• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

The Endless MealĀ®

Healthier Recipes for Busy People

Search
Main Menu
  • Browse All Recipes
  • By Course
    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
    • Dessert
    • Side Dishes
    • Appetizers
    • Soup
    • Salads
    • Drinks
  • By Method
    • Slow Cooker
    • Grilling
    • Oven
    • Stovetop
    • Sheet Pan
    • Casserole
  • By Diet
    • Gluten Free
    • Vegetarian
    • Paleo
    • Vegan
    • Refined Sugar Free
    • Whole30
    • Low Carb
  • By Cuisine
    • Asian
    • Indian
    • Mediterranean
    • Mexican & Southwest
    • North American
    • Thai
  • By Protein
    • Beef
    • Chicken
    • Pork
    • Lamb
    • Turkey
    • Seafood
    • Meatless
  • By Holiday
    • Valentine's Day
    • St. Patrick's Day
    • Easter
    • Cinco de Mayo
    • Halloween
    • Thanksgiving
    • Christmas
  • By Season
    • Spring
    • Summer
    • Autumn
    • Winter
Start Here
About
Cookbook
Instagram
Facebook
Pinterest
Youtube
  • Recipes
  • Dinners
  • Cookbook
  • About
  • Start Here
Home Recipes
A bowl of Paneer Butter Masala and basmati rice.

Paneer Butter Masala

5 stars (56 ratings)
7 Comments
Jump to Recipe
Gluten Free Gluten Free Vegetarian Vegetarian

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.

Paneer butter masala is a dreamy vegetarian curry recipe. It's a straightforward recipe to make, and the sauce's flavor is similar to butter chicken sauce, without the meat, of course. You'll love it!

Complete the meal with a side of perfect basmati rice and some tandoori cauliflower. And if you love paneer recipes, also try our easy palak paneer!

Paneer Butter Masala in a brass serving dish.

What is Paneer Butter Masala?

Paneer butter masala is much like butter chicken – only it's made with paneer instead of chicken. We've based the recipe on our popular easy butter chicken recipe. The sauce is rich, creamy, and has perfectly balanced flavors.

The buttery soft cubes of paneer swimming around in the flavorful curry gravy are a match made in heaven.

Ingredients in this paneer butter masala recipe

  • Onion, garlic, and ginger sautĆ©ed in a little oil.
  • A can of tomatoes – fire-roasted for bonus points.
  • Cashew butter – much easier to blend than traditionally used whole cashews.
  • Ground spices – we use chili powder, cumin, coriander, garam masala, turmeric, and cardamom.
  • Salt and brown sugar – to taste.
  • Cream – we love to add cream to make the paneer butter masala extra creamy and rich, but you can skip the cream if you'd like.
  • Paneer – cut into bite-sized paneer cubes.

Paneer butter masala variations

  • Add 2-3 cups of your favorite diced veggies and cook them in the sauce.
  • 1 cup frozen peas, added with the paneer.
  • Make it spicy by adding cayenne powder.
6 pictures showing how to make paneer butter masala.

How to make restaurant-style paneer butter masala

You don't need to go to a restaurant to enjoy your favorite paneer curry recipe! You can make this recipe for paneer butter masala at home in less than 30 minutes.

  1. Start by cooking the onion, garlic, and ginger until they're very well-browned. You want them to be so dark that they look almost burned.
  2. Now add the spices to the pan (you'll get them ready to go in a small bowl while the onion cooks.)
  3. Next, the tomatoes and water go into the pan and you scrape the bottom to remove any little bits stuck on from cooking the onions.
  4. Pop the cashew butter into the pan (no need to stir it) then transfer everything to a blender. Blend until the sauce is creamy and smooth then pour it back into the pan.
  5. All that's left to do is season the sauce and put the paneer into the pan to warm. So easy!

Full recipe in the recipe card below.

Making Paneer Butter Masala in a skillet with a wooden spoon.

Can you make butter masala without cream?

