Are you craving something unique, fancy, and spicy for lunch or dinner? Schezwan Fried Rice paired with Chilli Paneer is the perfect dish to satisfy those cravings. This fusion of Chinese cuisine with a healthy twist of paneer provides a delightful balance of protein and carbohydrates. Follow this step-by-step guide to create this mouth-watering dish at home.
Ingredients for Schezwan Fried Rice and Chilli Paneer
Serves: 4
For Schezwan Fried Rice
- 4 cups rice
- 3 onions
- 1 carrot
- 3 green chillies
- Refined oil as required
- 4 tablespoons soy sauce
- 6 tablespoons tomato ketchup
- 3 tablespoons Schezwan sauce
- 1 tablespoon garlic paste
- 2 capsicums (green peppers)
- 8 cloves garlic
- Salt as required
- 4 teaspoons red chilli powder
- 1/2 cup sweet chilli sauce
- 1 tablespoon ginger paste
For Chilli Paneer
- 100 grams paneer
- 2 onions (cut into cubes)
- 2 capsicums (cut into cubes)
- 2 tablespoons corn flour
- Black pepper as required
- Salt as required
Step-by-Step Preparation
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Step 1: Cook the Rice:
Begin by washing the rice thoroughly, rinsing it 2-3 times to remove excess starch. Cook the rice until it’s almost done, then immediately rinses it under cold tap water. This stops the cooking process and prevents the rice from becoming mushy. Strain the rice, drizzle a little olive oil, and mix well to keep the grains separate.
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Step 2: Prepare the Schezwan Fried Rice:
In a wok or large pan, heat some oil and add finely chopped ginger, garlic, and green chillies. Sauté them until fragrant. Add one medium-sized chopped onion and cook until it turns pink. Next, add one small-sized chopped carrot and a medium-sized chopped capsicum, stirring for about 2 minutes.
Add soy sauce, sweet chilli sauce, and tomato ketchup to the mixture. Stir well to combine the flavors. Incorporate the cooked rice into the pan, mixing thoroughly to coat the rice with the sauces. Add Schezwan sauce and season with salt and red chilli powder. Stir the rice well, ensuring all ingredients are evenly distributed. Serve the Schezwan Fried Rice hot.
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Step 3: Prepare the Batter for Paneer:
Cut the paneer, capsicum, and onions into cubes. In a bowl, mix corn flour, salt, pepper, soy sauce, and red chilli powder. Add a bit of water to form a thick batter. Use this batter to coat the paneer cubes.
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Step 4: Fry the Paneer:
In a deep pan, heat oil and fry the batter-coated paneer cubes until golden brown. Remove the fried paneer and place it on paper towels to drain excess oil.
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Step 5: Sauté the Vegetables:
In another pan, heat oil and sauté finely chopped ginger, garlic, and green chillies for about a minute. Add the cubed onions and capsicums, along with a teaspoon of soy sauce. Sauté on high flame for a couple of minutes.
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Step 6: Prepare the Gravy:
Add four tablespoons of sweet chilli sauce and two tablespoons of tomato ketchup to the sautéed vegetables. Add black pepper and salt for seasoning. Add four cups of water and heat the mixture until it boils.
In a small bowl, mix a tablespoon of corn flour with a little water to form a slurry. Add this slurry to the boiling gravy, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Simmer the gravy on low flame for 3-5 minutes until it thickens.
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Step 7: Combine and Serve:
Add the fried paneer cubes to the thickened gravy, ensuring they are well-coated. Simmer for another minute to let the flavors meld together. Serve the Chilli Paneer hot alongside the Schezwan Fried Rice.
Tips for Perfect Schezwan Fried Rice and Chilli Paneer
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Choosing the Right Rice:
For the best results, use long-grain or basmati rice. This type of rice stays fluffy and separate, making it ideal for fried rice dishes.
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Ensuring Crispy Paneer:
To get crispy paneer cubes, ensure the oil is hot enough before frying. You can also double-fry the paneer for extra crunch.
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Adjusting the Spice Level:
If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of red chilli powder and green chillies. Conversely, for a spicier kick, you can add extra Schezwan sauce or fresh chillies.
Nutritional Information
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Caloric Content:
A serving of Schezwan Fried Rice with Chilli Paneer contains approximately 500-600 calories. This dish provides a good balance of carbohydrates, protein, and fats, making it a hearty and satisfying meal.
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Health Benefits:
Rice: A great source of energy, providing essential carbohydrates.
Paneer: Rich in protein and calcium, contributing to muscle and bone health.
Vegetables: Capsicum, onions, and carrots add fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants to the dish.
Conclusion
Schezwan Fried Rice and Chilli Paneer is a vibrant, flavorful dish that combines the zest of Chinese cuisine with the wholesome goodness of paneer. Perfect for lunch or dinner, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household. By following all these detailed steps, you can recreate this restaurant-style meal at home, delighting your taste buds with every bite. Enjoy the spicy, savory, and slightly sweet notes of this culinary masterpiece.
