Paneer Substitute: Best Alternatives for Indian Cooking

When you need paneer substitute, a firm, non-melting cheese used in Indian curries, grills, and snacks. Also known as Indian cottage cheese, it’s made by curdling milk with acid and pressing out the whey. But what if you’re out of milk, vegan, or just want to try something new? You don’t need paneer to get that satisfying bite in your butter paneer or paneer tikka.

The best tofu, a soy-based protein that holds its shape when pressed and cooked. Also known as soy cheese, it’s the most common swap for paneer because it absorbs spices well and crisps up nicely on the grill. Press it overnight to remove water, then marinate it like you would paneer. It won’t melt, it won’t fall apart, and it’s packed with protein. Another solid option is cottage cheese, a fresh, mild cheese that can be drained and shaped into blocks. Also known as curd cheese, it works in quick recipes like palak paneer if you press it firmly and pan-fry it until golden. It’s softer than paneer, but still delivers that creamy texture you expect.

For dairy-free cooks, cashew cheese, a blend of soaked cashews, lemon juice, and nutritional yeast blended into a firm paste. Also known as vegan paneer, it’s rich, nutty, and holds together when chilled. It’s not a direct texture match, but it adds depth to gravies and works great in stuffed parathas. Some people even use tempeh, a fermented soy block with a chewy, nutty bite. Also known as Indonesian soy cake, it’s less common but excellent for grilled dishes when sliced thin and marinated. It’s got more flavor than paneer, so pair it with mild spices.

You’ll find these swaps in the posts below—real kitchen tests, not just theory. Some people use tofu in biryani. Others swear by cottage cheese in kofta. A few even make paneer-like blocks from coconut milk and agar. None of them are perfect, but each solves a real problem: no paneer, no problem. Whether you’re cooking for a vegan friend, running low on milk, or just experimenting, there’s a substitute here that’ll work. These aren’t guesses—they’re tested results from people who’ve made the same mistake you might be making right now. Let’s see what actually works.