paneer bhurji?

This dish is best served as soon as it's made, but If you do have leftovers, keep them covered in the fridge for 2-3 days and reheat in a pan on the stovetop or in the microwave until warm. Serve it with Indian flatbreads like roti or paratha or use it as a filling for your sandwiches, wraps, dosa, or quesadilla.

Is it gluten-free?

Yes, this dish is completely gluten-free so it's an ideal choice if you or anyone in your family has an intolerance or allergy.

Can I make paneer bhurji without onion and garlic?

Yes, you can skip onion garlic from the recipe and keep the rest of the ingredients, and process the same. To make it Jain, skip ginger too.

More Paneer Recipes

  • Matar Paneer Pulao
    Matar Paneer Pulao
  • Paneer Vegetable Jalfrezi
    Paneer Vegetable Jalfrezi
  • Matar Paneer
    Matar Paneer
  • Paneer and Peas Triangles
    Paneer & Peas Triangles
The bhurji served in a bowl with slices of bread and salad in background

Hope you enjoy this Easy Paneer Bhurji Recipe !! If you give this recipe a try, please rate by clicking stars ⭐️ on the recipe card. Thank you ❤️! You can also follow me on Facebook and Instagram to see what’s cooking in my kitchen!!

Recipe Card

Tried this recipe?Please rate the recipe by clicking the stars below
Paneer bhurji served in a bowl and garnished with cilantro

Paneer Bhurji

Shweta Arora
Paneer Bhurji is a popular North Indian dish made with crumbled paneer (Indian cottage cheese), onion, tomatoes, bell pepper, and spices. This quick and easy paneer bhurji recipe (scrambled paneer) is a delicious vegetarian side dish that is soft, creamy, and ready to serve in less than 20 minutes.  It pairs well with bread, and pav for breakfast or with flatbreads like roti, paratha, and Naan for lunch or dinner. 
5 from 2 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save RecipeSaved!
Prep Time 5 mins
Cook Time 15 mins
Total Time 20 mins
Course Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine Indian
Servings 4 servings
Calories 334 kcal
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Ingredients
  

  • 360 grams paneer crumbled, see notes
  • 1-2 tablespoons oil
  • 1-2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
  • 1 medium red onion finely chopped (approx 1 cup chopped)
  • 1-2 green chillies finely chopped, adjust to taste
  • 1 tablespoon garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon ginger minced
  • ½ green bell pepper chopped
  • 2 medium tomatoes finely chopped, (approx 1 cup chopped)
  • ¼ teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1 teaspoon Kashmiri red chilli powder adjust to taste
  • 1 teaspoon coriander powder
  • ½ teaspoon garam masala
  • 1 teaspoon salt adjust to taste
  • 1 tablespoon kasuri methi
  • 1-2 tablespoons lemon juice adjust to taste
  • ¼ cup cilantro leaves finely chopped

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • If using store-bought paneer, soak it in a bowl of hot water for 20-30 mins or until soft then crumble it and keep aside.
    Similarly, first, thaw frozen paneer to room temperature before soaking or increase the soaking time.

Making Paneer Bhurji

  • In a pan, heat oil and butter. Once hot and butter has melted add the cumin seeds and allow them to sizzle.
  • Then add onions and saute till translucent (do not brown the onions).
  • Stir in the green chilies, ginger, and garlic. Cook till the raw garlic smell goes away.
  • Add the tomatoes and cook for 1-2 minutes. Then add the bell pepper and cook till the tomatoes are soft.
  • Stir in the spices - turmeric, red chili powder, coriander powder, garam masala, salt, and saute for another minute or two.
  • Add in the crumbled paneer, mix well and cook on low heat for 1-2 minutes.
  • Crush Kasuri Methi between your palms and add along with lemon juice, and cilantro. Mix well. Spicy and easy Paneer Bhurji is ready!

Video

Notes

Use fresh homemade paneer for that soft fluffy Paneer bhurji. Alternately store-bought fresh or frozen paneer can be used too.
If using store-bought paneer, soak it in a bowl of hot water for 20-30 mins or until soft. Thaw frozen paneer to room temperature before soaking or increase the soaking time.
Highly recommend making bhurji in both butter or ghee and oil or just butter for the richer flavor.  
You can add more veggies like colorful bell peppers, green peas, carrots or greens like spinach and fenugreek leaves to make bhurji more healthy and colorful. 
Do not overcook the paneer to prevent it from turning dry and chewy. 
Adjust the spice levels to your preference by adjusting the number of green chilies and red chili powder.
You can also add Pav Bhaji Masala for that Street Style Paneer Bhurji. 

Nutrition

Calories: 334kcal | Carbohydrates: 11g | Protein: 14g | Fat: 27g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 60mg | Sodium: 660mg | Potassium: 270mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 797IU | Vitamin C: 26mg | Calcium: 466mg | Iron: 1mg
Tried this recipe?Mention @shwetainthekitchen or tag #shwetainthekitchen!
Follow me on YouTube!Subscribe to my channel to get the latest Recipe Video updates.

Update Notes: This post was originally published on Oct 1, 2015, but was republished with, step-by-step instructions, new photos, tips, and a video in May of 2022.

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Comments

  1. Rebecca Thexton

    October 03, 2015 at 9:45 pm

    This looks so tasty!

    Reply

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