Chicken Manchurian Recipe (Gravy)
Today’s recipe, Chicken Manchurian, is a delicious fusion of Chinese cooking techniques with a touch of Indian spices and ingredients. Chicken Manchurian is a dish that belongs to Indo-Chinese cuisine. This dish is saucy, slightly spicy with a tangy flavors that’s perfect for a comforting meal or an impressive dinner party dish.
Ingredients
- 500 grams Boneless Chicken (Cut into Bite-Size Cubes)
- 1 Cup Capsicum (Cut into Cubes)
- 1 Cup Onion (Cut into Cubes)
- 1 Cup Cooking Oil (For Frying)
- 2 Tbsp. Cooking Oil (For Cooking Chicken and Vegetables)
- 2 Tbsp. Soya Sauce (1 Tbsp. for Sauce and 1 for Marinade)
- 2 Tbsp. Chili Sauce (1 Tbsp. for Sauce and 1 for Marinade)
- 2 Tbsp. Vinegar (1 Tbsp. for Sauce and 1 for Marinade)
- 1 Cup Tomato Puree
- 2 Tbsp. Tomato Sauce
- Salt and Pepper (To Taste)
- 1 Tsp. Chili Crips Sauce (Optional)
- 2 Tbsp. Ginger-Garlic (Minced for Marinade and Chopped for Cooking Chicken)
- 4 Tbsp. Corn-Flour (For Marinade and Gravy)
- 1 Egg (For Marinade)
Instructions
Marinating the Chicken:
- Wash boneless chicken and cut it into bite sized cubes.
- In a mixing bowl, add minced ginger-garlic, soya sauce, chili sauce, vinegar (1 Tbsp. each), salt and pepper (To taste). Mix everything and then add boneless chicken.
- Add one egg and mix well. Finally add 2 Tbsps. of corn-flour and mix well. You can also make batter separately with corn-flour, egg and then add the marinated chicken into the batter. But to make less mess I add corn-flour directly in the marinade.
- Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes while you gather the rest of the ingredients.
Frying the Chicken:
- In a deep frying pan, heat enough oil over medium heat for shallow frying.
- Once hot, carefully drop in the marinated chicken pieces, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan.
- Fry the chicken until it turns golden brown and crispy, which should take about 5 to 7 minutes. After frying, place the chicken onto paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
Prepare the Gravy:
- In a deep pan heat oil on low-medium heat, add 1 Tbsp. chopped ginger-garlic and sauté for one minute or until you can feel the aroma of ginger and garlic.
- Add onions and capsicum cut into cubes and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, ensuring that they don’t overcook. Add salt and black pepper to taste.
- In a small bowl you can mix all the sauces like soya sauce, vinegar and chili sauce and then add them in sautéed vegetables or you can directly add each of them in the pan. I add sauces separately in vegetables. Cook for another minute.
- Now add tomato puree and tomato sauce in the pan and cook for a while or until it comes to boil.
Cook the Fried Chicken in Sauce (Gravy):
- Now add fried chicken pieces in the gravy to coat them thoroughly with the sauce. Lower the flame let the Chicken simmer for 2 minutes or until the sauce thickens.
- If you like dried version of Chicken Manchurian, you can garnish with freshly chopped chives or spring onions and serve as an appetizer as it is. I make this with gravy so I add a cup of water or preferably chicken stock into the pan and let it come to boil.
- In a small bowl add 2 table spoons of corn-flour with water and mix. Once the chicken gravy starts boiling, add corn-flour and water mixture into the pan while continuously stirring to avoid any lumps.
- Add sesames seeds for added punch of flavor and sprinkle freshly chopped green onions or chives. To add more spice I add a tea spoon of chili crisp sauce in the gravy. Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes.
Serve:
- Serve immediately with Egg Fried Rice or noodles for a complete meal. Enjoy your homemade Chicken Manchurian!
Notes
- Chicken Manchurian represents a delightful fusion of flavors and textures, making it a popular dish in many households.
- The key elements of this dish include marinated chicken, crisp vegetables, and a luscious sauce, all of which work harmoniously to create an unforgettable dining experience.
- By following the step-by-step guide, you can create your own version tailored to your taste preferences, whether you prefer a milder flavor or a spicier twist.
- The variations in preparation allow for creativity, and cooking Chicken Manchurian can become a fun and rewarding activity in the kitchen.