Paneer Do Pyaza is an underrated classic that you’ll find at any North Indian restaurant. It heroes onions in three different ways to make a curry that’s spicy, mildly sweet, and filled with texture. 

This Paneer Do Pyaza isn’t your average paneer curry. The star of this dish isn’t just paneer, but onions which are used in 2 different ways (hence the name, Do Pyaza). Making this restaurant-style paneer curry is easier than you’d think. Even though it has a slightly longer list of ingredients, most of them are Indian pantry staples. The result is a dish that is rich, spicy, mildly sweet and pairs perfectly with rice or roti.

If you are bored of the classic paneer recipes such as matar paneer or paneer lababdar, then this paneer do pyaza recipe is something you definitely need to try ASAP!

Paneer Do Pyaza Ingredients

Paneer: The star of the recipe. I have used homemade paneer for the best flavor, but store-bought works also.

Onions: We use onions two ways – once in the onion cashew paste to form the gravy and then as onion petals to add texture and bite to the dish

Spices: A mix of whole spices like cumin seesds, bay leaves, cardamom, and cloves along with powdered spices like turmeric, red chilli, Kashmiri red chilli, coriander, cumin, and garam masala, add lots of flavor, warmth, and color to the dish

Cashews: Helps add creaminess and richness to the gravy without the use of any cream. I have used broken cashews, but you can use whole cashews by simply reducing their quantity slightly

Tomatoes: Forms the base of the gravy along with onions and cashews. Adds a slight tanginess to the whole dish

Fat: We use three types of fats – oil, ghee, and butter at different stages of the cooking process to add richness and flavor to the dish in every bite

Ginger garlic paste: Adds aroma and flavor to the gravy

Tomato ketchup: Unexpected but adds a lovely tangy-sweet flavor the dish. I highly recommend adding it

Salt: for seasoning

Kasuri methi: Lightly roasted and crushed, and added right at the end for a subtle smokiness and that restuarant-style flavor

Coriander leaves: Used as a garnish for hint of hearty freshness and the perfect finishing touch

Frequently Asked Questions

Richa’s Top Tips

• Use homemade paneer: If you have 15 extra minutes, I highly recommend making paneer at home. It turns out incredibly soft and adds an unbeatable flavor and richness to the dish. It’s really easy to make but adds the most amazing flavor.
• Make it vegan: You can easily make this recipe vegan by only using oil instead of ghee and butter and replacing paneer with either tofu or veggies of your choice.
• Add veggies: You can add veggies like capsicum, bell peppers, babycorn, sweet corn, mushrooms, cauliflower and carrots for more texture and nutrition.

Serving Ideas

• With bread: This paneer curry pairs beautifully with almost any Indian bread. Serve it with butter naan, garlic naan, tandoori roti, laccha paratha, or simple rotis for a comforting meal.
• Rice: It also tastes great with steamed basmati rice, jeera rice, or peas pulao if you’re serving it as part of a larger spread.
• Some accompaniments: Round out the meal with sliced onions, lemon wedges, papad, cucumber raita, or a simple salad for some freshness alongside the rich curry.

Storage Tips

Paneer Do Pyaza stores well, making it a great option for meal prep or leftovers.

• Refrigerate: Allow the curry to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Reheat gently: Warm it over low heat on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through. If the gravy has thickened in the fridge, add a splash of water to loosen it.
• Freeze the gravy: If you’d like to freeze it, it’s best to freeze only the gravy for up to 2 months. Add freshly cooked paneer and onion petals after thawing for the best texture and flavor.
• Avoid repeated reheating: Reheat only the portion you plan to eat, as repeatedly heating paneer can make it firm and rubbery.

You’ll absolutely love this Paneer Do Pyaza! I love making this to elevate our weeknight dinners and I’m already adding it into this week’s meal plan. If you liked this recipe, I’ve got heaps of other paneer recipes up on the blog under Paneer Archives for you!

As always, be sure to send me your recreations over on my IG @my_foodstory. It’s always so good to hear from you guys!

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Paneer Do Pyaza

Rich, spicy, tangy, and loaded with texture, this paneer do pyaza is a classic restaurant style dish that tastes incredible with some naan!

