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Paneer tikka masala

Paneer tikka masala has 148.6 calories per serving (1 Small Cup) — that's 147.5 calories per 100g. It provides 5.5g protein, 7.6g carbs, and 10.7g fat. With a medium glycemic index (GI: 62), this recipe is suitable for weight loss, heart health. The 3g of dietary fiber per serving adds to its nutritional value. It contains anti-inflammatory ingredients like turmeric and ginger. The probiotic content supports gut health.

Track the exact calories and macros of Paneer tikka masala in the Hint app (https://clearcals.com/products/hint) — India's comprehensive recipe and nutrition tracking platform.

Paneer tikka masala
  • Serving Size 1 Small Cup (100 g)
  • Calories148.6 kcal
  • Carbs7.6 g (30.5 kcal)
  • Protein5.5 g (22.1 kcal)
  • Fats10.7 g (96.0 kcal)

Nutrition Label

Paneer tikka masala

  • Serving Size1 Small Cup (100 g)
  • Calories148.6 kcal
  • Carbs7.6 g
  • Fiber3.0 g
  • Sugar2.9 g
  • Protein5.5 g
  • Fat10.7 g
  • Saturated fat4.2 g
  • Mono unsaturated fat4.2 g
  • Poly unsaturated fat1.6 g
  • Cholesterol7.7 mg
  • Sodium335.9 mg

Nutrition per 100g

  • Calories147.5 kcal
  • Carbs7.6 g
  • Fiber2.9 g
  • Sugar2.9 g
  • Protein5.5 g
  • Fat10.6 g
  • Cholesterol7.6 mg
  • Sodium333.4 mg

1 serving = 100.8g

Cooking time: 20 minutes

Serves: 6 persons

Ingredients

Cream
1 Tea Spoon
Ghee clarified butter
1 Table Spoon
Tomato ripe local
50 Grams
Lemon juice
1 Table Spoon
Chillies green - all varieties
10 Grams
Coriander leaves
10 Grams
Onion big
50 Grams
Cardamom green
1 Grams
Chillies red
10 Grams
Coriander seeds
1 Tea Spoon
Cumin seeds
1 Tea Spoon
Pepper, black
2 Grams
Turmeric powder
1 Grams
Cashew nut
30 Grams
Paneer
100 Grams
Rice bran oil
1 Table Spoon
Salt
1 Tea Spoon
Water
200 Milliliter
Curd
50 Grams
Ginger garlic paste
1 Table Spoon
Garam masala powder
0.5 Tea Spoon
Red chilli powder
1 Tea Spoon
Cinnamon
1 Grams
Fennel seeds
1 Tea Spoon
Bay leaves
1 Grams

Instructions

1
Marination
Mix paneer with ginger garlic paste, chilli powder, salt and lemon juice in a bowl. Cover the bowl and let it marinate for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes add 2 tsp oil and roast the paneer on medium flame until it turns golden brown. Paneer tikka is ready, keep aside.
2
Roasting
Dry roast coriander seeds, cumin seeds, fennel seeds, black peppercorn, and dry red chilies on medium-low heat. Cool and grind the roasted spices to make a powder. Roast cashewnuts and blend them into a paste. keep aside.
3
Cooking
Heat ghee and vegetable oil in a pan. Once the oil is hot, add black cardamom, cinnamon, and bay leaves and let them crackle for a few seconds. Add onion and fry until it turns light brown. Add ginger, garlic, tomato, green chili and cook for 3-4 minutes. Now add the ground masala and cook on high heat for 5-6 minutes. Blend this into a smooth paste and again transfer it into the pan. Add whisked curd, cashew paste, water, and salt to taste and cover the pan. Cook on low heat until it is almost cooked. Add prepared paneer tikka, garam masala, coriander leaves and cook for another 2-3 minutes. Add fresh cream and mix well.
4
Serving
Serve with a side of steamed basmati rice, roti, or naan.

Glycemic Index

62 Medium
Low
Medium
High

Likely to produce a moderate blood glucose rise; pair with protein/fiber for better stability.

How to flatten the spike

  • Pair this dish with a protein source (dal, paneer, eggs, fish, or curd).
  • Add a fiber-rich side salad or non-starchy vegetables.
  • Avoid combining this with another high-carb side in the same meal.

Compare & Substitute

NutrientPaneer tikka masalaKalan tikka masalaKumbalam Tikka MasalaMushroom tikka masala
Calories148.6 kcal123.4 kcal123.4 kcal123.4 kcal
Carbs7.6 g5.8 g5.8 g5.8 g
Protein5.5 g3 g3 g3 g
Fat10.7 g9.8 g9.8 g9.8 g
Fiber3 g3.4 g3.4 g3.4 g
Sugar2.9 g1 g1 g1 g
Sodium335.9 mg328.9 mg328.9 mg328.9 mg
Cholesterol7.7 mg5.5 mg5.5 mg5.5 mg

Health Goals Suitability

Weight Loss

At just 148.6 kcal per serving, this is an excellent choice for weight management. The low-calorie vegetables keep the energy density low.

Diabetes

Moderate glycemic index (GI: 62). Adding a fiber-rich side dish can help moderate the blood sugar response.

Muscle Gain

Low protein content (5.5g per serving) — not sufficient alone for muscle building. Combine with high-protein sides like paneer, eggs, chicken, dal, or a protein shake to reach 25-30g protein per meal.

