Chinese Veg Crispy Starter Recipe Video Easy Step-by-Step

Updated On: October 8, 2025

If you’re craving a crunchy, flavorful starter that excites your taste buds and is packed with vibrant vegetables, then the Chinese Veg Crispy Starter is the perfect recipe for you. This popular appetizer combines a medley of fresh veggies coated in a light, crispy batter and fried to golden perfection.

It’s a delightful snack or a fantastic way to kick off your meal with a burst of texture and taste. Perfect for parties, family dinners, or even a quick snack, this dish is as versatile as it is delicious.

In this post, I’ll walk you through a detailed recipe including a video guide to help you master this crispy delight. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe is simple, accessible, and guaranteed to impress.

Plus, it’s vegetarian-friendly and can be customized to suit your preferences!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Chinese Veg Crispy Starter is a crowd-pleaser for a reason. The crispy batter perfectly complements the fresh, crunchy vegetables inside, creating a mouthwatering contrast of textures.

It’s light yet satisfying, making it an excellent appetizer or snack without feeling heavy.

Another reason to love it is how quick and straightforward it is to prepare. Using common pantry ingredients and fresh veggies, you can whip up a batch in under 30 minutes.

It’s also customizable—swap in your favorite vegetables or adjust the spice level to your liking.

Finally, this recipe is a great way to sneak more veggies into your diet while enjoying something indulgent. Pair it with a tangy sauce for a perfect flavor balance.

Once you try this, you’ll want to add it to your regular rotation of starters!

Ingredients

  • 1 cup shredded cabbage
  • 1/2 cup grated carrot
  • 1/2 cup thinly sliced bell peppers (mixed colors)
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped spring onions
  • 2-3 green chilies, finely chopped (adjust to taste)
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (maida)
  • 1/4 cup cornflour
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper powder
  • 1 tsp soy sauce
  • 1/2 tsp ginger-garlic paste
  • Salt to taste
  • Water as needed (to make batter)
  • Oil for deep frying

Equipment

  • Mixing bowl
  • Whisk or fork
  • Deep frying pan or wok
  • Slotted spoon
  • Kitchen paper towels
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Knife and chopping board

Instructions

  1. Prepare the vegetables: Wash and finely shred or chop cabbage, carrot, bell peppers, and spring onions. Chop the green chilies finely for a gentle heat boost.
  2. Make the batter: In a mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, cornflour, black pepper, soy sauce, ginger-garlic paste, and salt. Slowly add water while whisking to create a smooth, thick batter—not too runny, so it clings well to the vegetables.
  3. Mix vegetables with batter: Add the chopped vegetables and green chilies into the batter. Gently fold everything together until the vegetables are well coated with the batter.
  4. Heat oil: In a deep frying pan or wok, heat enough oil on medium-high heat for deep frying. Test the temperature by dropping a small amount of batter—if it rises quickly and sizzles, the oil is ready.
  5. Fry the veg crisps: Using a spoon, drop small portions of the batter-coated vegetables carefully into the hot oil. Fry in batches without overcrowding the pan.
  6. Cook until golden and crispy: Fry each batch for 3-4 minutes or until golden brown and crispy on all sides. Stir gently to ensure even frying.
  7. Drain excess oil: Remove the crispy starters using a slotted spoon and place them on kitchen paper towels to drain any excess oil.
  8. Serve hot: Enjoy these crispy delights immediately with your favorite dipping sauce or chutney.

Tips & Variations

For extra crispiness, you can add a pinch of baking soda to the batter just before frying.

Feel free to experiment with different vegetables such as shredded zucchini, finely chopped mushrooms, or even corn kernels for a unique twist. Adjust the green chilies or add a pinch of chili powder for more heat.

If you want to make the batter gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with chickpea flour or rice flour. You can also bake these instead of frying for a healthier option—just spread them on a greased baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) until crisp.

Serving with a tangy Schezwan sauce, sweet chili sauce, or classic soy sauce with a dash of vinegar complements the flavors beautifully.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Per Serving (approx. 100g)
Calories 180 kcal
Carbohydrates 25 g
Protein 4 g
Fat 8 g
Fiber 3 g
Sodium 350 mg

Serving Suggestions

This crispy vegetable starter pairs excellently with a variety of dips. Try it with a spicy Schezwan sauce, tangy sweet and sour sauce, or even a simple soy sauce with chopped garlic and chili flakes.

It also makes a great accompaniment to Thelma Sanders Squash Recipe or a refreshing contrast to a hearty main like the Bariatric Meatloaf Recipe. For a fun side, serve it with pickles such as those in the Pickled Cherry Pepper Recipe.

Conclusion

The Chinese Veg Crispy Starter is a must-try recipe for anyone looking to add a crispy, flavorful appetizer to their culinary repertoire. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy a variety of fresh vegetables in a fun and indulgent format that everyone will love.

With its easy preparation and quick frying method, you can have this snack ready in no time.

Whether you’re hosting a party, preparing a family meal, or just craving a crunchy snack, this recipe delivers on taste and texture. Plus, its versatility means you can customize it endlessly.

Don’t forget to check out other delicious recipes like the Peda Recipe Ricotta Cheese for a sweet finish or the Pecan Crackers Recipe for a savory bite. Happy cooking and enjoy your crispy veg starter!

📖 Recipe Card: Chinese Veg Crispy Starter

Description: A delicious crispy vegetable starter with a perfect blend of spices and batter. Ideal as an appetizer or snack for any occasion.

Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT20M
Total Time: PT35M

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 cup finely chopped cabbage
  • 1/2 cup grated carrot
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped capsicum
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped beans
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup cornflour
  • 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste
  • 1 tsp soy sauce
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper powder
  • 1/2 tsp chili flakes
  • Salt to taste
  • Oil for deep frying

Instructions

  1. Mix all chopped vegetables in a large bowl.
  2. Add all-purpose flour, cornflour, ginger-garlic paste, soy sauce, black pepper, chili flakes, and salt.
  3. Add water gradually to form a thick batter coating the vegetables.
  4. Heat oil in a deep frying pan over medium heat.
  5. Drop spoonfuls of the batter-coated vegetables into hot oil.
  6. Fry until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes.
  7. Remove and drain excess oil on paper towels.
  8. Serve hot with chili sauce or ketchup.

Nutrition: Calories: 220 kcal | Protein: 5 g | Fat: 12 g | Carbs: 25 g

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Marta K

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