Indo-Chinese Paneer Manchurian Recipe: A Flavorful Vegetarian Delight
Indo-Chinese cuisine offers the perfect fusion of bold Chinese flavors with the rich spices and textures of Indian cooking. The Indo-Chinese Paneer Manchurian is a popular appetizer that combines crispy batter-fried cubes of paneer with a spicy, tangy, and savory sauce, making it an irresistible dish for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a weekend dinner or craving a snack, this Paneer Manchurian is sure to satisfy your taste buds.
Ingredients for Indo-Chinese Paneer Manchurian
Here’s what you will need to prepare this delectable dish:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Paneer (Homemade Cottage Cheese) | 300 grams, cut into cubes |
| All Purpose Flour (Maida) | 3 tablespoons |
| Corn Flour | 1 tablespoon |
| Ginger (grated) | 1 inch |
| Garlic (grated) | 4 cloves |
| Soy Sauce | 1 tablespoon |
| Water | 1/4 cup |
| Salt | To taste |
| Black Pepper Powder | For seasoning |
| Sunflower Oil | For frying |
| Spring Onion (Bulb & Greens) | 1/2 cup (white top part) |
| Garlic (finely chopped) | 1 teaspoon |
| Ginger (finely chopped) | 1 teaspoon |
| Green Chillies (slit lengthwise) | 2 |
| Soy Sauce | 3 tablespoons |
| Sriracha Sauce | 1 tablespoon |
| Rice Vinegar | 1 tablespoon |
| Homemade Tomato Puree | 2 tablespoons |
| Corn Flour (for sauce) | 1 tablespoon |
Preparation Time: 10 Minutes
Cooking Time: 30 Minutes
Total Time: 40 Minutes
Servings: 4
Cuisine: Indo-Chinese
Course: Appetizer
Diet: Vegetarian
How to Make Indo-Chinese Paneer Manchurian
Follow these steps to prepare this lip-smacking Indo-Chinese Paneer Manchurian recipe.
Step 1: Preparing the Paneer
The first step in making the Paneer Manchurian is to batter-fry the paneer cubes. Start by preparing the batter:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour (maida), corn flour, grated ginger, grated garlic, soy sauce, and a pinch of salt.
- Gradually add water to the mixture to form a thick batter that coats the paneer cubes well.
Once your batter is ready, heat oil in a wok or deep frying pan. When the oil is hot enough, dip each paneer cube into the batter and gently drop it into the oil. Fry the cubes until they are light golden brown and crispy on the outside. Continue with the remaining cubes and drain them on absorbent paper to remove excess oil.
Step 2: Preparing the Sauce
Now, let’s move on to the flavorful sauce that gives this dish its signature Indo-Chinese taste:
- In a large pan or pot, heat a tablespoon of sunflower oil.
- Add the finely chopped garlic, ginger, and green chilies. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until they become aromatic and slightly softened.
- Add the fried paneer cubes into the pan. Reduce the heat to medium, and cover the pan for a minute to allow the flavors to meld together.
Step 3: Making the Manchurian Sauce
- While the paneer is absorbing the flavors, whisk together the following ingredients in a bowl: soy sauce, sriracha sauce, rice vinegar, homemade tomato puree, corn flour, and water. The mixture should be smooth.
- Pour this sauce mixture into the pan with the paneer. Stir gently to coat the paneer evenly with the sauce.
- Keep stirring the sauce over medium heat for another 1-2 minutes, allowing it to thicken up and become glossy.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste, keeping in mind that the soy sauce already adds some saltiness.
Step 4: Final Touches and Serving
- Once the sauce has thickened to your liking, remove the pan from the heat. Garnish the Indo-Chinese Paneer Manchurian with freshly chopped spring onion greens for a burst of color and freshness.
- Serve hot as an appetizer or with your favorite side dishes such as Thai Style Noodles with Spinach and Leeks or Chinese Egg Fried Rice for a complete Indo-Chinese meal.
Tips for Perfect Paneer Manchurian
- Frying Paneer: Ensure the oil is hot enough before adding the paneer cubes. If the oil is not hot enough, the paneer may become soggy instead of crispy.
- Paneer Variations: You can use store-bought paneer or make your own fresh paneer at home for the best taste.
- Soy Sauce Substitutes: If you don’t have soy sauce, you can substitute it with tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free option.
- Heat Level: Adjust the amount of sriracha sauce according to your preferred spice level. For a milder version, reduce or omit the sriracha.
- Serving Suggestion: This dish pairs beautifully with steamed rice, fried rice, or noodles, making it a great addition to any Indo-Chinese meal spread.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 230 kcal |
| Protein | 12 g |
| Carbohydrates | 18 g |
| Fat | 14 g |
| Sodium | 500 mg |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 3 g |
Why You’ll Love Indo-Chinese Paneer Manchurian
This Indo-Chinese Paneer Manchurian recipe delivers a perfect balance of flavors. The crispy paneer cubes absorb the tangy, spicy sauce, creating a delightful contrast in every bite. The ginger, garlic, and green chilies provide depth and heat, while the soy sauce and rice vinegar lend the dish its signature savory-sweet umami flavor.
Whether you’re preparing it for a party, family dinner, or just craving a scrumptious vegetarian treat, this Paneer Manchurian is sure to impress. It’s simple to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for any occasion. Try it out today and discover why this Indo-Chinese dish is a favorite among vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike!
Indo-Chinese cuisine is a unique and beloved culinary tradition that brings together the best of both worlds. With this Indo-Chinese Paneer Manchurian, you’re not just making a dish; you’re making memories of unforgettable flavors.
