KFC Paneer Zinger (Copycat)

The original: Paneer Zinger · KFC →A take on the Grilled Tandoori Paneer Burger · Biggies Burger →

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About

KFC opened in India in 1995 and ran straight into an obvious problem: a large part of the country is vegetarian, and the chain sold only chicken. Its answer was to keep the Zinger exactly as it was and change what goes inside it. Paneer, the fresh cheese that stands in for meat across North Indian cooking, holds its shape in a fryer the way a chicken fillet does.

This home version cuts paneer into slices about half an inch thick and pats them dry, then dips them in buttermilk or yogurt and coats them in flour and cornstarch seasoned with paprika, chili powder, black pepper and salt. They fry in a little oil over medium heat for only two to three minutes a side, since paneer needs heating rather than cooking. A spicy mayo, lettuce and tomato in a toasted sesame bun complete it.

Ingredients

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paneer patty

Paneer200g paneer, sliced into 1/2-inch thick pieces
All-purpose flour1/4 cup (30g) all-purpose flour
Cornstarch2 tbsp cornstarch
Paprika1/2 tsp paprika
Chili powder1/2 tsp chili powder
Black pepper1/4 tsp black pepper
Salt1/2 tsp salt
Buttermilk1/4 cup (60ml) buttermilk or yogurt
Yogurt1/4 cup (60ml) buttermilk or yogurt
Vegetable oil2 tbsp vegetable oil, for shallow frying

spicy mayo

Mayonnaise1/2 cup (120ml) mayonnaise
Hot sauce1 tsp hot sauce
Paprika1/2 tsp paprika
Saltpinch salt

assembly

Burger bun2 sesame burger buns, toasted
Iceberg lettuce1/2 cup (20g) shredded iceberg lettuce
Tomato2 tomato slices

Recipe

1
Prepare the paneer. Pat the paneer slices dry. Dip each slice in buttermilk or yogurt, then coat with a mixture of flour, cornstarch, paprika, chili powder, black pepper, and salt.
2
Fry the paneer. Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry the coated paneer slices for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
3
Make the spicy mayo. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, hot sauce, paprika, and a pinch of salt until smooth.
4
Toast the buns lightly until warm and golden.
5
Assemble the burger: bottom bun with a spoonful of spicy mayo, crispy paneer slice, shredded lettuce, tomato slices, another light spread of mayo, then top bun. Serve immediately while hot and crispy.