Chicken Manchurian Gravy
Crispy fried chicken pieces tossed in a savory, tangy, and slightly spicy sauce. This Indo-Chinese favorite is perfect for pairing with fried rice or hakka noodles for a complete and satisfying meal.
For 4 servings
6 steps. 25 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Marinate the Chicken
- b.In a mixing bowl, combine the chicken cubes, ginger-garlic paste, 1 tbsp of soy sauce, 0.5 tsp of black pepper powder, and salt.
- c.Mix thoroughly to ensure the chicken is evenly coated.
- d.Set aside to marinate for at least 15-20 minutes.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Prepare Batter and Fry Chicken
- b.In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, 4 tbsp of cornflour, the beaten egg, and about 1/4 cup of water to form a smooth, thick batter without lumps.
- c.Add the marinated chicken to the batter and mix until each piece is well-coated.
- d.Heat oil for deep-frying in a wok or deep pan over medium-high heat.
- e.Once hot, carefully drop the battered chicken pieces one by one. Fry in batches for 4-5 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
- f.Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on a wire rack.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Sauté Aromatics and Vegetables
- b.In a clean wok or large pan, heat 2 tbsp of oil over high heat.
- c.Add the finely chopped garlic, ginger, and slit green chilies. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- d.Add the cubed onion and capsicum. Stir-fry for 1-2 minutes until they are slightly tender yet still crisp.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Create the Manchurian Sauce
- b.Reduce the heat to medium. Add the remaining 2 tbsp soy sauce, red chili sauce, tomato ketchup, vinegar, sugar, and the remaining 0.25 tsp black pepper. Stir well to combine.
- c.Pour in 2 cups of water (or chicken stock for richer flavor) and bring the mixture to a rolling boil.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Thicken Gravy and Finish
- b.In a small bowl, mix the remaining 2 tbsp of cornflour with 1/4 cup of cold water to make a smooth slurry.
- c.While stirring the gravy continuously, slowly pour in the cornflour slurry.
- d.Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the gravy thickens.
- e.Add the fried chicken pieces to the gravy. Gently toss to coat them well.
- f.Simmer for just 1 minute, then turn off the heat.
- 6
Step 6
- a.Garnish and Serve
- b.Garnish with freshly chopped spring onion greens.
- c.Serve immediately with steamed rice, fried rice, or hakka noodles.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the crispiest chicken, use a double-fry method: fry once until light golden, remove, and then fry again for 1-2 minutes just before adding to the sauce.
- 2Add the fried chicken to the gravy only when you are ready to serve to maintain its crunchy texture.
- 3Using chicken thighs will result in juicier and more flavorful Manchurian bites compared to chicken breast.
- 4Always add the cornflour slurry to a boiling gravy while stirring continuously to prevent lumps.
- 5For a deeper flavor, use chicken stock or vegetable broth instead of water for the gravy base.
- 6Maintain high heat while stir-frying the vegetables to keep them crisp and prevent them from becoming soggy.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegetarian/Vegan
Replace chicken with paneer, tofu, mushrooms, or gobi (cauliflower). For a vegan version, use tofu or vegetables and omit the egg from the batter, using a bit more cornflour and water to bind.
Dry VersionDry Version
To make Chicken Manchurian Dry, reduce the water in the gravy to about 1/4 cup and omit the cornflour slurry. The sauce should just coat the chicken pieces instead of forming a gravy, making it a perfect appetizer.
Healthier VersionHealthier Version
Instead of deep-frying, pan-fry the battered chicken with minimal oil or bake/air-fry the chicken pieces at 200°C (400°F) until golden and cooked through before adding them to the sauce.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Protein
Chicken is a high-quality lean protein, essential for building and repairing tissues, muscle growth, and maintaining overall body function.
Energy Booster
The combination of protein from chicken and carbohydrates from the batter and sauce provides a quick and sustained energy release.
Contains Essential Minerals
Ingredients like ginger, garlic, and capsicum provide essential minerals and antioxidants that contribute to overall well-being and help fight inflammation.
Frequently asked questions
One serving (approx. 310g) contains around 450-550 calories, primarily from the deep-fried chicken and the sauce. The exact count can vary based on the amount of oil absorbed during frying.