Course Main Course

Cuisine Indian, North Indian

Diet Vegetarian

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes minutes

Total Time 30 minutes minutes

Servings 4 persons

Calories 586kcal

Author Richa

Ingredients

For the onion-cashew-tomato paste

• 2 tablespoons cooking oil
• 1 cup sliced onions
• 4 tablespoons broken or whole cashew nuts
• 6 medium tomatoes roughly chopped approx. 2 ½ cups 210 grams
• ¾ teaspoon salt

For do pyaza gravy

• 400 grams paneer cut into 1 inch cubes
• 2 tablespoons ghee see note 3
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 2 bay leaves
• 2 black cardamoms
• 8 cloves
• ½ cup finely chopped onions
• 2 teaspoons ginger garlic paste
• 1 teaspoon red chilli powder
• 2 teaspoons kashmiri red chilli powder
• 2 teaspoons coriander powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 cups onions cut into petals see note 4
• 2 tablespoons tomato ketchup
• 2 cups + 2 tablespoons water divided
• 1 teaspoon kasuri methi roasted & crushed
• ½ teaspoon garam masala powder
• 3 tablespoons chopped coriander leaves

Instructions

Making onion-cashew-tomato paste

• Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in the same pan or kadai & fry sliced onions till they turn translucent. Add soaked cashews & saute for a minute. Add tomatoes, salt and cook covered for 4-5 minutes on low till they turn mushy.
  2 tablespoons cooking oil, 1 cup sliced onions, 4 tablespoons broken or whole cashew nuts, 6 medium tomatoes roughly chopped approx. 2 ½ cups, ¾ teaspoon salt
• Set aside to cool down, grind it to a smooth paste (you may add 2 tablespoons of water for ease of grinding, if needed)

Making do pyaza gravy

• Heat ghee in a pan or kadai, add cumin seeds, bay leaf, black cardamom & cloves & saute. Add finely chopped onions & fry till they turn golden brown.
  2 tablespoons ghee, 1 teaspoon cumin seeds, 2 bay leaves, 2 black cardamoms, 8 cloves, ½ cup finely chopped onions
• Add ginger garlic paste and fry for a minute.
  2 teaspoons ginger garlic paste
• Add all spice powders and fry for about 30 secs.
  1 teaspoon red chilli powder, 2 teaspoons kashmiri red chilli powder, 2 teaspoons coriander powder, 1 teaspoon cumin powder, ½ teaspoon salt
• Add the onion petals and fry on high for 30 secs. Add 2 tablespoons of water to mix everything & cook for only a minute. Do not over cook.
  2 cups onions cut into petals, 2 cups + 2 tablespoons water
• Add the onion-cashew-tomato paste and boil on low for 3-4 minutes.
• Add tomato ketchup and mix well.
  2 tablespoons tomato ketchup
• Add the remaining 2 cups of water & bring to a boil.
• Add paneer cubes along with kasuri methi, garam masala powder, boil for a minute or two, garnish with chopped coriander leaves and serve.
  1 teaspoon kasuri methi, ½ teaspoon garam masala powder, 3 tablespoons chopped coriander leaves

Video

Notes

 

1. Any cooking oil may be used in the recipe.
2. Ghee is used for the authentic taste of the gravy which may be replaced with oil, if you prefer.
3. To make onion petals: cut onions into 1 inch cubes, separate each layer of onion to form the petals.
4. Leftovers will stay good for 3 days when refrigerated in an airtight container.

Nutrition

Calories: 586kcal | Carbohydrates: 30g | Protein: 20g | Fat: 45g | Saturated Fat: 21g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 9g | Trans Fat: 0.03g | Cholesterol: 85mg | Sodium: 871mg | Potassium: 807mg | Fiber: 7g | Sugar: 13g | Vitamin A: 2060IU | Vitamin C: 37mg | Calcium: 570mg | Iron: 3mg

This article was researched and written by Urvi Dalal.

The post Restaurant-Style Paneer Do Pyaza made easily at home appeared first on My Food Story.

If you’ve got an air fryer and a bunch of fresh coriander in your fridge, you’re 20 minutes away from one of the best chicken dinners you’ll make at home.

This creamy coriander chicken has quickly become one of our favourite air fryer recipes. The chicken turns out super crispy and peppery from the marinade, and the coconut milk sauce you’ll make is so fragrant and green from all the fresh coriander that it fills the kitchen with the most amazing smell. 

It uses ingredients I almost always have on hand and comes together really quickly for a delicious family meal. If you’ve been making our air fryer chicken tikka or air fryer lemon garlic chicken regularly, it’s time you try something fresh. 

Ingredients for Coriander Chicken

Chicken Thighs: I’ve used boneless chicken thighs cut into 1-inch pieces as they stay juicy even after air frying.

Marinade: Ginger garlic paste, crushed black pepper, white pepper, coriander powder, fresh coriander, cornflour, maida, egg, and salt. 

Coconut Milk: Use thick coconut milk as it forms the base of the sauce and gives it its creaminess.

Aromatics: Garlic, green chilli, green chilli paste, and curry leaves.

Fresh Coriander: I’ve used it generously in both the marinade and the sauce.

Butter: For an extra rich sauce.

Oil: Groundnut or any neutral cooking oil for brushing the chicken in the air fryer.

