Chilli Baby Corn (Manchurian) Recipe: A Quick and Healthy Appetizer
Are you looking for a delicious and healthy appetizer that’s both quick to prepare and bursting with flavors? The Chilli Baby Corn (Manchurian) recipe is the answer. This Indo-Chinese dish is not only easy to make but also stands out because it is not deep-fried, making it a healthier choice compared to traditional recipes. You won’t need to worry about complicated ingredients either, as everything required is simple and easy to procure. Whether you’re hosting a party or just craving a savory bite, this Chilli Baby Corn recipe will be a hit.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Quick to Make: Ready in just under 40 minutes.
- Healthy: Unlike most chilli baby corn recipes, this version is not deep-fried, which makes it lighter and fresher.
- Flavorful: A perfect balance of tangy, spicy, and savory flavors.
- Versatile: Serve it as an appetizer, alongside a main course, or as a part of a party spread.
Pair this dish with Tomato Sauce, Sweet and Spicy Tomato Chutney, or Green Chilli Sauce for an added zing. You can also enjoy it alongside Vegetable Hakka Noodles or Chicken Manchurian Dry for a full Indo-Chinese meal.
Ingredients for Chilli Baby Corn (Manchurian)
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Baby corn | 15 pieces, cut to 1.5-inch pieces |
| Corn flour | 2 tablespoons |
| Green bell peppers | 2, thinly sliced |
| Spring onion (bulb & greens) | 6, finely chopped (separate bulbs & greens) |
| Green chillies | 2, finely chopped |
| Garlic | 2 cloves, minced |
| Ginger | 1-inch piece, minced |
| Red chilli sauce | 1 teaspoon |
| Sweet and spicy red chilli sauce | 1 tablespoon (or substitute with tomato ketchup) |
| Dark soy sauce | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Black pepper | To taste |
| Spring onion greens | For garnish |
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 3-4
Instructions
-
Preparing the Baby Corn:
Start by tossing the baby corn in a bowl with corn flour, a pinch of salt, and black pepper. Heat a teaspoon of oil in a heavy-bottomed pan. Add the coated baby corn and stir-fry on low to medium heat. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking. After about 5-10 minutes, the baby corn should become tender yet firm. It should not feel raw but will have a slightly crisp texture. Once done, turn off the heat and set the baby corn aside. -
Cooking the Vegetables:
In a wok or stir-fry pan, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over high heat. Add the green bell peppers, green chillies, and spring onion bulbs. Stir-fry them quickly until the bell peppers become tender but still retain some crunch. This should take about 3 minutes. -
Adding Sauces:
Next, add the red chilli sauce, sweet and spicy red chilli sauce (or ketchup), and dark soy sauce to the wok. Stir well to combine all the ingredients. -
Combining the Baby Corn:
Add the previously cooked baby corn to the wok and toss it gently in the sauce mixture. Stir-fry everything together on high heat for another 3-4 minutes, ensuring that the baby corn is well-coated with the sauces and vegetables. -
Final Touches:
Once everything is perfectly cooked and well-mixed, garnish with chopped spring onion greens.
Serving Suggestions:
- As an Appetizer: Serve this Chilli Baby Corn as a crispy, spicy starter. It goes wonderfully with a side of Tomato Sauce, Sweet and Spicy Tomato Chutney, or Green Chilli Sauce.
- With a Main Dish: You can also serve it alongside Vegetable Hakka Noodles or with Chicken Manchurian Dry for a complete Indo-Chinese feast.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 120 kcal |
| Protein | 3 g |
| Carbohydrates | 18 g |
| Fat | 4 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sodium | 300 mg |
| Sugars | 6 g |
Tips for Perfect Chilli Baby Corn:
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When cooking the baby corn, make sure to use a large enough pan to avoid overcrowding. This ensures that the baby corn gets a nice crisp and cooks evenly.
- Customize the Heat: You can adjust the spiciness of this dish by adding more or less of the red chilli sauce or green chillies.
- Add Crunch: For an extra crunch, you can sprinkle some roasted cashews or peanuts on top of the dish before serving.
This Chilli Baby Corn (Manchurian) recipe is perfect for any occasion, from family dinners to parties. With its healthy twist on the traditional Manchurian dish, it provides a burst of flavors without the guilt. Ready in under 40 minutes, this delightful appetizer will have everyone coming back for seconds! Enjoy!