You sure can! While heavy cream (whipping cream) does add richness to the curry, it is still a delicious recipe if you leave it out.

How long does paneer butter masala last?

This curry recipe will last for 4-5 days in a covered container in your fridge. Reheat it gently over low heat and add a splash of water if you notice the curry getting too thick.

Can you freeze paneer butter masala?

Yes! This recipe freezes very well. Let it cool completely then transfer it to freezer-safe containers and store it in your freezer for up to six months.

Recipe FAQs

What is paneer butter masala made of?

Paneer butter masala starts with a gravy made from onions, garlic, and ginger that are cooked until caramelized. Then we add spices, tomato, and water and blend the sauce into a smooth gravy. It's finished with some sugar, cashew butter, and cream – and, of course, the soft paneer!

What is the difference between butter paneer and Tikka Masala?

Paneer butter masala is slightly sweeter and tikka masala is slightly spicier.

What if I don't have a blender?

You can make this buy chopping the vegetables very finely. But know that it won't be as creamy if you don't use a blender.

Can I use honey instead of sugar?

Yes! Honey makes a great substitute!

Why is my paneer butter masala rubbery?

Store-bought paneer is not as soft as homemade paneer. If you want really soft, restaurant style paneer butter masala, you can try making your own paneer!

Paneer Butter Masala in a white bowl with a side of rice.

What to serve with paneer butter masala

A side of basmati rice or cauliflower rice is almost mandatory with any curry recipe. And some warm naan is wonderful for dipping in the sauce. If you'd like to serve this paneer butter masala as part of a bigger feast, here are a few other curry recipes you could include:

  • Banana Curry with Sweet Potatoes and Sweet Potatoes
  • Coconut Acorn Squash Curry
  • Creamy Coconut Vegetarian Korma

Popular paneer recipes

  • Easy Mattar Paneer (restaurant-style!)
  • Sweet Chili Paneer
  • Easy Palak Paneer
A bowl of Paneer Butter Masala and basmati rice.

Popular vegetarian curry recipes

  • Creamy Coconut Lentil Curry
  • Black Chana Masala {chickpea curry}
  • Cauliflower Curry with Chickpeas and Peas
  • Chickpea, Tofu, and Eggplant Curry
  • Coconut Black Lentil Curry (vegan dal Makhani)
Tap stars to rate!
4.95 stars (56 ratings)
A bowl of Paneer Butter Masala and basmati rice.

Paneer Butter Masala Recipe

Prep: 5 minutes mins
Cook: 20 minutes mins
Total: 25 minutes mins
Rate Recipe Print
Paneer butter masala is a dreamy vegetarian curry recipe. It's a straightforward recipe to make, and the sauce's flavor is similar to butter chicken sauce, without the meat, of course. You'll love it!
4 servings

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons butter or cooking oil
  • 1 large onion (roughly chopped)
  • 2 tablespoons chopped ginger
  • 4 cloves garlic (crushed)
  • 14 ounce can diced tomatoes (fire-roasted tomatoes are great in this recipe!)
  • ½ cup water
  • 2 tablespoons cashew butter (can sub almond butter)
  • 1-2 teaspoons salt (to taste)
  • Optional: 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • Optional: ½ cup heavy cream
  • 12 ounces (350 grams) paneer (cut into bite-sized cubes)
  • Cilantro (to serve)

The Spices

  • 2 teaspoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1 teaspoon garam masala (can sub curry powder)
  • ½ teaspoon turmeric
  • Seeds from 4 cardamom pods (omit if you don't have this)

