Chinese Recipes Vegetarian Manchurian Made Easy and Delicious

If you’re a fan of bold flavors and crave a delicious vegetarian twist on classic Indo-Chinese cuisine, vegetarian Manchurian is the dish for you. This vibrant recipe combines crispy vegetable dumplings with a tangy, spicy sauce that’s sure to excite your taste buds.

Perfect as an appetizer or a main course, vegetarian Manchurian is incredibly versatile and loved by both vegetarians and meat-eaters alike.

Whether you’re looking for a quick weekday dinner or a flavorful party snack, this recipe brings together crunchy cauliflower, carrots, and cabbage coated in a light batter and fried to perfection. Tossed in a luscious, garlicky sauce with a hint of sweetness and heat, vegetarian Manchurian is a crowd-pleaser.

Ready in under an hour, it’s an ideal dish to showcase the exciting flavors of Chinese cooking while keeping it plant-based and wholesome.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Vegetarian Manchurian offers an explosion of textures and flavors in every bite. The crispy vegetable balls contrast beautifully with the saucy, savory glaze, creating a satisfying mouthfeel that’s hard to resist.

It’s a fantastic way to incorporate healthy vegetables into your meal while still indulging in something deeply comforting and flavorful.

This recipe is also incredibly adaptable. You can swap out vegetables based on your preferences or what’s in season.

Plus, it’s gluten-free if you use the right flour, making it suitable for various dietary needs. Best of all, it’s easy to make at home with simple ingredients and basic kitchen equipment, no fancy tools required!

If you enjoy this recipe, don’t forget to check out other favorites like Thelma Sanders Squash Recipe, Bariatric Meatloaf Recipe, and Pickled Cherry Pepper Recipe for more culinary inspiration.

Ingredients

• 1 cup finely chopped cabbage
• 1/2 cup grated carrots
• 1/2 cup finely chopped bell peppers (any color)
• 1/4 cup finely chopped spring onions (white and green parts separated)
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (maida)
• 2 tbsp cornflour (cornstarch)
• 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper powder, 1/2 tsp
• Oil for deep frying
• For the sauce:
• 2 tbsp oil
• 1 tbsp finely chopped garlic
• 1 tbsp finely chopped ginger
• 2 green chilies, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup finely chopped spring onion whites
• 1/2 cup finely chopped bell peppers
• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp tomato ketchup
• 1 tbsp chili sauce (adjust to taste)
• 1 tsp vinegar
• 1 tsp cornflour dissolved in 1/4 cup water
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2-3 spring onions, chopped for garnish

Equipment

• Mixing bowls (large and small)
• Deep frying pan or wok
• Slotted spoon
• Spatula
• Knife and chopping board
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Serving plate or bowl

Instructions

1. Prepare the vegetable mixture: In a large bowl, combine finely chopped cabbage, grated carrots, bell peppers, and spring onion whites. Add the all-purpose flour, cornflour, ginger-garlic paste, salt, and black pepper powder. Mix well until the vegetables are lightly coated and the mixture holds together when pressed.
2. Shape the Manchurian balls: Take small portions of the vegetable mixture and roll them into bite-sized balls. If the mixture feels too loose, add a little more cornflour to bind it.
3. Heat oil for deep frying: In a deep frying pan or wok, heat sufficient oil over medium heat. To test if the oil is hot enough, drop a small piece of batter; it should rise to the surface quickly.
4. Fry the vegetable balls: Carefully drop the balls into the hot oil in batches, avoiding overcrowding. Fry until golden brown and crispy on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
5. Prepare the sauce: In a separate pan or wok, heat 2 tablespoons of oil. Add chopped garlic, ginger, and green chilies. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
6. Add vegetables: Toss in the chopped spring onion whites and bell peppers. Stir fry for 2-3 minutes on high heat to keep the crunch.
7. Add sauces and seasoning: Add soy sauce, tomato ketchup, chili sauce, and vinegar. Mix well and cook for another minute.
8. Thicken the sauce: Pour in the cornflour slurry (cornflour mixed with water) slowly, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Cook until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
9. Toss the Manchurian balls in sauce: Add the fried vegetable balls to the sauce and gently toss to coat them evenly.
10. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped spring onion greens on top. Serve hot as an appetizer or with fried rice or noodles as a main dish.

Tips & Variations

Make sure to chop the vegetables finely and uniformly to ensure the Manchurian balls hold together well and cook evenly.

If you want to make this gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with rice flour or chickpea flour.

Add finely chopped mushrooms or tofu to the vegetable mix for extra protein and flavor.

For a healthier version, try baking the Manchurian balls instead of frying them; they won’t be as crispy but will still taste delicious.

Adjust the chili sauce and green chilies to control the heat level according to your preference.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

Vegetarian Manchurian pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes. Serve it as a starter alongside hot and sour soup or vegetable spring rolls for a full Indo-Chinese meal experience.

For a fulfilling main course, enjoy it with steamed rice, fried rice, or vegetable chow mein. You can also try wrapping the saucy Manchurian balls in lettuce leaves for a fresh and fun appetizer option.

Don’t forget to check out more recipes like Peda Recipe Ricotta Cheese for dessert ideas or Peanut Butter Gelato Recipe for a frozen treat to finish your meal.

Conclusion

Vegetarian Manchurian is a delightful dish that brings together the best of Indo-Chinese flavors with a healthy, plant-based twist. Its crispy vegetable balls drenched in a tangy, spicy sauce create a perfect balance of taste and texture that’s hard to resist.

Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or yourself, this recipe is easy to prepare and sure to impress.

With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, you can enjoy restaurant-quality Manchurian right at home. Plus, its versatility allows you to customize the vegetables and spice level to suit your taste.

Give this recipe a try and add a delicious new favorite to your vegetarian recipe collection!

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