Richa’s Top Tips

• Marinate for at least 30 minutes. The cornflour and maida in the marinade form a light coating on the chicken that crisps up in the air fryer. Skipping or rushing the marinating time means the coating won’t set properly and the chicken won’t be as crispy.
• Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. Leave some gap between the pieces so hot air circulates evenly, and every piece gets that golden, slightly charred finish on all sides.
• Make the sauce while the chicken is in the air fryer. It only takes a few minutes on the stove, so by the time the chicken is done, the sauce is ready, and you can toss them together immediately.
• Toss the chicken in the sauce right before serving. If it sits in the sauce too long, the crispy coating softens. You want that contrast between the crunchy chicken and the creamy sauce in every bite.

Frequently Asked Questions

Storage Tips

• In the fridge: Store the chicken and sauce separately in airtight containers for up to 2 days. Keeping them apart prevents the coating from going soft.
• Freezing: Not recommended. The coconut milk sauce tends to split once frozen and thawed, and the crispy coating on the chicken won’t survive freezing.
• Reheating tip: Warm the sauce gently on the stove and pop the chicken back in the air fryer at 180°C for 2-3 minutes to crisp it up again. Toss them together just before serving for the best result.

Serving Ideas

This creamy coriander green chicken works as a starter or as part of a proper meal. Here are a few ways we enjoy it:

• With Jeera rice: The simplest pairing. The coconut coriander sauce over warm rice is comfort food at its best.
• With Lachha Paratha: Hot, flaky parathas with creamy, peppery chicken are a combination that always works.
• With Tender Coconut Appam: Soft, lacy appams soak up the coconut coriander sauce beautifully and give the whole meal a South Indian feel.
• With Butter Garlic Naan: If you want something more indulgent, warm garlic naan with this chicken makes for a really satisfying dinner.
• On its own: As a starter or a snack, these crispy, saucy chicken pieces with a cold drink need nothing else on the side.

Did You Know?

Coriander is one of the oldest herbs known to humanity and it’s seeds have been found in ruins dating back to 5000 BC. It’s also mentioned in ancient Sanskrit texts, Egyptian papyri, and even the Bible. It was found in the tomb of Tutankhamun and was one of the first herbs to be brought to the Americas by European settlers. Every major cuisine in the world uses it in some form, leaves, seeds, or ground. Making it arguably the most universal herb on the planet.

If you love coriander, this recipe is going to make you really happy. And if someone in your house is on the fence about it, this might just be the recipe that wins them over. Tag me on Instagram @my_foodstory when you try it, I’d love to hear what your family thinks.

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Air Fryer Creamy Coriander Chicken

Buttery, creamy, fresh, and nutty, this air fryer coriander chicken is one of those recipes you need to try! Serve it with as is as a party starter or eat with naan or roti for lunch or dinner.

Course Snacks & Appetisers

Cuisine Indian

Diet Halal

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time 10 minutes minutes

Total Time 20 minutes minutes

Servings 3 servings

Calories 299kcal

Author Richa

Equipment

• 1 Air Fryer

Ingredients

For marination

• 250 gms boneless chicken thighs cut into 1 inch pieces
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons ginger garlic paste
• 2 teaspoons black pepper crushed
• 1 teaspoon white pepper crushed
• 2 teaspoons coriander powder
• 3 tablespoons finely chopped coriander leaves
• 2 ½ tablespoons conflour
• 1 tablespoon all purpose flour / maida
• ½ egg whisked

For sauce

• 1 teaspoon groundnut oil or cooking oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped garlic
• 1 green chilli finely chopped
• 1 sprig curry leaves
• 2 teaspoons green chilli paste
• 3 tablespoons finely chopped coriander leaves divided
• ½ cup thick coconut milk
• ¼ cup water
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper crushed

Instructions

Marinating chicken

• Add chicken to a bowl, add rest of the ingredients for marination, toss until all chicken pieces get well coated and set aside for 30 minutes.
  250 gms boneless chicken thighs, ¼ teaspoon salt, 2 teaspoons ginger garlic paste, 2 teaspoons black pepper, 1 teaspoon white pepper, 2 teaspoons coriander powder, 3 tablespoons finely chopped coriander leaves, 2 ½ tablespoons conflour, 1 tablespoon all purpose flour / maida, ½ egg

Air frying chicken

• Preheat the airfryer to 200C. Brush the airfryer basket with oil. Place the marinated chicken pieces on the airfryer basket with some gap in between. Brush / spray the chicken with a teaspoon of oil and air fry at 200C for 7 minutes until they are cooked through & slightly browned around the edges.

