Chinese Veg. Recipes for Manchurian That Delight Your Tastebuds

If you’re a fan of bold flavors and crispy textures, Chinese vegetable Manchurian is a must-try dish that will elevate your dinner table. This popular Indo-Chinese recipe combines finely chopped vegetables shaped into soft balls, deep-fried till golden, and then tossed in a tangy, spicy, and savory sauce.

It’s a perfect blend of crunchy and saucy, offering a burst of umami with every bite. Whether you’re cooking for vegetarians or simply craving a delicious appetizer or main, this dish is sure to impress your family and friends.

What makes vegetable Manchurian particularly appealing is its versatility and the way it complements steamed rice or noodles effortlessly. Plus, it’s packed with nutritious vegetables, making it a healthier alternative to meat-based dishes without compromising on taste or texture.

In this post, you’ll find detailed recipes for classic veg Manchurian balls as well as a gravy version, helping you master this iconic dish right at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Vegetable Manchurian is not only flavorful but also incredibly flexible. You can adjust the spice level to suit your palate, and the combination of fresh vegetables ensures every bite is packed with nutrients.

The dish is also great for meal prepping and can be served as an appetizer or a main course. It’s a crowd-pleaser that brings a taste of Indo-Chinese cuisine into your kitchen with minimal fuss.

Moreover, this recipe uses common pantry staples, making it easy to whip up anytime. The crispy fried veg balls paired with the savory sauce create an irresistible texture contrast that will keep you coming back for more.

Ingredients

For the Vegetable Manchurian Balls:

• 1 cup finely chopped cabbage
• 1/2 cup grated carrot
• 1/2 cup finely chopped beans
• 1/4 cup finely chopped capsicum (bell pepper)
• 2-3 green chilies, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (maida)
• 1/4 cup cornflour
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper powder to taste
• Water as needed
• Oil for deep frying

For the Manchurian Sauce/Gravy:

• 2 tbsp oil
• 1 tbsp finely chopped garlic
• 1 tbsp finely chopped ginger
• 2-3 green chilies, slit
• 1/2 cup finely chopped onions
• 1/2 cup finely chopped capsicum
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp tomato ketchup
• 1 tbsp chili sauce (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 cup water or vegetable broth
• 1 tsp cornflour mixed with 2 tbsp water (slurry)
• Salt to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Spring onions for garnish

Equipment

• Large mixing bowl for combining vegetables and batter
• Deep frying pan or wok for frying the vegetable balls
• Slotted spoon for removing fried balls from oil
• Large skillet or wok for preparing the sauce
• Cutting board and sharp knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Small bowl for cornflour slurry

Instructions

1. Prepare the vegetable mixture: In a large bowl, combine the finely chopped cabbage, grated carrot, chopped beans, capsicum, green chilies, and minced garlic. Mix well.
2. Make the batter: Add all-purpose flour, cornflour, salt, and black pepper powder to the vegetable mixture. Gradually add water and mix until you get a thick batter that holds together but is not too runny.
3. Shape the balls: Take small portions of the mixture and roll into small, bite-sized balls, approximately 1 inch in diameter. Keep them uniform for even frying.
4. Heat oil for deep frying: In a deep frying pan or wok, heat oil on medium-high heat. To test if the oil is ready, drop a small bit of batter into the oil; it should sizzle and rise to the surface immediately.
5. Fry the veg balls: Carefully drop the prepared balls into the hot oil in batches. Fry them until they turn golden brown and crispy on all sides. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
6. Prepare the Manchurian sauce: In a large skillet or wok, heat 2 tablespoons of oil over medium heat. Add the chopped garlic, ginger, and slit green chilies. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
7. Add vegetables: Add the finely chopped onions and capsicum. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until they soften but remain crisp.
8. Add sauces: Stir in soy sauce, tomato ketchup, and chili sauce. Mix well to combine all the flavors.
9. Add liquid: Pour in the water or vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
10. Thicken the sauce: Slowly add the cornflour slurry while stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Cook until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
11. Season the sauce: Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Remember soy sauce is salty, so adjust accordingly.
12. Toss the veg balls: Add the fried vegetable balls to the sauce and gently toss to coat them evenly. Cook for another 2 minutes to allow the balls to absorb some sauce.
13. Garnish and serve: Garnish with finely chopped spring onions and serve hot with steamed rice or noodles.

Tips & Variations

For extra crunch, chill the vegetable mixture before shaping the balls. This helps them hold their shape better during frying.

You can customize your vegetable Manchurian by adding finely chopped mushrooms, baby corn, or even tofu for added protein. If you prefer a dry version instead of gravy, simply toss the fried balls with the sauces and a bit of oil without adding water or cornflour slurry.

To make it gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with rice flour or chickpea flour. Using fresh homemade sauces can also elevate the dish’s flavor dramatically.

Don’t be afraid to tweak the chili levels to suit your heat tolerance.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

Vegetable Manchurian pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice or fried rice, making it a satisfying meal. It’s also fantastic served alongside Hakka noodles or garlic noodles for a complete Indo-Chinese feast.

For snacking or appetizer purposes, serve the dry version of Manchurian balls with a side of sweet chili sauce or schezwan sauce. Garnish with fresh coriander and spring onions for an added burst of freshness.

If you love exploring diverse cuisines, you might enjoy other recipes like Thelma Sanders Squash Recipe or try your hand at some hearty dishes such as Bariatric Meatloaf Recipe. For a tangy twist to your meals, the Pickled Cherry Pepper Recipe is a perfect companion.

Conclusion

Vegetable Manchurian is a delightful dish that brings together the best of textures and flavors in one bowl. Its crispy vegetable balls coated in a spicy, savory sauce make it an irresistible choice for both casual meals and special occasions.

This recipe is not just easy to follow but also versatile, allowing you to experiment with different vegetables and spice levels.

Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or yourself, this dish is sure to impress and satisfy your cravings for Indo-Chinese cuisine. So gather your ingredients, fire up your stove, and enjoy the process of making this delicious and comforting vegetable Manchurian at home!

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