What can I use instead of Paneer?

Extra-firm tofu, pressed: 1 cup, cut and pan-fried. Queso fresco: 1 cup, cut.

What changes when you substitute Paneer?

Softer, more absorbent. Softens more.

Substitute for Paneer

What it does in a recipe: Pressed mild cheese that holds its shape in curries and on skewers.

3 substitutes, ranked by what's already in your pantry. Amounts are dataset values — US and metric where a ratio exists.

Extra-firm tofu, pressed

per 1 cup paneer

US1 cup, cut and pan-fried

Metric240 g, pressed

CommonBaking-safe ✓Alcohol-freeDairy-freeEgg-freeFish-freeGluten-freeNut-freePeanut-freeShellfish-freeVeganContains soy

The vegan swap — press hard and sear for chew.

What changes: Softer, more absorbent

Queso fresco

per 1 cup paneer

US1 cup, cut

Metric110 g, cut

CommonBaking-safe ✓Alcohol-freeEgg-freeFish-freeGluten-freeNut-freePeanut-freeShellfish-freeSoy-freeContains dairy

Same fresh-milk mildness; softer when heated.

What changes: Softens more

Halloumi

per 1 cup paneer (grilling)

US1 cup, sliced

Metric150 g, sliced

SpecialtyBaking-safe ✓Alcohol-freeEgg-freeFish-freeGluten-freeNut-freePeanut-freeShellfish-freeSoy-freeContains dairy

Sear-skin like paneer; saltier.

What changes: Saltier, squeakier

Related swaps

Common questions

What can I use instead of Paneer?: Extra-firm tofu, pressed: 1 cup, cut and pan-fried. Queso fresco: 1 cup, cut.
What is the exact ratio to substitute Paneer?: Extra-firm tofu, pressed (per 1 cup paneer) — US: 1 cup, cut and pan-fried. Metric: 240 g, pressed.
What changes when you substitute Paneer?: Softer, more absorbent. Softens more.

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