Soy Chunks Manchurian in Sweet & Spicy Chinese Sauce
An irresistible Indo-Chinese dish that blends the perfect balance of heat, sweetness, and savory umami, this Soy Chunks Manchurian in Sweet & Spicy Chinese Sauce is a perfect accompaniment to steamed rice or noodles. The soy chunks are cooked until tender and soaked in a thick, flavorful sauce made with soy sauce, tomato ketchup, and a hint of chili sauce, bringing an unforgettable burst of flavor to every bite.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Soy Chunks (Nuggets) | 100 grams |
| Spring Onion Greens (finely chopped) | 4 stalks |
| Green Bell Pepper (cut into wedges) | 1 medium |
| Red Bell Pepper (cut into wedges) | 1 medium |
| Garlic (finely chopped) | 2 cloves |
| Green Chillies (finely chopped) | 2 |
| Ginger (finely chopped) | 1 small piece |
| Cornflour (cornstarch) | 1 tablespoon |
| Vegetable Stock | 1 cup |
| Soy Sauce | 1 tablespoon |
| Tomato Ketchup | 1 tablespoon |
| Red Chili Sauce | 1 teaspoon |
| Sunflower Oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Salt | To taste |
Preparation Time:
- 15 minutes
Cooking Time:
- 30 minutes
Total Time:
- 45 minutes
Servings:
- 2 servings
Cuisine:
- Indo-Chinese
Course:
- Dinner
Diet:
- Vegetarian
Instructions:
-
Soak and Prepare Soy Chunks:
Begin by soaking the soy chunks (nuggets) in warm water for about 10 minutes. This will soften them and allow them to absorb flavors better. Once soaked, squeeze out any excess water and set the chunks aside. In a saucepan, cook the soy chunks with a pinch of salt in boiling water for about 5 minutes. Once cooked through, drain the water and set the cooked chunks aside to cool slightly. -
-
Prepare the Manchurian Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix the cornflour with 1/4 cup of water to form a smooth slurry. Add the soy sauce, tomato ketchup, red chili sauce, and a pinch of salt. Stir the mixture until it combines well and set aside. -
Stir-fry Vegetables:
Heat the sunflower oil in a wok or large frying pan over high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the finely chopped garlic, ginger, green chilies, and spring onions. Stir-fry the ingredients for a few seconds until fragrant. Add the green and red bell pepper wedges to the pan and stir-fry them for an additional 2-3 minutes. The vegetables should remain crisp-tender, adding texture to the dish. -
Combine and Cook:
Now, pour the cornflour mixture into the pan with the stir-fried vegetables. Stir the sauce continuously to avoid lumps and ensure even cooking. Let the sauce thicken for a few minutes, making sure the cornflour is fully cooked and the sauce has reached a glossy consistency. -
Add Soy Chunks to the Sauce:
Add the cooked soy chunk nuggets to the pan, stirring gently to coat them evenly with the sauce. Lower the heat and cover the pan, letting the Manchurian simmer for about 5 minutes. During this time, the soy chunks will soak up the flavors of the sauce and become tender and juicy. If you prefer a thinner sauce, you can add a bit more vegetable stock to adjust the consistency. -
Final Adjustments:
Once the sauce has thickened to your liking and the soy chunks are well-coated, taste the dish and adjust the salt and spice levels as per your preference. If you want more heat, you can add extra green chilies or a dash of chili sauce. -
Garnish and Serve:
Turn off the heat and garnish the Soy Chunks Manchurian with finely chopped spring onion greens for a fresh, crunchy topping. For those who enjoy extra spice, add some additional green chilies on top.Serve this delicious dish immediately, alongside a bowl of hot steamed rice or noodles for a fulfilling and flavorful dinner thatโs sure to please everyone at the table.
Tips for Perfect Soy Chunks Manchurian:
- Soaking Soy Chunks: Make sure to soak the soy chunks in warm water to soften them properly. You can also gently squeeze the chunks to remove excess moisture before cooking them.
- Vegetable Stock Substitute: If you donโt have vegetable stock on hand, you can easily substitute it with water and a little vegetable bouillon cube for a similar flavor.
- Adjusting Consistency: The cornflour mixture is key to the texture of the sauce. If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it cook a little longer. If you prefer a thinner sauce, just add more vegetable stock or water.
- Customizing Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots, peas, or baby corn to your Manchurian to enhance the flavor and texture.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
| Nutrient | Amount (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 160 kcal |
| Protein | 8 g |
| Carbohydrates | 22 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Fat | 6 g |
| Sodium | 600 mg |
| Sugars | 5 g |
| Iron | 1.5 mg |
| Vitamin A | 25% of the Daily Value |
Soy Chunks Manchurian in Sweet & Spicy Chinese Sauce brings together a variety of vibrant ingredients in a harmonious blend of spices and sauces. The crispy soy chunks, bathed in a tantalizingly spicy-sweet sauce, make for an excellent vegetarian dinner option. With a dash of heat and a hint of sweetness, this dish is sure to satisfy your cravings for Indo-Chinese flavors. Whether you’re making it for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is bound to become a favorite in your kitchen.