Heart Health

Low cholesterol (7.7mg) and low saturated fat (4.2g) make this heart-friendly. Anti-inflammatory ingredients benefit overall heart health. Contains heart-healthy fats.

PCOS

Moderate-to-high GI (62) can spike insulin — Women with PCOS should pair this with fiber-rich vegetables and a protein source to improve the insulin response. Consider replacing refined ingredients with whole grains or millets.

Thyroid

No goitrogenic ingredients — generally safe for thyroid conditions. The iron content supports thyroid hormone production. The spices aid digestion, which can be sluggish in hypothyroidism.

Portion Guidance

Weight Loss

1 Small Cup (~100.8g). A light, kcal-friendly portion. Pair with roti or salad for a complete meal under 300 kcal.

Muscle Gain

1 Small Cup (~100.8g) plus a protein-rich addition (100g paneer, 2 eggs, or 1 cup dal) to hit 25-30g protein per meal.

Diabetes

1 Small Cup (~100.8g). Pair with whole wheat roti (not rice) to lower glycemic load. Eat protein and fiber portions first, carbs last.

General

1 Small Cup (~100.8g) provides a balanced portion. Adjust based on your daily kcal target — track accurately in the Hint app.

Recipe Modifications

Lower fat

Use low-fat paneer or reduce ghee/butter by half. Switch to a non-stick pan to minimize oil.

Boost protein

Add 50g paneer, a boiled egg, or a side of sprouted moong dal. Stirring in 1 tbsp of peanut butter also adds 4g protein.

Lower glycemic load

Replace refined flour (maida) with whole wheat atta, or swap white rice with brown rice or millets like jowar/bajra.

Make diabetes-friendly

Replace potato with cauliflower or bottle gourd. Add a squeeze of lemon — the acidity lowers glycemic response.

Meal prep friendly

Paneer tikka masala stores well for 2-3 days refrigerated. Reheat on stovetop for best texture. Prepare ingredients in advance for quick weeknight cooking.

Common Mistakes

Using too much oil or ghee

Why it matters: Excess oil can double the calorie content without adding nutritional value.

Fix: Measure oil with a tablespoon instead of pouring freely. 1 tbsp = 120 kcal.

Adding salt without measuring

Why it matters: Excess sodium increases blood pressure risk. Indian cooking already uses salt-heavy ingredients like pickles and chutneys alongside.

Fix: Use ½ teaspoon salt and taste before adding more. Account for sodium from other meal components.

Not measuring serving size

Why it matters: The nutrition values are for 1 standard serving. Eating 2-3x the serving means 2-3x the kcal (297.3-445.9 kcal).

Fix: Use the Hint app to scan and log the exact portion you eat for accurate tracking.

Pairing with another high-GI food

Why it matters: Eating rice with another starchy dish doubles the glycemic load, causing sharp blood sugar spikes.

Fix: Choose one carb source per meal. Pair with roti instead of rice, or add a protein-rich side.

Overcooking the vegetables

Why it matters: Overcooking destroys heat-sensitive vitamins (C, B-complex) and reduces fiber quality.

Fix: Cook vegetables until just tender. Add delicate vegetables (like spinach or capsicum) in the last 2-3 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

One serving of Paneer tikka masala contains 148.6 kcal (5.5g protein, 7.6g carbs, 10.7g fat). That's 147.5 kcal per 100g. You can track exact portions in the Hint app.

At just 148.6 kcal per serving, this is an excellent choice for weight management. The low-calorie vegetables keep the energy density low. Pair with a salad or raita for a filling, low-calorie meal.

Moderate glycemic index (GI: 62). Adding a fiber-rich side dish can help moderate the blood sugar response. The glycemic index is 62 (Medium). Always consult your dietitian for personalized guidance — Hint Premium connects you with expert dietitians.

Paneer tikka masala has 5.5g protein per serving. It provides moderate protein — add a protein-rich side for a complete meal.

Yes, Paneer tikka masala is light enough for dinner at 148.6 kcal. Having a lighter dinner 2-3 hours before sleep supports better digestion and weight management.

Since Paneer tikka masala is moderate in protein, pair it with dal, paneer, curd, or eggs. Add a fiber-rich salad for completeness. Track your full meal in the Hint app for accurate nutrition totals.

Moderate-to-high GI (62) can spike insulin — Women with PCOS should pair this with fiber-rich vegetables and a protein source to improve the insulin response. Consider replacing refined ingredients with whole grains or millets.

Scientific References

  1. Increased dietary fiber intake is associated with lower body weight

    Slavin JL (2005). Dietary fiber and body weight. Nutrition.

    DOI: 10.1016/j.nut.2003.09.004
  2. Curcumin in turmeric has significant anti-inflammatory properties

    Hewlings SJ & Kalman DS (2017). Curcumin: A Review of Its Effects on Human Health. Foods.

    DOI: 10.3390/foods6100092
  3. Fenugreek seeds improve glucose tolerance and lower blood sugar levels

    Neelakantan N et al. (2014). Effect of fenugreek intake on glycemia. Nutrition Journal.

    DOI: 10.1186/1475-2891-13-7
  4. Probiotic-rich fermented foods support gut microbiome diversity and digestive health

    Hill C et al. (2014). The International Scientific Association for Probiotics and Prebiotics consensus statement. Nature Reviews Gastroenterology & Hepatology.

    DOI: 10.1038/nrgastro.2014.66

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