Veg Manchurian Gravy
Crispy fried vegetable balls tossed in a savory, tangy, and slightly spicy gravy. This Indo-Chinese classic is a crowd-pleaser and pairs perfectly with fried rice or hakka noodles.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 25 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Vegetable Balls
- b.In a large bowl, combine the finely chopped cabbage, grated carrot, french beans, and chopped capsicum.
- c.Add a pinch of salt, mix, and let it sit for 5 minutes. Then, using your hands or a cheesecloth, squeeze out as much water as possible. This step is crucial for crispy balls.
- d.To the squeezed vegetables, add all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup corn starch, ginger garlic paste, 1 tsp soy sauce, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1/2 tsp salt.
- e.Mix everything together to form a firm dough. Do not add any extra water. If the mixture is too wet, add 1-2 tbsp more of all-purpose flour.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Fry the Manchurian Balls
- b.Heat oil for deep frying in a wok or deep pan over medium heat until it reaches 180°C (350°F).
- c.Moisten your palms and shape the vegetable mixture into small, lemon-sized balls.
- d.Carefully slide the balls into the hot oil, frying in batches of 5-6 to avoid overcrowding the pan.
- e.Fry for 6-8 minutes, turning them occasionally, until they are deep golden brown and crisp all over.
- f.Remove with a slotted spoon and place them on a wire rack or paper towel to drain excess oil.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Prepare the Gravy Base
- b.In a separate large wok or pan, heat 2 tbsp of oil on high heat.
- c.Once the oil is shimmering, add the chopped ginger, garlic, green chilies, and spring onion whites. Stir-fry for 30-40 seconds until fragrant.
- d.Add the onion and capsicum petals. Continue to stir-fry on high heat for 2 minutes until they are slightly tender yet crunchy.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Add Sauces and Thicken the Gravy
- b.Reduce the heat to medium. Add 3 tbsp soy sauce, red chili sauce, vinegar, tomato ketchup, sugar, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1/4 tsp salt. Stir well and cook for 1 minute.
- c.Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a rolling boil.
- d.In a small bowl, whisk 2 tbsp corn starch with 1/4 cup of cold water to make a smooth, lump-free slurry.
- e.While stirring the gravy continuously, slowly pour in the cornstarch slurry. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Combine and Serve
- b.Just before serving, gently add the fried Manchurian balls to the hot gravy.
- c.Simmer for only 1-2 minutes, allowing the balls to absorb the sauce without becoming soggy.
- d.Garnish generously with chopped spring onion greens.
- e.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.
- 1Squeezing out all excess water from the vegetables is the most critical step for crispy Manchurian balls that don't disintegrate while frying.
- 2Fry the balls on a consistent medium heat. Oil that is too hot will brown the outside quickly, leaving the inside raw.
- 3For a restaurant-style crunchy texture, stir-fry the gravy vegetables on high heat and do not overcook them.
- 4To prevent soggy Manchurian, add the fried balls to the gravy only when you are ready to serve.
- 5Ensure your cornstarch slurry is completely smooth before adding it to the hot gravy to avoid lumps.
- 6Adjust the amount of red chili sauce and green chilies to control the spice level.
Adapt it for your goals.
Healthier Version
Bake the Manchurian balls instead of deep-frying. Place them on a baking sheet, spray with oil, and bake at 200°C (400°F) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crisp.
Dry ManchurianDry Manchurian
For a dry or semi-dry version, reduce the vegetable broth to 1/2 cup and the cornstarch slurry to 1 tsp mixed with 2 tbsp water. Toss the fried balls in the thickened sauce to coat.
Gluten FreeGluten-Free
Replace all-purpose flour with rice flour or a gluten-free all-purpose blend. Use tamari instead of soy sauce.
Gobi ManchurianGobi Manchurian
Substitute the mixed vegetable balls with cauliflower florets. Dip the florets in a batter of all-purpose flour, corn starch, ginger-garlic paste, salt, and pepper, then deep fry until golden.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Vegetables
This dish is loaded with vegetables like cabbage, carrots, and capsicum, which provide essential vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber beneficial for digestion and overall health.
Contains Antioxidants
The use of fresh ginger, garlic, and onions provides a good source of antioxidants, which help combat oxidative stress and inflammation in the body.
Flavorful Plant-Based Meal
As a completely vegetarian dish, it serves as a delicious and satisfying plant-based meal option, contributing to a diverse diet.
Frequently asked questions
A typical serving of Veg Manchurian Gravy contains approximately 450-550 calories. The exact number can vary based on the amount of oil absorbed during frying and the specific sauces used.