Preparing the sauce

• Heat oil in a pan or preferably a flat bottomed kadai, add butter & once it melts, add garlic, green chillies, curry leaves and saute for a minute on medium until garlic turns golden. Add green chilli paste and saute for ½ a minute till the rawness goes. Add 2 tablespoons of coriander leaves and saute for a few seconds till they wilt. Add coconut milk, water, salt, pepper and bring to a boil on high and simmer for 1-2 minutes
  1 teaspoon groundnut oil or cooking oil, 1 tablespoon butter, 1 tablespoon finely chopped garlic, 1 green chilli, 1 sprig curry leaves, 2 teaspoons green chilli paste, 3 tablespoons finely chopped coriander leaves, ½ cup thick coconut milk, ¼ cup water, ¼ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Coriander chicken

• Add the airfried chicken to the sauce, mix well and saute for a minute till the sauce coats the chicken. Take off the heat, garnish with the remaining 1 tablespoon of coriander leaves and serve.

Video

Nutrition

Calories: 299kcal | Carbohydrates: 13g | Protein: 19g | Fat: 19g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 116mg | Sodium: 584mg | Potassium: 391mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 252IU | Vitamin C: 12mg | Calcium: 53mg | Iron: 2mg

This article was researched and written by Harita Odedra.

The post Air Fryer Creamy Coriander Chicken appeared first on My Food Story.

If you think tofu is boring, these creamy chilli tofu noodles are about to change your mind. Silky tofu sauce with a crispy, umami-packed tofu crumble on top makes this one of the most satisfying noodle bowls I’ve ever made at home.

We eat these creamy chilli tofu noodles so often at home that I’ve lost count. They’re warm, comforting, and have this incredible depth of flavour from the shiitake mushrooms and homemade chilli oil. And because we make both the sauce and the crumble from tofu, every serving is protein-rich, something that’s not very common with noodle dishes.

The whole thing takes about 30 minutes and uses ingredients that are easy to find. This is easily one of our favorite weeknight noodle bowls, and it’s usually on rotation with peanut butter ramen and chilli chicken noodles.

Ingredients for Creamy Chilli Tofu Noodles

Tofu: Use firm tofu for best results. It holds up well both when blended into a sauce and when crumbled and fried.

Shiitake Mushrooms: Dried, soaked in hot water for 10 minutes, and finely chopped.

Walnuts: Roughly chopped, for crunch and richness in the crumble.

Crumble Marinade: Oyster sauce, dark soy sauce, vinegar, garam masala, grated garlic, and grated ginger.

Tofu Sauce: Peanut butter, garlic, salt, and water blended with tofu.

Noodles: Any thick noodle works well here. Cook as per package instructions.

Chilli Oil: For drizzling on top before serving.

Spring Onions: Whites and greens, separated.

Oil: Any neutral cooking oil.

Frequently Asked Questions

Richa’s Top Tips

• Use firm tofu, not silken. Silken tofu is too soft and watery for both the sauce and the crumble. Firm tofu blends into a smooth sauce while still having enough structure to crumble and fry without falling apart.
• Keep frying the crumble even when it looks mushy. It will turn mushy at first and that’s completely normal. Keep going on low heat for 4-5 minutes and it’ll turn golden and crispy. That’s where all the texture comes from.
• Don’t overcook the noodles. They need to hold up against the sauce and crumble, so slightly undercooked is better than overdone. Drain them as soon as they’re ready.
• Assemble right before eating. The sauce, crumble, and noodles are best combined at the last minute. If they sit too long, the noodles absorb the sauce and lose that saucy, coated texture you want.

Storage Tips

• In the fridge: Store the sauce, crumble, and noodles separately in airtight containers for up to 2 days. Keeping them apart prevents the noodles from absorbing all the sauce and the crumble from going soft.
• Freezing: Not recommended. The tofu sauce changes texture once frozen, and the noodles become mushy after thawing.
• Reheating tip: Warm the noodles with a splash of water, heat the crumble on a hot pan to crisp it back up, and serve with fresh sauce. The sauce is best at room temperature or gently warmed, not hot.

Serving Ideas

These creamy chilli tofu noodles are a full meal in a bowl, but if you want to add something on the side:

• With Vegetarian Gyoza Potstickers: Crispy gyoza alongside a creamy bowl of noodles is always a winning combination.
• With Veg Spring Rolls: Light, crispy spring rolls are a great contrast to the rich, creamy sauce.
• With Asian Slaw: Something fresh and crunchy on the side balances the richness of the tofu sauce nicely.
• With a fried egg on top: If you’re not keeping it vegan, a runny fried egg over the noodles adds another layer of richness and protein.

