Paneer tikka masala and paneer butter masala are two of the most popular Indian dishes around the world. Both dishes feature paneer, a fresh cheese common in Indian cuisine, in a rich and creamy tomato-based gravy. However, there are some differences between these two dishes that make each one unique. This article will compare paneer tikka masala and paneer butter masala to help you decide which one you might enjoy more.
Origins and History
Paneer tikka masala is believed to have originated in India sometime in the 20th century. The dish was likely invented by Indian restaurant cooks as a way to accommodate the tastes of British patrons who were not accustomed to traditional curries. By combining tandoori roasted paneer with a tomato and cream-based gravy, they created a dish that was both familiar and appealing to the British palate.
Paneer butter masala has roots in Punjabi cuisine and the rich, creamy gravies typical of that region. Recipes for paneer butter masala have likely been around in Punjabi home cooking for generations, long before paneer tikka masala was invented. The addition of butter and cream gives this dish its signature silky texture.
Ingredients
While both dishes use common ingredients like paneer, tomatoes, onions, and spices, there are some key differences:
Paneer Tikka Masala
- Paneer cubes marinated in yogurt and spices, then grilled or roasted
- Onion and tomato gravy flavored with garlic, ginger, and spices like coriander, cumin, and garam masala
- Cream or coconut milk added to enrich and thicken the gravy
- Garnished with cilantro
Paneer Butter Masala
- Paneer cubes sauteed in butter with onions, tomatoes, and spices
- Tomato puree or crushed tomatoes cooked down into a gravy
- Heavy cream and butter added to the gravy
- Garnished with cream or butter
So paneer tikka masala has the extra step of marinating and grilling the paneer before it is added to the gravy, while paneer butter masala directly simmers the paneer in the sauce.
Cooking Methods
The cooking methods involved in preparing each dish also impact their flavor:
Paneer Tikka Masala
- Paneer is marinated in yogurt and spices for up to a few hours to absorb flavors
- Paneer cubes are roasted at high heat in a tandoor oven or grill pan to char and caramelize
- Onions, tomatoes, garlic, and ginger are sauteed before being blended into a smooth gravy
- Paneer is simmered in the gravy just long enough to heat through and absorb sauce flavors
Paneer Butter Masala
- Paneer is sauteed briefly with onions, tomatoes, and aromatics
- Tomatoes are crushed by hand or pureed into a smooth, thick gravy
- Paneer simmers gently in the gravy for a longer time to absorb flavors
- Butter and cream are swirled in at the end to enrich the gravy
The charred smoky flavors from grilling the paneer make paneer tikka masala slightly more complex, while paneer butter masala develops deeper flavors from the longer simmering time.
Flavors and Texture
The flavors and textures of the two dishes also show distinctive differences:
Paneer Tikka Masala
- Smoky, charred flavors from grilled paneer
- Robust spice flavors like cumin, coriander, and clove
- Tangy tomato gravy
- Creamy, rich texture but still fairly light
Paneer Butter Masala
- Mild, creamy flavor
- Buttery aroma and notes of kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves)
- Very rich, silky and creamy gravy
- Comforting, gentle spice flavors like turmeric, cardamom, bay leaf
Paneer tikka masala has a more lively flavor profile with the charred paneer and zippy tomato gravy. Paneer butter masala has a luxuriously creamy, soothing flavor with its long-simmered gravy and abundance of butter.
Heat Level
While both dishes are moderately spicy compared to some other Indian fare, paneer butter masala tends to be a little bit milder:
Paneer Tikka Masala
- Chili peppers are sometimes added to the marinade or gravy for a spicy kick
- Liberal use of ginger, garlic, and black pepper add moderate heat
- Often finishes with a splash of vinegar for tanginess
Paneer Butter Masala
- Relies more on warm spices like cinnamon, cardamom, clove for flavor
- Does not use chili peppers, allowing the creaminess to take center stage
- Low-simmering mellows out the raw spice edges
Paneer tikka masala has a bit more bite from the fresh chilies and ginger. Paneer butter masala focuses more on subtle spice aromas.
Popularity
Both paneer tikka masala and paneer butter masala are immensely popular dishes, but paneer butter masala edges out paneer tikka masala in popularity among Indians:
| Dish | Popularity in India | Global Popularity |
|---|---|---|
| Paneer Tikka Masala | Very popular | Extremely popular, one of the most well-known Indian dishes worldwide |
| Paneer Butter Masala | Extremely popular, considered one of India’s national dishes | Popular among Indian food lovers worldwide |
Paneer butter masala is universally loved across India and is one of the country’s most popular restaurant and home cooked dishes. Paneer tikka masala has gained massive global appeal and has been called the most popular Indian dish worldwide.
