Tag: **Paneer Fried Rice** is a flavorful fusion dish that combines Indian paneer with stir-fried rice and vegetables. It's packed with protein and can be a satisfying meal on its own or served as a side dish. Here's how to make delicious **Paneer Fried Rice** at home: ### Ingredients: - 2 cups cooked rice (preferably cold or day-old rice) - 200g paneer (cut into small cubes) - 1 medium onion (finely chopped) - 1 medium carrot (julienned) - 1/2 cup bell peppers (thinly sliced) - 1/2 cup green beans (chopped) - 1/2 cup peas (optional) - 2-3 spring onions (chopped for garnish) - 2-3 cloves garlic (finely minced) - 1 tablespoon ginger (finely minced) - 2 tablespoons soy sauce - 1 tablespoon vinegar - 1 tablespoon chili sauce (optional) - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground) - Salt to taste - 1 tablespoon sesame oil or vegetable oil - Oil for frying the paneer ### Instructions: #### Preparing the Rice: 1. If you don’t already have cooked rice, boil 1 cup of rice and allow it to cool. Cold or day-old rice works best for fried rice to avoid stickiness. #### Frying the Paneer: 1. Heat a little oil in a pan and shallow-fry the paneer cubes until they turn golden brown and crispy on the outside. 2. Once fried, remove the paneer from the pan and set aside. #### Stir-Frying the Vegetables: 1. In the same pan or a wok, heat sesame oil (or vegetable oil) over high heat. 2. Add minced garlic and ginger, and stir-fry for a few seconds until fragrant. 3. Add the chopped onions and stir-fry until they become translucent. 4. Add the carrots, bell peppers, green beans, and peas (if using). Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes, keeping the vegetables slightly crunchy. 5. Add soy sauce, vinegar, and chili sauce (if using). Stir well to combine the sauces with the vegetables. #### Mixing the Rice and Paneer: 1. Add the cold, cooked rice to the wok and toss gently with the vegetables, ensuring the rice is well coated with the sauces. 2. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper, and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes. 3. Add the fried paneer cubes to the rice and mix everything together. 4. Stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. #### Garnishing: 1. Turn off the heat and sprinkle chopped spring onions on top. 2. Give it a final toss, and your **Paneer Fried Rice** is ready to serve! ### Serving: - Serve hot with chili sauce or Manchurian gravy, or enjoy it as a complete meal on its own. This dish combines the softness of paneer with the crunchy vegetables and flavorful stir-fried rice, making it a perfect choice for a filling, nutritious meal!