Customisation Ideas

• Add more veggies: Broccoli, bok choy, edamame, or baby corn all work really well with the recipe. You can stir-fry them quickly and add them on top with the crumble so they’re crunchy and fresh.
• Make it non-veg: You can toss in shredded chicken or prawns for a very different flavour profile; the tofu sauce goes just as well with both options. 
• Swap the peanut butter: If you want a milder yet creamier taste, you can use cashew butter or almond butter for a slightly nuttier flavour. 
• Make it spicier: For a deeper, more layered spice, you can add in a teaspoon of gochujang or sriracha to the tofu sauce before blending. 

Did You Know?

Tofu was invented over 2,000 years ago in China, and the most widely accepted story credits it to a happy accident. Legend says a Chinese cook accidentally curdled soy milk by adding nigari, a mineral-rich salt derived from seawater. The curds that formed were pressed together, and tofu was born. The process hasn’t changed much since. Every block of tofu you buy today is still essentially soy milk that’s been curdled and pressed. 

If you’ve been looking for a plant-based meal that actually feels satisfying and comforting, this tofu noodles recipe is the one to try. The sauce is creamy, the crumble is crispy, and the chilli oil ties it all together. We make it all the time, and it hasn’t gotten old yet.

Tag me on Instagram @my_foodstory when you make it; I always love seeing these recipes in your kitchens.

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Creamy Chilli Tofu Noodles

Creamy, spicy, nutty, and full of umami, these Creamy Chilli Tofu Noodles are a must-try for Indo-Chinese lovers. It's loaded with flavor, easy to make, and endlessly customisable.

Course Main Course

Cuisine Indian Chinese

Diet Vegan, Vegetarian

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes minutes

Total Time 30 minutes minutes

Servings 4 servings

Calories 256kcal

Author Richa

Ingredients

For marination

• 100 grams tofu approx. 1 cup, roughly chopped
• 2 shiitake mushrooms hydrated and finely chopped refer note 1
• 5 walnuts roughly chopped
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 2 teaspoons dark soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon vinegar
• ¼ teaspoon garam masala powder
• 1 teaspoon grated garlic
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger

For sauce

• 100 grams tofu approx. 1 cup
• 2 tablespoons peanut butter
• 2 garlic cloves whole
• 1 pinch salt
• ¼ cup water

Other

• 225 grams cooked noodles approx. 2 ½ cups
• 1 tablespoon cooking oil
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped spring onion whites
• ¼ cup finely chopped spring onion greens divided
• 1 tablespoon chilli oil

Instructions

Marinating tofu

• Take tofu in a bowl, add chopped shiitake mushrooms, walnuts and rest of the ingredients for the marination, give a good mix and marinate for 10 minutes.
  100 grams tofu, 2 shiitake mushrooms hydrated and finely chopped, 5 walnuts, 1 tablespoon oyster sauce, 2 teaspoons dark soy sauce, 1 teaspoon vinegar, ¼ teaspoon garam masala powder, 1 teaspoon grated garlic, 1 teaspoon grated ginger

Cooking noodles

• Boil 3 cups of water in a pot, add noodles and cook as per package instructions. Do not overcook the noodles. Drain immediately and set aside.
  225 grams cooked noodles

Making tofu sauce

• Add tofu, peanut butter, salt and water to a mixer and blend to a smooth sauce, transfer to a bowl and set aside.
  100 grams tofu, 2 tablespoons peanut butter, 1 pinch salt, ¼ cup water, 2 garlic cloves

Pan frying tofu crumble

• Heat a wide pan with 1 tablespoon cooking oil, add spring onion whites and fry for a few seconds on high until fragrant, add the marinated tofu and fry on medium heat. Initially they will turn mushy but keep frying on low for 4-5 minutes till they turn golden and crispy. Add 2 tablespoons of spring onion greens and take off the heat.
  1 tablespoon cooking oil, 2 tablespoons finely chopped spring onion whites, ¼ cup finely chopped spring onion greens

To serve

• Take cooked noodles in a bowl, sprinkle a few drops of water and microwave for 30 seconds. add tofu sauce, top with tofu crumble, 2 tablespoons of spring onion greens, drizzle chilli oil and serve immediately.
  1 tablespoon chilli oil

Video

Notes

1. To hydrate shiitake mushrooms, soak in hot water for 10 minutes. 

Nutrition

Calories: 256kcal | Carbohydrates: 24g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Sodium: 341mg | Potassium: 238mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 93IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 41mg | Iron: 2mg

This article was researched and written by Harita Odedra.

The post Creamy Chilli Tofu Noodles appeared first on My Food Story.

We’ve been making this Air Fryer Lemon Garlic Chicken on repeat for weeks now, and my family still isn’t tired of it. It’s lemony, garlicky, and takes about 20 minutes to get on the table.

