Name: Sautéed Kale with Pan Fried Paneer
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4 Servings
Cuisine: American

Cooking with Conks Verified

February 2, 2026

This quick and easy Sautéed Kale with Pan Fried Paneer recipe is simple, nutritious, and unexpectedly delicious! If you’re not sure if you like kale, or if you’ve never sautéed it before, you need to try this dish! Lacinato (also known as Tuscan kale) gets sautéed in olive oil, spices, and a little lemon before being tossed with pan fried paneer cheese. It makes for a bright and flavorful vegetarian main meal or side dish.

Sautéed Kale with Pan Fried Paneer cover

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Sautéed Kale with Pan Fried Paneer

Cooking with Conks Verified

Ingredients

WarningMilk and 2 other allergens identified

Instructions

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Instructions

Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a pan over medium heat.

Add the paneer and season it with a pinch of salt and some cracked black pepper.

Cook the paneer for 2-3 minutes on each side. The paneer may stick, so watch it closely. If it sticks too much, add another tbsp of oil. It will be done when it is lightly toasted and golden in color.

Remove the paneer from the pan and set aside for later.

Add 1 tbsp olive oil and the kale to the same pan and toss the kale so it begins to wilt.

After about 3 minutes, season the kale with salt, onion powder, smoked paprika, lemon juice, and a pinch of red pepper flakes.

Cook until kale fully wilts down, about another 3-5 minutes.

Remove from heat, add the paneer back to the pan, and toss with the kale.

Serve with a garnish of smoked paprika and lemon zest.

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Tips & Tricks (5)

Kale Prep Perfection 🥬
Remove the tough stems from lacinato kale and chop into uniform bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and tender texture.
Paneer Searing Technique 🧀
Pat paneer dry before frying and use a cast-iron or non-stick pan to achieve a golden, crispy exterior without sticking.
Lemon Zest Magic 🍋
Grate lemon zest directly over the dish just before serving to maximize its aromatic oils and bright citrus flavor.
Spice Layer Building 🌶️
Toast the red pepper flakes and smoked paprika in the olive oil for 30 seconds before adding kale to intensify their flavor profile.
Moisture Management 💧
Don't overcrowd the pan when sautéing kale - this prevents steaming and ensures a perfect crisp-tender texture.

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About the Cook

Cooking with Conks

We’re Rachel & Emily Conklin (“Conks” for short), sisters, lifelong foodies, and the voices behind Cooking with Conks. We grew up in Southern California, surrounded by bold flavors, big family meals, and the kind of kitchen chaos that turns into inside jokes