Instructions 

  • Heat the butter in a large skillet or medium-sized pot over medium-high heat. Add the onion, ginger, and garlic and cook until the onion is very well-browned, about 10 minutes.
    2 tablespoons butter or cooking oil, 1 large onion, 2 tablespoons chopped ginger, 4 cloves garlic
  • While the onion is cooking, add the spices to a small bowl. When the onion is well-browned, add the spices and let them cook for 1 minute. Add the tomatoes and water to the pot and scrape the bottom to remove any stuck-on bits.
    14 ounce can diced tomatoes, ½ cup water, 2 teaspoons chili powder, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon ground coriander, 1 teaspoon garam masala, ½ teaspoon turmeric, Seeds from 4 cardamom pods
  • Add the cashew butter then carefully transfer everything to your blender. Blend on high until smooth then pour the curry back into the pot. Season to taste with salt and, if using, the sugar. If you find the curry too thick, add another ½ cup of water.
    2 tablespoons cashew butter, 1-2 teaspoons salt, Optional: 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • Add the cream, if using, and the paneer to the pot and warm it on medium-low heat for 3-4 minutes. Cover the pot to prevent splatters. Serve with a little cilantro over the top.
    Optional: ½ cup heavy cream, 12 ounces (350 grams) paneer, Cilantro

Video

Nutrition

Serving: 1 serving = ¼ of the recipe, Calories: 390kcal (20%), Carbohydrates: 14g (5%), Protein: 15g (30%), Fat: 32g (49%), Saturated Fat: 17g (106%), Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 4g, Trans Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 71mg (24%), Sodium: 827mg (36%), Potassium: 355mg (10%), Fiber: 3g (13%), Sugar: 4g (4%), Vitamin A: 603IU (12%), Vitamin C: 13mg (16%), Calcium: 472mg (47%), Iron: 2mg (11%)
Ā© Author Kristen Stevens

We have thoroughly tested this recipe for accuracy. However, individual results may vary. See our full recipe disclosure here.

A bowl of Paneer Butter Masala and basmati rice.

Did you make this?

We love to see what you made! Tag @theendlessmeal or hashtag #theendlessmeal!

Tag us on Instagram
Rate Recipe

Pin this curry recipe to save it for later!

Paneer Butter Masala in a brass serving dish and the recipe title on top of the picture.
3.6K shares
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Email
Kristen Stevens

Kristen Stevens

Hi, I'm Kristen! I LOVE everything to do with food: making it, taking pictures of it, and (the best part) eating it. ♔♔♔

Learn More
Posted: 06/15/2021 Updated: 08/14/2023
guest
Rate this recipe:




guest
Rate this recipe:




7 Comments
Newest
Oldest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments

sidebar

Get the cookbook!

Sugar Free Paleo Dinner Recipes
Buy now!

Trending

A pot of creamy chicken taco soup with a ladle scooping some out.
35 minutes mins

Chicken Taco Soup

A bacon sandwich with lots of caramelized onions.
25 minutes mins

BEST Bacon Sandwich with Caramelized Onions

Lemon chicken pasta in a white bowl with a fork,
35 minutes mins

Lemon Chicken Pasta

Cheesy White Bean Tomato Bake in a cast iron pan with bread.
20 minutes mins

Cheesy White Bean Tomato Bake

Seasonal

a close up of our favorite lingcod recipe on a plate with salad
20 minutes mins

Favorite Lingcod Recipe

a big salad bowl filled with spring mix salad tossed in lemon honey vinaigrette
10 minutes mins

Spring Mix Salad

spring vegetable noodle stir fry in a bowl with a fork.
30 minutes mins

Spring Noodle Stir Fry with Lemon Sesame Sauce

a pot of spring minestrone soup
28 minutes mins

Spring Minestrone Soup

As seen on:

Get the cookbook

Sugar Free Paleo Dinner Recipes

no sugar. no grains. no dairy. no hassle.

Buy now!

Explore Recipes

Quick & Easy
Pasta Recipes
Chicken Recipes
Slow Cooker Recipes
Salad Recipes
Soup Recipes
Side Dishes
Desserts
Instagram
Facebook
Pinterest
Youtube
Back To Top
FAQ
Privacy Policy
Disclaimers
Accessibility
© 2023 The Endless MealĀ® All Rights Reserved.
Site Credits
Designed by Melissa Rose Design Developed by Once Coupled
3.6K shares
wpDiscuz