Ease of Preparation
Paneer butter masala is generally simpler and quicker to prepare compared to paneer tikka masala:
Paneer Tikka Masala
- Marinating the paneer takes extra time
- Grilling or pan-searing the paneer adds an extra step
- Making the tomato gravy takes time and care
- More total ingredients needed
Paneer Butter Masala
- No marinating required
- Paneer can be added directly to gravy
- Gravy made from crushed or pureed tomatoes is quicker
- Shorter overall ingredient list and prep work
For weeknight cooking or for cooks short on time, paneer butter masala can come together more quickly. Paneer tikka masala involves a little more hands-on effort.
Cost
Paneer butter masala is likely to be the less expensive dish to make at home since it uses pantry staple ingredients. The costs to make either dish at home are:
Paneer Tikka Masala
- Paneer – $3 to $4 for 12 oz
- Yogurt – $0.50 for 6 oz
- Spices like garam masala – $0.30 to $0.60 per recipe batch
- Onion, tomatoes, garlic, ginger – around $2 total
- Cream – $0.75 for 1/4 cup
- Garnish like cilantro – around $0.30
Total cost: Around $7 to $8 to make 4 to 6 servings
Paneer Butter Masala
- Paneer – $3 to $4 for 12 oz
- Tomato puree – $0.60 for 8 oz can
- Spices like turmeric, garam masala – $0.30 to $0.50 per recipe
- Onion, garlic, ginger – around $1 total
- Butter – $0.50 for 2 tbsp
- Heavy cream – $0.75 for 1/4 cup
- Garnish like cream, kasuri methi – around $0.50
Total cost: Around $6 to $7 to make 4 to 6 servings
Paneer butter masala uses more pantry staple ingredients like tomato puree, spices, onions and avoids more expensive items like large amounts of cream. This makes it slightly more budget friendly.
Nutrition
Both dishes are high in calories and fat due to the paneer and cream or butter. Paneer tikka masala provides more vegetables from the tomato gravy.
Paneer Tikka Masala
- Around 300 calories per serving
- 10g fat
- High protein from paneer
- Tomato gravy provides vitamin C and lycopene
Paneer Butter Masala
- Around 350 calories per serving
- 15g fat
- High protein from paneer
- Higher calories and saturated fat from butter and cream
For a lighter meal, paneer tikka masala may be a better choice. But paneer butter masala offers rich creamy satisfaction.
Pairings
Paneer tikka masala often goes well with:
- Naan, tandoori roti, or rice to soak up the gravy
- Raita or cucumber salad to offset the richness
- Vegetable curry dish or dal
- Cold beer or white wine
Paneer butter masala pairs nicely with:
- Naan, paratha, or jeera rice
- Plain yogurt
- Saag paneer or palak paneer
- Sweet white wine or bubbly drink
The char and spice of paneer tikka masala stands up better to drinking beer or wine with it. Paneer butter masala’s delicate flavors pair better with wine or champagne.
Restaurant Offerings
On Indian restaurant menus in India and worldwide, you’ll almost always find:
- Paneer tikka masala as a popular staple menu item
- Paneer butter masala as a daily special or signature dish
Restaurants can charge a premium for paneer butter masala given its reputation as a specialty dish. Paneer tikka masala is reliable standard that diners expect to see.
Conclusion
So which one takes the crown – paneer tikka masala or paneer butter masala? Here’s a quick run-down of the main differences:
Paneer Tikka Masala
- Marinated, grilled paneer in creamy tomato gravy
- Robust smoky, spicy flavors
- Beloved globally but less iconic status in India
- Quick prep and standard go-to restaurant option
Paneer Butter Masala
- Paneer gently simmered in rich creamy gravy
- Subtler, milder, more comforting spice flavors
- Indian national treasure and specialty restaurant dish
- Slightly easier to make at home
It’s hard to pick a clear winner as both dishes have devoted fans. Paneer butter masala gets the edge for its prestigious standing in India. But paneer tikka masala is equally beloved, especially by non-Indians as their introduction to Indian cuisine. Craving a flavorful tomato gravy? Go for paneer tikka masala. Want tender paneer drenched in luscious creamy sauce? Choose paneer butter masala. Either way, you can’t go wrong with these mouthwatering paneer dishes.