We eat a lot of chicken at home, and this air fryer lemon garlic chicken has quickly joined the ranks of one of the most loved recipes in our kitchen. The marinade is simple, but the lemon zest in it brings this beautiful citrusy aroma that fills the whole room. And the chicken turns out juicy and tender every single time.

Our air fryer chicken tikka and air fryer chicken tenders have been family favourites for a while, and this lemon garlic chicken is now part of the list. If your family loves chicken as much as mine does, I think this one’s going to earn a permanent spot in your kitchen too.

Ingredients for Lemon Garlic Chicken

Chicken: I’ve used 350 grams of boneless thigh pieces here, cut into 1.5-inch pieces. I wouldn’t recommend breast pieces for this recipe as it comes out dry and chewy. 

Lemon zest: Used in the marinade and herb butter. Adds a beautiful aroma and a lovely lemon-y flavor that’s hard to achieve with just lemon juice.

Other Marinade Ingredients:   Lemon juice, grated garlic, crushed pepper, kashmiri chilli powder, honey, salt, and olive oil. 

Herb Butter: Soft butter (I have used regular salted butter) mixed with lemon zest and freshly chopped coriander. 

Skewers: For threading the chicken pieces before air frying.

Oil: Groundnut or any neutral cooking oil for brushing the basket and the chicken.

Frequently Asked Questions

Richa’s Top Tips

• Marinate for at least an hour. The lemon juice and garlic need time to work into the chicken. The longer it sits, the more flavour each piece absorbs. If you have time, you can also marinate it overnight and keep it refrigerated.
• Don’t skip the lemon zest in the marinade. The zest carries the concentrated citrus oils that give this chicken its signature aroma. Lemon juice alone won’t give you the same result.
• Leave a gap between the skewers in the air fryer basket. If the pieces are touching, the hot air can’t circulate properly, and the chicken won’t get that golden, slightly charred finish on all sides.
• Brush with oil before and after flipping. This helps the chicken brown evenly and keeps the surface from drying out during air frying.
• Brush the herb butter on while the chicken is still hot. The heat melts the butter instantly, and it seeps into every piece, carrying the lemon zest and coriander flavour with it.

Storage Tips

• In the fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days. The lemon and garlic flavours hold up well overnight.
• Freezing: You can freeze the marinated, uncooked chicken for up to two weeks. Thaw overnight in the fridge, thread onto skewers, and air fry fresh. Make the herb butter fresh when you’re ready to serve.
• Reheating tip: Pop the chicken back in the air fryer at 180°C for 2-3 minutes to warm through. Brush with fresh herb butter before serving to bring back that just-cooked flavour.

Serving Ideas

This air fryer lemon garlic chicken is versatile enough to work as a starter or as part of a meal. Here are a few ways we enjoy it:

• With Hummus and Whole Wheat Pita Bread: Slide the chicken off the skewers, tuck it into a warm pita with some hummus, and you’ve got a proper Mediterranean style lunch.
• With Mediterranean Chickpea Salad: The lemony chicken with this fresh, crunchy salad makes for a really light and satisfying meal.
• With Egg Fried Rice: If you want something more filling, a plate of fried rice with these skewers on the side works really well.
• On its own: With a squeeze of lemon and a cold drink. Sometimes the simplest way is the best way.

Did You Know?

Lemon zest contains five to ten times more concentrated citrus flavour than lemon juice. The zest is packed with essential oils, primarily limonene, which is where that intense, bright lemon aroma comes from. Lemon juice gives you acidity and tanginess, but the zest gives you fragrance. That’s why this recipe uses zest in both the marinade and the herb butter.  

This air fryer lemon garlic chicken deserves a spot in every kitchen that loves good chicken. Try it, and I have a feeling the words ‘can we have that lemon chicken again?’ will follow very soon. Find me on Instagram @my_foodstory and tell me how it went.

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Air Fryer Lemon Garlic Chicken

Lemon-y, garlicky, and incredibly fragrant, this air fryer lemon garlic chicken is an absolute must- try recipe. It's quick, easy, healthy-ish and comes together in 20 minutes.

