Paneer Butter Masala Made Restaurant-Style at Home – Step-by-Step Guide!

Craving that creamy, buttery, and mildly spiced Paneer Butter Masala just like your favourite restaurant? Look no further! FoodyBhai brings you the ultimate step-by-step guide to recreate this North Indian classic in your home kitchen — no fancy ingredients, no chef’s hat required.

⭐ Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• Rich, creamy & bursting with flavour
• Ready in under 40 minutes
• Perfect with naan, roti, or jeera rice
• Crowd-pleaser for both vegetarians & meat-lovers!

🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the gravy base:

• 2 tbsp butter (or ghee)
• 1 tbsp oil
• 1 bay leaf
• 2-3 green cardamoms
• 1-inch cinnamon stick
• 3 medium tomatoes (roughly chopped)
• 2 medium onions (sliced)
• 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
• 8-10 cashew nuts
• 1 tsp Kashmiri red chilli powder (for color)
• Salt to taste

For the main curry:

• 200–250 g paneer (cubed)
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 tsp garam masala
• ½ tsp kasuri methi (dry fenugreek leaves)
• ¼ cup fresh cream (Amul or homemade malai)
• 2 tbsp butter (again 😋)
• Coriander leaves to garnish

🔥 Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions:

🥘 Step 1: Prepare the Gravy Base

1. Heat 1 tbsp oil + 1 tbsp butter in a pan.
2. Add bay leaf, cardamoms, and cinnamon stick.
3. Sauté onions till golden, then add ginger-garlic paste.
4. Once the raw smell fades, add tomatoes and cashews.
5. Cook till tomatoes are soft and oil separates.
6. Let it cool, then blend to a smooth paste (no water needed).

🍛 Step 2: Make the Final Curry

1. In the same pan, melt 2 tbsp butter.
2. Add the tomato-onion paste and cook for 5 mins.
3. Add chilli powder, garam masala, sugar, and salt.
4. Stir and let it simmer for 7–10 mins till butter separates.
5. Add paneer cubes and ¼ cup water (or milk for extra richness).
6. Crush kasuri methi between palms and add it in.
7. Finally, add cream and mix gently.
8. Simmer for 2 mins and switch off the flame.

🫓 What to Serve It With:

• Butter Naan
• Lachha Paratha
• Jeera Rice
• Plain Steamed Basmati

💡 FoodyBhai Tips:

• Want smokiness? Place a hot coal in a bowl inside the curry, pour ghee, and cover for 1 min.
• Use fresh, soft paneer or soak store-bought ones in warm water for 10 mins.
• Add honey instead of sugar for a healthier twist.

📌 Final Words from FoodyBhai:

This restaurant-style Paneer Butter Masala recipe is your shortcut to winning hearts at home! Whether it’s a special occasion or just a craving, this dish will never disappoint. Try it and tag @FoodyBhai on Instagram — we’d love to feature your version!