Chicken Manchurian is a popular Chinese-inspired dish that is loved by many around the world. It combines crispy chicken pieces with a flavorful, tangy, and spicy sauce. The dish is a great addition to any meal and can be served as a starter or main course. Making Chicken Manchurian at home is simple and doesn’t require a lot of effort. In this guide, I will walk you through the process of preparing Chicken Manchurian step by step.
Ingredients Needed for Chicken Manchurian
Before we begin, let’s take a look at the ingredients you will need to make Chicken Manchurian at home. You can find most of these ingredients at your local grocery store or an Asian supermarket.
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 500 grams of boneless chicken (cut into small cubes)
- 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon vinegar
- 1 teaspoon pepper powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup cornflour (cornstarch)
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (maida)
- Water as required
For the Manchurian Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped garlic
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped ginger
- 2-3 green chilies (slit)
- 1/2 onion (finely chopped)
- 1/4 cup bell pepper (finely chopped)
- 1/4 cup spring onions (finely chopped, for garnish)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon tomato ketchup
- 1 tablespoon chili sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper powder
- 1/2 cup water (or as needed for the sauce)
- 1 tablespoon cornflour mixed with 2 tablespoons water (to thicken the sauce)
- Salt to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Chicken Manchurian
Step 1: Marinating the Chicken
Start by marinating the chicken pieces. This step will help infuse the chicken with flavor and ensure that it is tender and juicy.
Take the chicken cubes in a bowl.
Add ginger-garlic paste, soy sauce, vinegar, pepper powder, and salt.
Crack an egg into the bowl and mix all the ingredients thoroughly to coat the chicken evenly.
Add the cornflour and all-purpose flour to the bowl. Mix well until the chicken is coated in a thick batter.
If the batter is too thick, add a little water to adjust the consistency.
Let the chicken marinate for about 15-20 minutes. This allows the flavors to absorb into the chicken.
Step 2: Frying the Chicken
Once the chicken is marinated, it’s time to fry it. Frying the chicken ensures it becomes crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
Heat oil in a frying pan or deep fryer over medium-high heat.
Carefully drop the marinated chicken pieces into the hot oil one by one. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan.
Fry the chicken pieces until they turn golden brown and crispy. This usually takes around 5-7 minutes.
Remove the fried chicken pieces and place them on a paper towel to drain excess oil.
Step 3: Preparing the Manchurian Sauce
The Manchurian sauce is what brings all the flavors together. It is a combination of tangy, spicy, and savory flavors that coat the fried chicken.
Heat oil in a wok or large frying pan over medium heat.
Add the finely chopped garlic and ginger. Sauté for a few seconds until they become aromatic.
Add the green chilies and sauté for a minute.
Add the chopped onions and bell peppers. Cook them for 2-3 minutes, ensuring they remain slightly crunchy.
Add the soy sauce, tomato ketchup, and chili sauce to the wok. Stir well to combine.
Add the sugar and black pepper powder. This will balance the acidity and give the sauce a slight sweetness.
Pour in 1/2 cup of water and bring the mixture to a simmer.
Once the sauce begins to bubble, add the cornflour-water mixture to thicken it. Stir constantly to prevent lumps.
Adjust the salt to taste and continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and coat the back of a spoon.
Step 4: Combining the Fried Chicken with the Sauce
Now that you have both the fried chicken and the Manchurian sauce ready, it’s time to bring them together for the final step.
Add the fried chicken pieces into the wok with the sauce.
Toss the chicken pieces gently in the sauce to coat them evenly. Make sure each piece is covered with the flavorful Manchurian sauce.
Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes on medium heat so the chicken absorbs the flavors of the sauce.
Step 5: Garnishing and Serving
Once the chicken is well coated in the sauce, it’s time to garnish and serve.
Garnish with finely chopped spring onions for a fresh, crunchy texture and a pop of color.
Serve the Chicken Manchurian hot with steamed rice, fried rice, or noodles. It also works great as a starter or appetizer.
Tips for Perfect Chicken Manchurian
To ensure your Chicken Manchurian turns out perfectly, here are a few helpful tips:
Adjust spice levels: If you like a milder dish, you can reduce the amount of green chilies or chili sauce. For a spicier version, increase the chili sauce or add chili powder.
Use boneless chicken: Boneless chicken breast or thighs are the best choices for this recipe. The tender meat soaks up the marinade well and stays juicy.
Fry the chicken in batches: Fry the chicken in small batches to prevent overcrowding. This will ensure the pieces cook evenly and become crispy.
Use high heat: When frying the chicken, use high heat to get a crispy texture. If the oil is not hot enough, the chicken may turn soggy.
Cornflour slurry: If you prefer a thicker sauce, increase the amount of cornflour mixed with water. This will give the sauce a glossy finish and a smooth texture.
Serve immediately: Chicken Manchurian is best served hot and fresh. If left to sit for too long, the crispy chicken will lose its texture.
Variations of Chicken Manchurian
Chicken Manchurian can be customized in several ways to suit your preferences. Here are a few variations you can try:
Dry Chicken Manchurian: If you prefer the dish without too much sauce, you can reduce the amount of water used in the sauce. This will result in a dry version of the dish with a thick, sticky coating on the chicken.
Vegetarian Manchurian: For a vegetarian version, replace the chicken with mixed vegetables like cauliflower, carrots, beans, and mushrooms. The process is the same, but you will fry the vegetable balls instead of chicken.
Gravy Chicken Manchurian: If you like a soupy version of Chicken Manchurian, add more water to the sauce. This version works great when served with rice or noodles.
Nutritional Information
Chicken Manchurian is a flavorful dish but can be high in calories due to the fried chicken and sauce. To make it healthier, you can:
- Opt for grilled or baked chicken instead of frying it.
- Reduce the amount of oil used in the sauce.
While it’s a great treat, consider it an occasional indulgence to balance out your overall diet.
Conclusion
Making Chicken Manchurian at home is not only fun but also a rewarding experience. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a dish that’s rich in flavors and textures. Whether you’re serving it as a main course or a starter, Chicken Manchurian is sure to impress your family and friends. Follow the steps carefully, and you’ll be able to enjoy this delicious dish in the comfort of your own home.
Enjoy your homemade Chicken Manchurian with rice, noodles, or as a tasty appetizer. Happy cooking!
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