Course Snacks & Appetisers

Cuisine Continental

Diet Halal

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time 10 minutes minutes

Total Time 20 minutes minutes

Servings 3 servings

Calories 232kcal

Author Richa

Equipment

• 1 Air Fryer

Ingredients

For marination

• 350 grams boneless chicken thighs cut into 1.5 inch pieces
• 2 teaspoons lemon zest
• 2 teaspoons lemon juice
• 2 teaspoons grated garlic
• ¼ teaspoon crushed pepper
• 1 teaspoon kashmiri chilli powder
• 1 teaspoon honey
• ¼ + ⅛ teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons olive oil

Other

• 3 skewers
• 1 – 2 teaspoons groundnut or any cooking oil for brushing
• 1 ½ tablespoons soft butter
• 2 teaspoons lemon zest
• 2 teaspoons finely chopped coriander leaves

Instructions

• Take chicken in a bowl, add rest of the ingredients for marinade, toss until all chicken pieces get well coated with the marinade and set aside for at least an hour.
  350 grams boneless chicken thighs cut into 1.5 inch pieces, 2 teaspoons lemon zest, 2 teaspoons lemon juice, 2 teaspoons grated garlic, ¼ teaspoon crushed pepper, 1 teaspoon kashmiri chilli powder, 1 teaspoon honey, ¼ + ⅛ teaspoon salt, 2 teaspoons olive oil
• Herb butter: Take soft butter in a bowl, add lemon zest, coriander leaves, mix well and set aside.
  1 ½ tablespoons soft butter, 2 teaspoons lemon zest, 2 teaspoons finely chopped coriander leaves
• Preheat the airfryer to 200C. Brush the airfryer basket with oil. Thread the chicken pieces onto the skewers and place them on the airfryer basket with some gap in between. Brush the chicken with a teaspoon of oil and air fry at 200C for 3 minutes, flip once, brush with oil & air fry at 200 C for another 3-5 minutes or until they are cooked through & slightly browned around the edges.
  3 skewers, 1 – 2 teaspoons groundnut or any cooking oil for brushing
• Brush the fried chicken with herb butter and serve.

Video

Nutrition

Calories: 232kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 23g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 0.3g | Cholesterol: 126mg | Sodium: 161mg | Potassium: 318mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 407IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 23mg | Iron: 1mg

This article was researched and written by Harita Odedra.

The post Air Fryer Lemon Garlic Chicken appeared first on My Food Story.

These Thai drunken noodles are hands down the spiciest, most flavourful noodle dish we make at home. If you love heat, garlic, and a good wok-tossed noodle, you’re going to love this.

Thai drunken noodles, also known as Thai pad kee mao, are one of the most popular Thai restaurant dishes, and they’re actually really easy to make at home. The fresh crushed chillies and garlic give the noodles this incredible heat, and the oyster-soy sauce brings a rich, savoury depth that ties everything together. 

The whole recipe takes about 25 minutes, which is probably faster than waiting for delivery. If you’ve tried our peanut butter ramen or bibim guksu, you know we love our noodles in this house. They’re perfect for a weeknight dinner when you want something that feels special but doesn’t take long.

Ingredients for Thai Drunken Noodles

Chicken Thighs: Boneless and cut into thin strips. Thighs stay juicy and tender even on high heat in the wok.

Marinade: Cornflour, sugar, soy sauce, and water. A quick marinade that keeps the chicken tender during stir-frying.

Sauce: Oyster sauce, soy sauce, dark soy sauce, fish sauce, and crushed pepper. 

Thai Red Chillies & Garlic: Crushed together into a fresh paste for heat and flavor. If you can’t find Thai red chillies, you can replace it with Serrano Peppers or Indian bird’s eye chilli for similar heat and flavor profile. 

Vegetables: Broccoli florets, carrot juliennes, and baby corn for crunch and colour.

Noodles: Even though pad kee mao traditionally uses flat noodles, I prefer to use instant noodles as they’re quick and convenient. However, any noodles work for this recipe. 

Oil: Sunflower or any neutral cooking oil with a high smoke point. I would avoid olive oil for this recipe. 

Richa’s Top Tips

• Crush the chillies and garlic in a mortar and pestle; don’t blend them. Crushing gives you a coarse, chunky paste that releases flavour differently in the wok compared to a smooth blended paste. That rough texture is part of what makes drunken noodles taste authentic.
• Get the wok really hot before adding anything. High heat is essential for stir-frying. If the wok isn’t hot enough, the chicken and vegetables will steam instead of getting that slightly charred, smoky finish. 
• Keep everything prepped before you cook: This recipe moves really fast once it’s on the gas. So make sure to cut the veggies, portion the sauces, etc. first as you won’t have much time during the cook, 
• Cook the chicken first, then remove it before adding the paste and vegetables. This prevents the chicken from overcooking while you stir-fry everything else. It goes back in at the end with the noodles.
• Toss the noodles in at the very end. They only need a minute or two in the wok to absorb the sauce and heat through. Any longer and they’ll go soft and sticky. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Storage Tips

• In the fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Keep in mind that the noodles will absorb the sauce as they sit, so they may taste less saucy when reheated.
• Freezing: Not recommended. The noodles and vegetables lose their texture once frozen and thawed.
• Reheating tip: Toss everything back into a hot wok or pan for a couple of minutes with a splash of soy sauce. This loosens the noodles and brings back some of that freshly stir-fried flavour. Avoid the microwave if you can. 

