Chicken Manchurian

Introduction

Chicken Manchurian is a popular Indo-Chinese dish that combines crispy fried chicken with a tangy, spicy sauce. It?s perfect as a snack or a starter, and its flavorful, saucy texture makes it a favorite at parties and gatherings. Not only is Chicken Manchurian delicious, but it also provides a good source of protein thanks to the chicken. This recipe guides you through the preparation of this mouthwatering dish step by step.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Main ingredient: Chicken
Yield: Serves 3-4
Course: Snack/Starters
1 Bowl measurement: 250 ml

 

Quick Navigation:

• Ingredients for Marination
• Ingredients for Manchurian Preparation
• Procedure
• Marination
• Step 1: Fry the Chicken
• Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
• Step 3: Add Almonds and Cashews
• Step 4: Stir-fry the Vegetables
• Step 5: Add Salt and Sauté
• Step 6: Stir-fry Cabbage and Carrot
• Step 7: Add the Sauces
• Step 8: Add Coriander Leaves
• Step 9: Add the Fried Chicken
• Step 10: Add Cornstarch
• Step 11: Finish with Tomato Sauce
• Serving Suggestions
• Nutritional Information

 

Ingredients for Marination

Marinating the chicken is the first step in ensuring it absorbs the flavors and becomes tender. Here's what you?ll need for marination:

Boneless chicken: 1/2 Kg

Turmeric powder: 1/2 tbsp

Salt: 1 tbsp

Ginger garlic paste: 1 tbsp

Red chilly powder: 1 tbsp

Maida or all-purpose flour: 2 tbsp

Corn flour: 2 tbsp

Egg: 1

Lemon juice: 1 tbsp

Ingredients for Manchurian Preparation

After frying the chicken, the next step is to prepare the sauce that gives Chicken Manchurian its signature flavor:

Chopped garlic and ginger: 2 tbsp each

Chopped cabbage and carrot: 1/2 Bowl

Sliced green chillies: 5-6

Chopped onions: 1/2 Bowl

Soya sauce: 1 tbsp, Chilly sauce: 1 tbsp, Tomato sauce: 1-2 tbsp

Cornstarch: (cornflour mixed in 50 ml water)

Soaked almond and cashew slices: Few (optional)

Chopped coriander leaves: A few

Procedure

Marination

Marinate the chicken with the ingredients listed for marination. Let it sit for 15 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the chicken.

Step 1: Fry the Chicken

Preheat oil in a frying pan. When the oil is sufficiently hot, fry each piece of marinated chicken in medium flame. The goal is to achieve a golden color on the chicken, which should take about 3-4 minutes per piece.

Once all the pieces are fried, keep them aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

Preheat 2 tbsp of oil in a frying pan. Keep the flame on medium heat. Add chopped garlic and ginger and stir-fry for 30 seconds to release their flavors.

Step 3: Add Almonds and Cashews

If you're using almonds and cashews, add the soaked slices to the pan. Stir-fry for another 30 seconds to lightly toast them.

Step 4: Stir-fry the Vegetables

Add chopped onions and sliced green chillies to the pan. Stir-fry for about a minute until the onions soften slightly and the chillies release their heat.

Step 5: Add Salt and Sauté

Sprinkle 1/4 tbsp of salt into the mixture and stir-fry for another minute. This will help the vegetables release some moisture and soften even further.

Step 6: Stir-fry Cabbage and Carrot

Add the chopped cabbage and carrot to the pan. Stir-fry for about 2 minutes until the vegetables are slightly softened but still retain some crunch.

Step 7: Add the Sauces

Add 1 tbsp each of chilly sauce and soya sauce. Stir-fry for about a minute to coat the vegetables in the sauce mixture.

Step 8: Add Coriander Leaves

Mix in some chopped coriander leaves to add freshness and flavor to the sauce.

Step 9: Add the Fried Chicken

Return the fried chicken pieces to the pan and stir-fry them for a minute to coat them evenly in the sauce mixture.

Step 10: Add Cornstarch

Add the cornstarch mixture to the pan. Stir-fry for 2 minutes until the sauce thickens to the desired consistency. The cornstarch helps give the sauce a glossy finish and helps it stick to the chicken pieces.

Step 11: Finish with Tomato Sauce

Finally, add 1-2 tbsp of tomato sauce. Stir well to combine, and turn off the flame.

Serving Suggestions

Hot and tasty chicken Manchurian is ready to serve! It?s a great combination with corn soup, making it a perfect starter or snack.

Nutritional Information

Q) What are the nutritional benefits of Chicken Manchurian?
Chicken Manchurian is a protein-rich dish, thanks to the boneless chicken used as its base. Chicken is an excellent source of lean protein, helping with muscle repair and maintenance. Additionally, the ginger and garlic provide anti-inflammatory benefits, and the vegetables add fiber and essential vitamins to the dish.

Q) Is Chicken Manchurian a healthy option?
When shallow fried and consumed in moderation, Chicken Manchurian can be part of a balanced diet. Pairing it with steamed vegetables or a light soup can make it a wholesome meal.

Q) Can I make a healthier version of Chicken Manchurian?
Yes, you can reduce the amount of oil used by opting for air frying or baking the chicken pieces instead of deep frying them. You can also increase the vegetable content for added fiber and nutrients.

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