Veg Manchurian is a beloved Indo-Chinese delight that combines crispy vegetable dumplings with a tangy, spicy sauce. This dish is a popular choice for both vegetarians and food lovers who crave bold flavors and textures.
Whether you’re hosting a party or looking for a quick weekday meal, Veg Manchurian is a perfect go-to recipe that never disappoints. The fusion of Asian spices and Indian vegetables creates a mouth-watering experience that is easy to prepare at home.
In this blog post, I will guide you through a detailed recipe for making delicious Veg Manchurian from scratch. From preparing the vegetable balls to cooking the savory sauce, every step is explained clearly so you can enjoy restaurant-style Veg Manchurian anytime.
Plus, I’ll share tips and variations to customize the dish to your liking. Let’s dive into the world of Indo-Chinese cuisine with this irresistible recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Veg Manchurian is a perfect blend of crispy, saucy, and flavorful elements that make it an all-time favorite. This recipe is easy to follow and uses simple ingredients you can find in your kitchen or local grocery store.
The vegetable balls are packed with nutritious veggies like cabbage, carrots, and beans, making it both tasty and healthy. The sauce is rich with soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and chili, giving it a perfect balance of spicy, sweet, and tangy notes.
Whether served as an appetizer or with fried rice or noodles, Veg Manchurian offers versatility, quick preparation, and a crowd-pleasing taste. It’s a great way to enjoy Chinese food in a vegetarian style that’s wholesome and satisfying.
Ingredients
- For the Manchurian Balls:
- 1 cup finely chopped cabbage
- 1/2 cup grated carrot
- 1/2 cup finely chopped French beans
- 1/4 cup finely chopped capsicum (bell pepper)
- 2 green chilies, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour (maida)
- 3 tablespoons cornflour (cornstarch)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper powder, to taste
- Oil, for deep frying
- For the Manchurian Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped garlic
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped ginger
- 2-3 green chilies, slit
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 small capsicum, diced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon tomato ketchup
- 1 tablespoon chili sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon vinegar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tablespoon cornflour mixed with 3 tablespoons water (slurry)
- Salt, to taste
- Fresh coriander leaves, chopped (for garnish)
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Knife and chopping board
- Grater (for carrots)
- Frying pan or wok
- Slotted spoon
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Cooking spatula
- Serving plate
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetable Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the chopped cabbage, grated carrots, beans, capsicum, green chilies, and ginger-garlic paste. Mix well.
- Add Binding Agents: Add all-purpose flour, cornflour, salt, and pepper to the vegetable mixture. Mix thoroughly until the mixture binds well and can hold shape when rolled into balls. Add a little water if needed, but keep the mixture firm.
- Shape the Manchurian Balls: Take small portions of the mixture and roll them into smooth, round balls about the size of a walnut.
- Fry the Balls: Heat oil in a deep frying pan on medium heat. Once hot, fry the balls in batches until they turn golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a wok or pan, heat 2 tablespoons of oil. Add the chopped garlic, ginger, and slit green chilies. Sauté until fragrant.
- Add Onions and Capsicum: Add the finely chopped onions and diced capsicum. Stir fry for 2-3 minutes until slightly softened but still crunchy.
- Add Sauces and Seasoning: Add soy sauce, tomato ketchup, chili sauce, and vinegar. Mix well and cook for another 2 minutes.
- Add Water and Thicken: Pour in 1/2 cup water and bring the mixture to a boil. Slowly add the cornflour slurry while stirring continuously until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
- Combine Manchurian Balls: Add the fried vegetable balls to the sauce and toss gently to coat them well. Cook for 1-2 minutes so the balls absorb some of the sauce flavors.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with chopped coriander leaves and serve hot.
Tips & Variations
For extra crispiness, double fry the Manchurian balls by frying them once, letting them cool, and frying again before adding to the sauce.
You can customize the vegetable mix by adding finely chopped mushrooms, corn, or even boiled potatoes for different textures. For a vegan version, ensure that the sauces you use are free from animal products.
If you prefer a dry Manchurian, reduce the water in the sauce and cook until most of the liquid evaporates, leaving a thick coating on the balls. For a more tangy taste, add a little more vinegar or lemon juice.
To make it healthier, you can bake the vegetable balls instead of frying, though frying gives the best texture.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Per Serving (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 280 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 35 g |
| Protein | 6 g |
| Fat | 12 g |
| Fiber | 5 g |
| Sodium | 700 mg |
Serving Suggestions
Veg Manchurian pairs beautifully with fried rice or Hakka noodles for a complete meal. The saucy vegetable balls serve as a perfect accompaniment to steamed rice as well.
For a lighter option, serve the Manchurian balls as an appetizer with some chili garlic sauce on the side. You can also enjoy them tossed with stir-fried vegetables to add more variety.
For inspiration on complementary dishes, check out these recipes: Thelma Sanders Squash Recipe, Bariatric Meatloaf Recipe, and Pickled Cherry Pepper Recipe.
Conclusion
Veg Manchurian is an excellent way to enjoy the vibrant flavors of Indo-Chinese cuisine right at home. This dish is not only delicious but also versatile and packed with nutrition from fresh vegetables.
The crispy vegetable balls combined with the tangy, spicy sauce offer a delightful experience that can easily become a family favorite.
With this detailed recipe and helpful tips, you can recreate the magic of restaurant-style Veg Manchurian whenever you want. Whether you serve it as an appetizer or main course, it’s sure to impress your guests and satisfy cravings.
Don’t forget to explore other delicious recipes like the Peda Recipe Ricotta Cheese or the indulgent Peanut Butter Gelato Recipe to expand your culinary repertoire. Happy cooking!
📖 Recipe Card: Veg Manchurian
Description: A popular Indo-Chinese dish featuring deep-fried vegetable balls in a tangy, savory sauce. Perfect as an appetizer or main dish with rice or noodles.
Prep Time: PT20M
Cook Time: PT25M
Total Time: PT45M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup grated cabbage
- 1 cup grated carrots
- 1/2 cup finely chopped capsicum
- 1/2 cup finely chopped beans
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cornflour
- 2 tsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste
- 2 green chilies, finely chopped
- 1/2 tsp black pepper powder
- Salt to taste
- Oil for deep frying
- 2 tbsp oil
- 1 tbsp finely chopped garlic
- 1 tbsp finely chopped ginger
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup tomato ketchup
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp chili sauce
- 1 tsp vinegar
- 1 cup water
- 1 tbsp cornflour mixed with 2 tbsp water
- 2 spring onions, chopped
Instructions
- Mix grated vegetables, all-purpose flour, cornflour, soy sauce, ginger-garlic paste, green chilies, pepper, and salt to form a dough.
- Shape the mixture into small balls.
- Heat oil and deep fry the balls until golden brown; drain and set aside.
- In a pan, heat 2 tbsp oil and sauté garlic, ginger, and onions until translucent.
- Add tomato ketchup, soy sauce, chili sauce, vinegar, and water; bring to a boil.
- Add the cornflour slurry to thicken the sauce.
- Add the fried vegetable balls and toss gently to coat with sauce.
- Garnish with chopped spring onions and serve hot.
Nutrition: Calories: 280 kcal | Protein: 7 g | Fat: 15 g | Carbs: 30 g
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