Serving Ideas

Thai drunken noodles are a complete meal on their own, but if you want to build a bigger spread, you can pair the pad kee mao recipe with:

• With Vegetarian Gyoza Potstickers: Crispy gyoza alongside a big bowl of spicy noodles makes for a proper Asian dinner at home.
• With Veg Spring Rolls: Light, crispy spring rolls on the side balance out the bold, spicy noodles really well.
• With a fried egg on top: A runny fried egg over the noodles adds richness and helps mellow the heat a little. Simple but makes a big difference.
• With Wonton Soup: If you want something brothy alongside, a warm bowl of wonton soup rounds out the meal nicely.

Did You Know?

The reason your stir-fry never tastes quite like a restaurant’s comes down to one thing: heat. A commercial wok burner in a Thai or Chinese restaurant puts out over 200,000 BTUs. Your home gas stove maxes out at around 15,000-18,000 BTUs. That’s roughly ten times less heat. At restaurant temperatures, the wok surface reaches over 370°C, which is where a phenomenon called “wok hei” or “breath of the wok” happens. Oil aerosolises, catches fire for a split second as the chef tosses the food, and drops back down, infusing everything with that signature smoky, charred flavour. You can’t fully replicate this at home, but cooking in small batches on the highest heat your stove can give, which is what this recipe does, gets you the closest. 

I hope these Thai drunken noodles bring the same kind of excitement to your dinner table that they’ve brought to ours. They’re bold, they’re spicy, and they come together so easily that you’ll wonder why you ever bothered ordering them. Tag me on Instagram  @my_foodstory when you make them, I’d love to see your bowls!

Watch Thai Drunken Noodles Recipe Video

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Thai Drunken Noodles

These spicy, saucy Thai Drunken Noodles aka Pad Kee Mao are a popular Thai noodle stir-fry dish. It's bold, spicy, super easy, and perfect to recreate a takeout style meal at home.

Course Main Course

Cuisine Thai

Diet Halal

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes minutes

Total Time 25 minutes minutes

Servings 2 servings

Calories 473kcal

Author Richa

Equipment

• 1 Wok

Ingredients

Marination

• 125 gms chicken thigh boneless cut into 2 inch long strips
• ½ teaspoon cornflour
• ⅛ teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce
• 2 teaspoons water

For sauce

• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• ½ tablespoon dark soy sauce
• ½ tablespoon fish sauce
• ¼ teaspoon crushed pepper

other

• 2 tablespoons sunflower or any neutral cooking oil
• 6-7 thai red chillies
• 8-10 garlic cloves
• ⅛ teaspoon + 1 pinch salt divided
• ⅓ cup broccoli florets
• ¼ cup carrot juliennes
• ¼ cup baby corn cut into 2 inch long strips
• ½ teaspoon sugar
• 225 grams cooked noodles approx. 2 ½ cups (refer note 1)

Instructions

• Add all the ingredients for marination to a bowl, toss well and set aside to marinate for 15 minutes.
  125 gms chicken thigh boneless, ½ teaspoon cornflour, ⅛ teaspoon sugar, 1 teaspoon soy sauce, 2 teaspoons water
• Take all the ingredients for the sauce in a bowl, toss well and set aside.
  2 tablespoons oyster sauce, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, ½ tablespoon dark soy sauce, ½ tablespoon fish sauce, ¼ teaspoon crushed pepper
• Add chillies, garlic, a pinch of salt to a pestle and using the mortar, crush to a coarse paste.
  6-7 thai red chillies, 8-10 garlic cloves, ⅛ teaspoon + 1 pinch salt
• Heat oil in a wok or kadai, add chicken and saute for 2-3 minutes on medium heat till they get lightly roasted. Add crushed chilli-garlic paste and saute for a few seconds till fragrant. Add veggies, remaining ⅛ teaspoon salt, sugar and toss for a minute or 2 till they are fried well. Add cooked noodles & toss for 1-2 minutes till they get mixed well and serve.
  2 tablespoons sunflower or any neutral cooking oil, ⅓ cup broccoli florets, ¼ cup carrot juliennes, ¼ cup baby corn, ½ teaspoon sugar, 225 grams cooked noodles

Video

Notes

1. Cook noodles as per package instructions and use in the recipe.

Nutrition

Calories: 473kcal | Carbohydrates: 54g | Protein: 24g | Fat: 19g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 13g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 59mg | Sodium: 1984mg | Potassium: 546mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 2972IU | Vitamin C: 42mg | Calcium: 66mg | Iron: 3mg

This article was researched and written by Harita Odedra.

The post Spicy & Saucy Thai Drunken Noodles appeared first on My Food Story.