Egg Manchurian Gravy
Crispy, batter-fried eggs tossed in a tangy and savory Manchurian gravy. This popular Indo-Chinese dish is a flavor explosion, perfect to serve with fried rice or hakka noodles for a satisfying meal.
For 4 servings
6 steps. 25 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Boil and Prepare Eggs
- b.Place the eggs in a saucepan and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil and cook for 10-12 minutes to hard-boil them.
- c.Immediately transfer the boiled eggs to a bowl of ice-cold water to stop the cooking process.
- d.Once cooled, carefully peel the shells and slice each egg in half lengthwise. Set aside.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Make the Frying Batter
- b.In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup cornflour, ginger-garlic paste, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
- c.Gradually add 1/2 cup of water while whisking continuously to form a smooth, thick batter without lumps. The consistency should be similar to pancake batter, thick enough to coat the eggs.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Fry the Battered Eggs
- b.Heat 2 cups of oil in a kadai or deep pan over medium-high heat.
- c.Gently dip each egg half into the batter, ensuring it's fully coated, and let any excess drip off.
- d.Carefully slide the battered eggs into the hot oil. Fry in batches of 4-5 to avoid overcrowding the pan.
- e.Fry for 3-4 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown and crispy on all sides.
- f.Remove the fried eggs with a slotted spoon and place them on a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Prepare the Gravy Base
- b.In a small bowl, mix 2 tbsp of cornflour with 1/4 cup of water to create a lump-free slurry. Set aside.
- c.Heat 2 tbsp of oil in a large wok or pan over high heat.
- d.Add the finely chopped ginger, garlic, green chillies, and spring onion whites. Stir-fry for about 30-45 seconds until fragrant.
- e.Add the diced onion and capsicum. Continue to stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until they are slightly tender but still retain a crunch.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Build and Thicken the Sauce
- b.Reduce the heat to medium. Add the soy sauce, red chilli sauce, vinegar, sugar, and the remaining 1/2 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Stir well to combine.
- c.Pour in 2 cups of water and bring the mixture to a rolling boil.
- d.While stirring the gravy continuously, slowly pour in the prepared cornflour slurry.
- e.Continue to stir and cook for 1-2 minutes until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency.
- 6
Step 6
- a.Finish and Serve
- b.Gently add the fried egg fritters to the thickened gravy. Simmer for just 1 minute, carefully tossing to coat the eggs without breaking them.
- c.Turn off the heat. Garnish generously with chopped spring onion greens.
- d.Serve immediately with steamed rice, fried rice, or hakka noodles.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For extra crispy eggs, you can double-fry them. Fry once, remove, and then fry again for a minute just before adding to the gravy.
- 2Ensure your wok or pan is very hot before stir-frying the vegetables to keep them crisp and prevent them from becoming soggy.
- 3Adjust the consistency of the gravy by adding more or less cornflour slurry. For a thinner gravy, use less slurry or add a splash of hot water.
- 4Add the fried eggs to the gravy only when you are ready to serve to maintain their crispiness.
- 5For a deeper color and flavor, use a combination of light and dark soy sauce.
Adapt it for your goals.
Make it Dry
To make Egg Manchurian Dry, reduce the water in the gravy to 1/4 cup and omit the cornflour slurry. Toss the fried eggs in the thick sauce until well-coated and serve as an appetizer.
Add More VegetablesAdd More Vegetables
Incorporate other vegetables like sliced carrots, bell peppers of different colors, or baby corn along with the onions and capsicum for added texture and nutrition.
Spicier VersionSpicier Version
Increase the amount of red chilli sauce or add a teaspoon of Sriracha or schezwan sauce for an extra kick of heat.
Vegan AlternativeVegan Alternative
Replace the eggs with cubes of firm tofu, cauliflower florets (gobi), or mushrooms. Follow the same battering and frying process.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Protein
Eggs are a complete protein source, providing all nine essential amino acids necessary for muscle repair, growth, and overall body function.
Boosts Energy Levels
The combination of protein from eggs and carbohydrates from the batter and gravy provides a sustained release of energy, making it a filling and satisfying meal.
Rich in Vegetables
Includes nutrient-rich vegetables like capsicum, onions, and ginger, which contribute essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to your diet.
Frequently asked questions
A single serving of Egg Manchurian Gravy contains approximately 450-550 calories. This is an estimate and can vary based on the amount of oil absorbed during frying and the specific brands of sauces used.