Chicken Manchurian Recipe

Chicken Manchurian is a popular Indo-Chinese dish that perfectly blends the rich flavors of succulent chicken with a savory and tangy sauce. This delectable recipe is a favorite among food enthusiasts who enjoy the fusion of Indian and Chinese cuisines. Whether you're looking to impress guests at a dinner party or simply craving a delightful homemade meal, Chicken Manchurian is the perfect choice. So, let's dive into the steps of preparing this mouthwatering dish!

Ingredients:

For the chicken balls:

• 500g boneless chicken, finely chopped or minced
• 1 egg
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon chili sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Oil for frying

For the Manchurian sauce:

• 1 tablespoon oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
• 2-3 green chilies, finely chopped (adjust to your spice preference)
• 1 small bell pepper (capsicum), diced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon chili sauce
• 1 tablespoon tomato ketchup
• 1 tablespoon vinegar
• 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)
• Spring onions (scallions) for garnish
• Salt and pepper to taste

• Instructions:

  1. Chicken Preparation:

     • In a large bowl, combine the finely chopped chicken with ginger-garlic paste, soy sauce, chili sauce, cornstarch, all-purpose flour, egg, salt, and pepper.
     • Mix the ingredients thoroughly until the chicken is well coated. Allow the mixture to marinate for at least 30 minutes, which will enhance the flavors.

  2. Frying the Chicken Balls:

     • Heat oil in a deep frying pan or wok over medium-high heat.
     • Shape the marinated chicken into small, bite-sized balls and gently drop them into the hot oil.
     • Fry the chicken balls until they turn golden brown and crispy. Once done, remove them with a slotted spoon and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.

  3. Preparing the Manchurian Sauce:

     • In a separate pan or wok, heat one tablespoon of oil over medium heat.
     • Add the chopped onions, green chilies, and ginger-garlic paste. Stir-fry until the onions become translucent and the raw smell disappears.
     • Toss in the diced bell pepper and sauté for a couple of minutes until they become slightly tender.

  4. Flavoring the Dish:

     • Pour in the soy sauce, chili sauce, tomato ketchup, and vinegar. Mix well to combine the flavors.
     • Add the chicken or vegetable broth and let the sauce simmer for a few minutes.

  5. Thickening the Sauce:

     • Slowly add the cornstarch-water mixture while continuously stirring the sauce to prevent lumps from forming.
     • Allow the sauce to thicken to your desired consistency. If it becomes too thick, you can adjust by adding a little more broth.

  6. Final Assembly:

     • Gently add the fried chicken balls to the Manchurian sauce and coat them evenly.
     • Cook for another minute or two, allowing the flavors to meld together.
     • Garnish with chopped spring onions (scallions) for a fresh, vibrant touch.

  Conclusion

  Chicken Manchurian is a delightful dish that brings together the best of Indian and Chinese culinary influences. The juicy chicken balls drenched in the savory Manchurian sauce create an explosion of flavors that will undoubtedly leave you craving more. Whether you serve it as an appetizer or a main course, Chicken Manchurian is a fantastic addition to your recipe repertoire. Enjoy this Indo-Chinese delicacy with steamed rice or noodles for a truly satisfying meal that will impress family and friends alike!