How To Defrost Paneer

Thaw the cheese at room temperature by leaving it on the countertop for at least 4 hours before cooking it.

A better way of thawing is to run cold water over the container of frozen paneer, or submerge it in a bowl of cold water.

What is Paneer?

Paneer is a non-melting, un-dairy cheese that's often used as the main ingredient in Indian cooking.

It’s made from milk and can be found at most grocery stores. The process of making paneer is quite similar to that of making tofu: heat blocks of whole milk until the solids separate from the liquid, then press out any remaining excess fluid, leaving a solid block.

Paneer can also be made with soy milk, and it's commonly flavored with garlic and herbs, giving it a much more unique taste. If you're looking for a cheese to make your own favorite Indian dishes, paneer is an excellent choice as long as you know how to properly defrost it!

Step by Step Process

Step 1: Fill a large bowl with ice water. Submerge the paneer in the ice water.

Step 2: Let it sit for 5 minutes to defrost.

Step 3: Remove the paneer and pat it dry with a paper towel. You can now use the paneer in any recipe that calls for it!

Can you cook paneer from frozen?

You can easily cook paneer from frozen just follow the procedure given below:

1. Wash and cut the paneer into desired shapes.
2. Place them in a microwave safe container and cover with a lid or any air-tight container.
3. Thaw in the microwave or place it in boiling water for 10 to 15 minutes depending upon the quantity of paneer you have.
4. Take out from water as soon as you are done defrosting. 

The heating time will vary depending upon your microwave's capacity and power.