Chilli paneer is a traditional Indo-Chinese dish that's served as an appetizer. The dish consists of paneer cheese that's cut into cubes, fried, and mixed with a sweet, sour, and spicy sauce. There are three versions of the dish – dry, semi-dry, and restaurant-style (in gravy).

The most popular version is the one in which fried paneer is served in gravy. Paneer cubes are battered in a combination of corn flour, ginger paste, garlic paste, red chili powder, salt, and black pepper, then fried. The gravy is usually made with a combination of ginger, garlic, chili peppers, spring onions, soy sauce, red chili powder, and sugar.

Before serving, the fried cheese is mixed with the gravy and the dish is then garnished with spring onions, if desired. It's recommended to serve chilli paneer with fried rice or noodles on the side.