Hey, you! Craving a paneer curry but need to defrost it first? Find out how to defrost paneer in this quick read! I’ve got you covered with three different methods based on how much time you have on hand.
I always add paneer recipes to my meal plans, but somehow can never remember to take it out of the freezer in time. Tell me I’m not the only one! I’ve accepted that this will probably just keep happening, so now I’ve got some tricks up my sleeve to defrost paneer based on the time I have. And of course I had to share these with you!
But first, let’s get into how to freeze the paneer in the first place.
How To Freeze Paneer
You can freeze paneer directly in its packaging if it’s unopened. If open already, you can wrap the paneer in plastic wrap and then in some aluminum foil before freezing. This will prevent freezer burn which is the formation of ice crystals. Airtight containers are also great for storing paneer in the freezer, especially if you’re making it at home (it’s really easy and takes only 15 minutes using my homemade paneer recipe). You can store a block of paneer whole or cubed.
Note: Paneer does not always need to be defrosted! If you’re making a curry, you can directly add the frozen paneer cubes to it and the gravy will soften up the paneer as it cooks.
But if I do need to defrost it, I find that removing paneer from its packaging and defrosting it in some warm water for a couple of minutes works really well.
Method #1: How to defrost paneer on the countertop
The best way to defrost paneer is by letting it gradually thaw at room temperature by placing it on the countertop. Since paneer is a delicate dairy product, it can turn rubbery if met with an abrupt temperature change. So for tender paneer that’s close to its fresh texture, I’d recommend this method.
Note that this method will take at least 4 hours but it’s completely hands off so you don’t have to do a thing (other than remember!) 
Tip: You can also defrost paneer overnight in the fridge if you remember the night before.
Method #2: How to defrost paneer in warm water
Now if you’re in a hurry and need to defrost paneer QUICK, this is the method for you. Dip paneer in a bowl of warm water (fully submerged) and let it sit for 15-20 minutes. As the paneer soaks in the warm water it regains the moisture that it lost while being stored in the freezer – this is what we want!
Make sure to not over soak the paneer and take it out after the recommended time as this will cause it to break down and crumble!
Method #3: How to defrost paneer in the steamer
Another way to defrost paneer quickly is by steaming it. Just place the paneer on a steamer tray over a pan of boiling water (with the flame turned off) and cover with a lid. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes or until the paneer thaws.
Note that this method works best for pre-cut frozen paneer cubes.
Frequently Asked Questions
There could be a couple of reasons that your paneer has turned chewy: it has either been overcooked, met with an abrupt temperature change (say from the freezer to boiling hot water), been cooked on too high heat, or left in the gravy for too long.
Essentially, we don’t want to extend the cooking process of the paneer or shock the paneer with extreme temperatures. This will cause it to turn tough and chewy.
There’s a couple signs to spot spoiled paneer. Look out for these:
– Watery texture
– Sour taste
– Crumbles on touch
– Greenish or yellow color
If you notice any of these – discard the paneer as it’d be unsafe for consumption.
I find that soaking paneer in warm water for 10 minutes makes it soft and tender before adding it to curries. Just make sure not to over soak and that your water is not boiling hot.
Once your paneer has been properly thawed, it’s time to get cooking! Check out some of my favorite paneer recipes:
This article was researched and written by Navya Khetarpal.
The post How To Defrost Paneer appeared first on My Food Story.
0 Comments