How to replace Paneer: Best Vegan Substitutes to Paneer

Why Tofu is the Best Substitute for Paneer

Paneer is a simple cheese made from whole milk curdled with an acidic ingredient. Tofu is made the exact same way, but with soy milk, making it the perfect plant-based alternative of paneer.

Tofu will hold the same texture as paneer, a similar taste, but it's also a great versatile ingredient to tweak the recipe to your taste!

If you are not convinced yet, tofu is also healthier. It's packed with protein and calcium, just like paneer, but without the bad cholesterol.

My Favorite Dishes Using Tofu Instead of Paneer

Lately, I’ve been cooking a lot of Indian and Asian dishes, inspired by my time in Asia. Here are two vegan paneer recipes you must try:

Tofu Tikka Masala (Vegan Paneer Tikka Masala)

This tofu tikka masala is a tomato-based gravy that's simply delicious. It takes a bit of time, but the comforting flavors make it worth every minute.

Palak Tofu (Vegan Palak Paneer)

Palak Tofu is a vibrant, spinach-based dish that’s especially comforting in winter when tomatoes are out of season. It is definetely one of my favourite spinach dish out there!

Tips to Make Your Tofu Even Better

Tofu is incredibly versatile, allowing you to tweak it to your taste. Here are some tips to make your tofu dishes even better:

1. Choose the Right Texture

Regular tofu works well as a paneer replacement, but extra firm tofu will give you a chewier bite. I also like to use it to replace chicken in dishes like Chicken Tikka Masala.

2. Coat the Tofu Before Cooking

Coating your tofu in flour before cooking gives it a crispy exterior while keeping the inside soft. You get the best of both worlds! Try adding spices to the flour for extra flavor, a trick used in the Tofu Tikka Masala recipe above.

3. Marinate Your Tofu

Marinating adds flavors to your tofu, making it the highlight of your dish. For even better absorption, freeze and thaw the tofu first. This changes its texture, making it soak up the marinade.

2 soy-free substitutes to Paneer

Seitan

If you haven’t heard of seitan, it’s a high-protein vegan food made from gluten, the protein in wheat. It’s cheap, versatile, and has a chewy texture. You can easily find seitan in most organic or health food stores.

You can also make your own, and I recommend you to do so. You can achieve any taste you wish that way!

Cashew Cheeses

For those of you allergic to soy, you can also vegan cashew cheeses. Cashew cheeses don’t melt, which makes them a great substitute for paneer in dishes.

Keep in mind that cashew cream cheese will have a different taste from paneer or tofu. It's often stronger and more acidic. It adds an interesting twist to classic recipes, but you can still use it the same way as paneer!