Manchurian

4.4(223 reviews)

Indo-Chinese gobi (cauliflower) Manchurian — crispy fried cauliflower in a savory-sweet-spicy sauce. Restaurant favorite across India and Pakistan. Best with fried rice or hakka noodles.

Prep Time

30 min

🔥

Cook Time

44 min

🍽

Servings

6

Calories

537 cal

Jump to Recipe
Manchurian — homemade International dinner recipe with veg/chicken, soy sauce, vinegar, 6 servings, ready in 74 minutes
Dinner
Easy

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Smart Servings Scaler

servings
  • Veg/Chicken1 ½
  • Soy Sauce3 tbsp
  • Vinegar1 ½
  • Tomato Ketchup1 ½
  • Salt1 ½ tsp
  • Black Pepper¾ tsp
  • Cooking Oil1 ½

All quantities scaled automatically from 6 servings.

Ingredients

Makes 6 servings · Use the Servings Scaler above to adjust

  • Veg/Chicken1.5
  • Soy Sauce3 tbsp
  • Vinegar1.5
  • Tomato Ketchup1.5
  • Salt1.5 tsp
  • Black Pepper0.75 tsp
  • Cooking Oil1.5

Instructions

  1. 1

    Cut 1 medium cauliflower into florets. Blanch in salted water for 2 minutes. Drain very dry.

  2. 2

    Make the batter: whisk ½ cup all-purpose flour, ¼ cup cornstarch, 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon soy sauce. Add water gradually to make a thick batter that coats the cauliflower.

  3. 3

    Dip each floret in batter. Heat 2 inches of oil to 350°F. Fry the florets in batches for 3-4 minutes until deep golden brown. Drain on a wire rack.

  4. 4

    Make the sauce: whisk 3 tablespoons soy sauce, 2 tablespoons rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon hot sauce, 2 tablespoons ketchup, 1 tablespoon sugar, 1 teaspoon sesame oil, 1 cup vegetable stock, 2 tablespoons cornstarch + 3 tablespoons cold water.

  5. 5

    Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a wok over high heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tablespoon grated ginger, 2 chopped green chilies. Stir 30 seconds. Pour in the sauce. Bring to a simmer.

  6. 6

    Add the fried cauliflower. Toss for 60-90 seconds until coated. Off heat, sprinkle with chopped scallions. Serve immediately — sogs fast.

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💡 Expert Tips

  • 1.Blanch cauliflower briefly. Pre-cooks slightly for proper texture.
  • 2.Cornstarch in batter. Crispness factor.
  • 3.Sauce around the rim. Briefly caramelizes.
  • 4.Eat immediately. Sogs within 10 minutes.

🔬 Why It Works

Manchurian succeeds when the cauliflower is crispy-fried (cornstarch batter + proper oil temp) and quickly tossed in the bold Indo-Chinese sauce. The combination of crispy texture and saucy coating defines the dish. Eating immediately is essential — the crispness fades fast.

Frequently Asked Questions

Dry vs gravy Manchurian?
This is gravy style. For dry, halve the sauce and use less stock — just coats the cauliflower.
Other vegetables?
Mixed vegetable Manchurian (cabbage + carrots + bell pepper), paneer Manchurian (Indian cheese), chicken Manchurian. Same technique.
Can I bake instead of fry?
Yes — 425°F for 18 minutes, sprayed with oil. Less crispy but workable.
Best with?
Fried rice, hakka noodles, plain rice. Don't eat alone — Manchurian is meant as a 'with rice/noodles' dish.

Nutrition Facts

Per serving (recipe makes 6 servings)

Calories537kcal
Protein20g
Carbohydrates55g
Fat33g
Fiber8g
Sugar1g

* Percent Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Values are estimates.

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