Chicken Manchurian is a popular meal that combines the rich flavors of Indian and Chinese cuisine. This classic Indo-Chinese recipe, which combines crispy fried chicken mixed in a delicious and tangy gravy, is a favorite among fusion food enthusiasts. Whether you’re having a family dinner or looking for a special dish, Chicken Manchurian Gravy Recipe will not disappoint. Below, we’ll go over every aspect of this delectable recipe so you can replicate it properly at home.
What is Chicken Manchurian?
Chicken Manchurian is a meal that combines Indian flavors with Chinese cooking techniques. This dish, which originated in Indian restaurants specializing in Indo-Chinese cuisine, often consists of chicken cubes cooked till crispy and then coated in a robust, fragrant gravy. The gravy is made using a combination of soy sauce, chili sauce, ginger, garlic, and vinegar, which creates the ideal balance of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors.
The meal is available in two varieties: dry Chicken Manchurian (without gravy) and Chicken Manchurian Gravy (with a thick, delicious sauce). The latter is ideal for serving with steamed rice, fried rice, or noodles.
Ingredients for Chicken Manchurian Gravy Recipe
To create this restaurant-style Chicken Manchurian Gravy at home, you’ll need the following ingredients:
For the Chicken:
- 500g boneless chicken, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 2 tablespoons cornflour
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (maida)
- 1 egg (optional, for binding)
- 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil for deep frying
For the Manchurian Gravy:
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 green bell pepper (capsicum), chopped
- 2-3 garlic cloves, finely minced
- 1-inch piece ginger, finely chopped
- 2-3 green chilies, slit
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon chili sauce (adjust according to heat preference)
- 1 tablespoon tomato ketchup
- 1 teaspoon vinegar (white or apple cider)
- 1 tablespoon cornflour, dissolved in ¼ cup of water for thickening
- 1 cup water or chicken stock
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped spring onions for garnish
Step-by-Step Guide to Preparing Chicken Manchurian Gravy Recipe
1. Marinating and Frying the Chicken
The first step in creating excellent Chicken Manchurian is to marinate the chicken. In a mixing bowl, combine the chicken cubes, cornflour, all-purpose flour, ginger-garlic paste, salt, pepper, and optional egg. The egg will help to bind the ingredients together, resulting in a crispy coating when fried.
Allow the chicken to marinade for approximately 15-20 minutes. This allows the flavors to sink into the chicken, improving the overall taste.
Once marinated, heat the oil in a deep pan or wok. Fry the chicken pieces over medium-high heat until golden brown and crispy on the outside. Drain them on a paper towel to absorb any extra oil.
2. Preparing the Manchurian Gravy
In a separate pan, heat two teaspoons of oil. Add the finely minced ginger, garlic, and green chilies. Sauté for one minute, or until the mixture is aromatic. The ginger and garlic provide a strong flavor base for the gravy, while the green chilies lend a hint of heat.
Next, add the chopped onions and capsicum. Stir-fry the vegetables for 2-3 minutes, until they are slightly softened but still have some firmness. The capsicum lends a bright, sweet taste to the sauce that complements the chicken well.
3. Adding the Sauces and Flavoring
Reduce the heat and combine the sauces: soy sauce, chili sauce, and tomato ketchup. These three sauces constitute the foundation of the Manchurian gravy. The soy sauce offers umami depth, the chili sauce heats, and the ketchup lends acidic sweetness.
To complete the flavor, add vinegar, which gives the dish its distinct sharpness. Stir the sauces into the vegetables to evenly coat them.
4. Thickening the Gravy
Now it is time to thicken the gravy. In a small bowl, combine cornflour and water to form a slurry. Slowly add the slurry into the gravy, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. The cornflour slurry is essential for creating the gravy’s rich, glossy texture.
Add water or chicken stock at this point to create the desired consistency. Cook the gravy for 3-4 minutes, until it thickens and develops its full taste.
5. Combining the Chicken and Gravy
Once the gravy has reached its desired thickness, add the fried chicken pieces to the pan. Stir well to ensure that the sauce is equally distributed throughout the chicken. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the chicken to absorb the gravy’s rich flavors.
6. Garnishing and Serving
Turn off the heat and sprinkle the Chicken Manchurian Gravy with fresh spring onions. The spring onions not only provide color to the dish, but also give it a subtle, sweet onion flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Chicken Manchurian Gravy pairs exceptionally well with a variety of side dishes. Some popular options include:
- Steamed rice: A simple yet ideal accompaniment to complement the rich flavors of the gravy.
- Fried rice: An even better match if you want a more savory and comprehensive supper.
- Hakka noodles: The noodles intensify the Indo-Chinese fusion, resulting in a pleasing blend of textures.
Tips for Making the Perfect Chicken Manchurian Gravy Recipe
- Double-fry the chicken for maximum crispiness. The first fry can be done at medium heat to thoroughly cook the chicken, followed by a second fry at high heat to make it extra crunchy.
- To adjust the degree of heat level, evolution the proportion of fresh chilies or chili sauce you use.
- Cornflour is an essential ingredient in both the chicken batter and gravy. To avoid clumps in the gravy, mix well with water before adding.
- If you want additional sauce, add more water or stock and adjust the cornflour to achieve a thicker consistency.
Why Chicken Manchurian is a Must-Try Dish
Chicken Manchurian Gravy Recipe is more than just a dish; it celebrates the union of two culinary realms. The spicy, sweet, and sour flavors, along with the crispy chicken and velvety gravy, create a really unique experience. This dish has grown in popularity since it appeals to both Indian and Chinese tastes, making it a favorite across all age groups and gastronomic preferences.
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