Indo-Chinese Paneer Manchurian Recipe
Indo-Chinese Paneer Manchurian is a delightful fusion of bold flavors, offering a perfect blend of spiciness, sweetness, and sourness. A popular choice on restaurant menus and street food carts across India, this dish is loved for its crispy, golden paneer cubes smothered in a rich, flavorful sauce. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity—where crispy batter-fried paneer cubes are tossed in a tangy sauce made with soy sauce, sriracha, and vinegar. It’s a perfect appetizer or snack that’s sure to impress your guests or satisfy your cravings for Indo-Chinese flavors.
Ideal for vegetarian food lovers, this recipe can be easily customized for family dinners, potlucks, or even as a delightful treat for a weekend gathering.
Ingredients
For the Batter:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Paneer (Homemade Cottage Cheese), cut into cubes | 300 grams |
| All Purpose Flour (Maida) | 3 tablespoons |
| Corn flour | 1 tablespoon |
| Ginger (grated) | 1 inch piece |
| Garlic (grated) | 4 cloves |
| Soy sauce | 1 tablespoon |
| Water | 1/4 cup |
| Salt | to taste |
| Black pepper powder | to taste |
| Oil | for frying |
For the Sauce:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Spring Onion (Bulb & Greens), chopped | 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 | 1 tablespoon |
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Instructions
-
Fry the Paneer:
Start by preparing the batter to fry the paneer. In a large bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, corn flour, grated ginger, grated garlic, soy sauce, water, salt, and black pepper powder. Stir until a smooth, thick batter forms. -
Heat the Oil:
Place a wok or deep frying pan on medium-high heat and add oil for frying. Wait until the oil is hot enough to fry the paneer (you can test the heat by dropping a small amount of batter into the oil—it should sizzle immediately). -
Fry the Paneer Cubes:
Dip each paneer cube into the batter, ensuring it is well-coated. Carefully drop the coated paneer cubes into the hot oil and fry them until they turn a light golden brown. Remove the fried paneer cubes and place them on a plate lined with absorbent paper to soak up excess oil. -
Make the Sauce:
In a large pan or pot, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add the chopped spring onions (both white and green parts), finely chopped garlic, ginger, and slit green chilies. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and the ingredients have softened. -
Combine Paneer and Sauce:
Once the sautéed mixture is aromatic, add the fried paneer cubes to the pan. Stir gently to combine. Reduce the heat to medium-low and cover the pan for about 1 minute. -
Prepare the Sauce Mixture:
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, sriracha sauce, rice vinegar, tomato puree, corn flour, and a little water to create a smooth sauce mixture. -
Cook the Sauce:
Pour the sauce mixture into the pan with the paneer and stir continuously. Allow the sauce to cook, thickening up as the corn flour activates. Stir for another minute or two until the sauce has coated the paneer cubes evenly and thickened to your desired consistency. -
Season the Dish:
Taste the sauce and add salt and black pepper to your preference. Be mindful that soy sauce adds saltiness, so adjust accordingly. -
Serve:
Turn off the heat and garnish with chopped spring onion greens for a fresh, crunchy topping. Serve Indo-Chinese Paneer Manchurian hot, ideally with sides like Thai Style Noodles with Spinach and Leeks or Chinese Egg Fried Rice for a complete Indo-Chinese feast.
Serving Suggestions:
Indo-Chinese Paneer Manchurian can be served as a stand-alone appetizer, or paired with steamed rice, fried rice, or noodles. It’s the perfect dish to enjoy during the weekend or at a casual get-together with family and friends.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 250 kcal |
| Protein | 12 g |
| Carbohydrates | 25 g |
| Fat | 12 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sodium | 600 mg |
| Sugar | 4 g |
This recipe offers a great balance of flavors and textures, with crispy paneer cubes contrasted by the smooth, spicy sauce. Whether you’re making it for a casual dinner or a special occasion, Indo-Chinese Paneer Manchurian is a dish everyone will love. Enjoy the savory, tangy, and slightly spicy flavors of this classic Indo-Chinese treat!
