Paneer tastes best when it is soft and supple.
Paneer, or cottage cheese, is undoubtedly one of the most popular ingredients used in Indian dishes. Be it shahi paneer, paneer pakoda, rasgulla or paneer tikka, it is used to make a variety of flavourful curries, snacks and even desserts. The best part about paneer is that it is not at all difficult to cook. It all depends on how elaborate or simple you want your dish to be. However, you can truly relish its taste when it's soft and supple. Whether you buy it from the market or make it at home, it needs to be refrigerated so that it doesn't get spoiled. And this could make your paneer hard and rubbery. So, if you're looking for ways to soften refrigerated paneer, you're at the right place. Here we bring you some easy tips that'll come in handy the next time you face such a problem. Take a look.
Also read:Shahi Paneer, Kadai Paneer And More: 5 Classic Paneer Curry Recipes That You Must Try
Here're 5 Easy Tips To Soften Refrigerated Paneer:
1.Keep It Covered
The first and most important step to ensure that your paneer remains soft is to keep it covered in the fridge. Always store it in an air-tight container. Leaving it exposed to the harsh air inside the refrigerator might rip off all the moisture from your paneer.
2.Bring It To Room Temperature
Do you use paneer right after taking it out from the fridge? If yes, you need to stop doing that! Make sure to take it out at least 2-3 hours prior to cooking it. This allows the paneer to soften up by itself by coming to room temperature.
If you're running short of time, this tip will be a life saviour! Cut the paneer slab into cubes and dip them in a bowl of warm water. The water should just be enough to cover the paneer (Do not let it sink.) Make sure not to keep it soaked for more than 5 minutes as this would make the paneer brittle.
Another way to soften refrigerated paneer is to steam it. Boil some water in a bowl. Once it comes to a boil, put a strainer over it and spread out the paneer cubes so that they absorb the steam. Put a lid on top so that the steam cannot escape. After 10-15 mins, you'll have super soft and spongy paneer cubes.
If you want to ensure that your paneer remains soft while cooking, never add it to your dish in the beginning. Even if you've softened it by following the above steps, adding it in the beginning itself will overcook the paneer and make it rubbery.
Try these tips and let us know how they worked for you in the comments section below.
Comments
About Vaishali KapilaVaishali finds comfort in eating parathas and rajma chawal but is equally enthusiastic about exploring different cuisines. When she's not eating or baking, you can often find her curled up on the couch watching her favourite TV show - FRIENDS.
Show full article
Comments
FAQs
Put Paneer In Warm Water
The water should be enough to completely cover all of the paneer cubes. If you soak the paneer in warm water for more than 5 minutes, it will soften more quickly. If you soak the paneer in warm water for too long, it will become too soft and will break when you use it in your recipe.
How to make paneer soft after refrigerated? ›
Put Paneer In Warm Water
The water should be enough to completely cover all of the paneer cubes. If you soak the paneer in warm water for more than 5 minutes, it will soften more quickly. If you soak the paneer in warm water for too long, it will become too soft and will break when you use it in your recipe.
How do you soften dry paneer? ›
When paneer is stored in the refrigerator it becomes dry and hard in texture. To make the paneer soft,always soak the paneer in warm water for five minutes prior to cooking. When paneer absorbs the water it becomes soft. Do not soak it in boiling hot water or for a long duration.
What to do if paneer becomes hard after cooking? ›
Use normal water for 10 minutes
After frying, if the paneer becomes hard, let the raw paneer soak in normal water for 10 minutes.
How to make paneer tender? ›
Add ½ - 1 cup water to a deep frypan and bring it to a boil. Turn off the heat and place a steamer tray or basket on top. Place the paneer on the tray and cover it with a lid. Leave aside for 10-15 minutes, until the paneer is softened.
How do you keep paneer from getting chewy? ›
A simple trick to avoid this. - After frying the paneer, dip it into water with a pinch. of salt. - Remove it after a couple of minutes and that's it.
How long to defrost paneer in the fridge? ›
We recommend keeping the product in the refrigerator the night before you plan to use it. It will help with a slow and more natural thaw. Please note, freezing Paneer might change its texture, making it more crumbly.
How to soften paneer in the microwave? ›
microwave oven, cut the paneer into cubes, and. immerse them in this warm water for a few minutes. The water should be enough to cover all the paneer. cubes completely.
Why put paneer in water? ›
The water in the bowl will keep the paneer moist and fresh for long. However, you will need to change this water every day if you would need it after a few days. This method works not only on store-bought paneer but also homemade paneer. However, it is recommended not to refrigerate it for over two or three days.
Do you soak paneer in hot or cold water? ›
Preparation. If using store bought paneer, soak it in a bowl of hot water for 20 mins. Drain the water and use. This step helps to keep the paneer soft.
If you are making dishes with paneer then according to me you don't need to fry it . Frying paneer before using it is a choice. Don't over-fry, as it may make the paneer cubes hard. ... The paneer cubes will become soft and spongy, and you save a lot of calories by not frying.
How to know if paneer is spoiled? ›
- Spoilt paneer has these signs.
- Watery, too soft to touch instead of a firm solid.
- Sour in taste.
- Crumbles on touch , on pressing on cutting.
- Spoilt curd like smell,
- Greenish or yellowish in colour.
- 12.12.20.
5 Easy Tips To Soften Refrigerated Paneer
- Keep it covered inside the fridge. This is one of the most important steps to follow. ...
- Bring it to room temperature before cooking. Never use paneer immediately after taking it out from the fridge. ...
- Ensure that you steam it. ...
- Immerse it in warm water. ...
- Add it only in the end.
*Soak fried paneer in the warm, salty water for 10 minutes. *Press the paneer pieces gently to remove excess water. “You can also soak your fresh paneer if it's tough after soaking in warm water. It makes a big difference,” he says.
How to fry paneer without splattering? ›
Use a non-stick pan, which prevents paneer from sticking. To prevent paneer cubes from popping, reduce the heat and keep turning. It may also help to pat with a paper towel to dry excess water before using.
Does paneer go bad in the fridge? ›
Paneer is a perishable dairy product and should always be stored in the refrigerator in the original wrapping until ready to use. How long will Paneer last in the fridge? If stored properly, Sach Paneer should last until the best-by date printed on the packaging.
Why is my paneer not setting? ›
Firstly use whole milk or full fat milk when making paneer recipe. Paneer made with toned milk or skimmed milk or low fat milk breaks while cooking and does not set well. Do make sure that you drain the whey very well. Keeping paneer in the fridge also helps to firm it.
How do you keep paneer fresh after opening? ›
If you want to store paneer for weeks, cut them in small pieces and wrap them tightly, and place them in an airtight container or a freezer bag. Frozen paneer can last for several months. Thaw the bag of paneer before cooking.
