Introduction
Manchurian chicken is a delectable dish that perfectly represents the beautiful amalgamation of Indian and Chinese cuisines, often referred to as « Indo-Chinese » cuisine. This popular dish is a favorite in Indian households and restaurants alike, known for its sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors. The dish itself originates from the Chinese community in Kolkata, India, where a variety of Chinese immigrants settled and influenced the local food scene, giving birth to Indo-Chinese fusion dishes like Manchurian chicken. If you’re looking for an exotic and mouth-watering recipe to spice up your next dinner, this Manchurian chicken recipe is perfect for you.
Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or simply treating yourself, Manchurian chicken is an excellent choice that brings a burst of flavors to your plate. The combination of succulent chicken pieces coated in a crispy, golden batter, tossed in a deliciously spiced, savory Manchurian sauce will surely be a crowd-pleaser at any dinner table.
In this article, we will guide you through a step-by-step recipe for preparing an authentic and irresistibly tasty Manchurian chicken dish that you can enjoy for dinner. We will also explore variations of the dish and share tips for making it healthier while keeping the flavor intact.
A Brief History of Indo-Chinese Cuisine and Manchurian Chicken
Indo-Chinese cuisine is a unique culinary phenomenon that was born from the fusion of Chinese cooking techniques and Indian flavors. The origins of this fusion can be traced back to Chinese immigrants who settled in Kolkata during the late 19th century. These immigrants, predominantly from the Hakka community, brought with them their traditional recipes, which they began adapting to suit Indian palates. Over time, ingredients like soy sauce, chili, garlic, and vinegar were blended with traditional Indian spices such as cumin, coriander, and garam masala to create an entirely new flavor profile.
Manchurian chicken, in particular, was created by Chef Nelson Wang, an Indian restaurateur of Chinese descent, in the early 1970s. He was tasked with creating a new dish for a customer and used a basic Indian chicken recipe, incorporating Chinese elements like soy sauce and chili paste. The result ? A new, bold dish that was both sweet, tangy, and spicy—what we now call Manchurian chicken.
This dish became incredibly popular in India and is now a mainstay in Indo-Chinese restaurants globally. It’s a fantastic option for those seeking an adventurous yet comforting dinner recipe.
Manchurian Chicken Recipe
Ingredients :
For the Chicken Marinade :
500 grams of boneless chicken (cut into bite-sized pieces)
2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour (maida)
2 tablespoons of cornstarch (cornflour)
1 egg
1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
1 teaspoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon black pepper
Salt to taste
Oil (for deep frying)
For the Manchurian Sauce :
1 tablespoon oil (you can reuse the oil from frying)
1 tablespoon finely chopped garlic
1 tablespoon finely chopped ginger
1 green chili, finely chopped
1 onion, finely diced
1 bell pepper (capsicum), cut into small cubes
3-4 tablespoons of tomato ketchup
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon chili sauce (adjust based on spice preference)
1 tablespoon vinegar
1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 3 tablespoons water (for thickening)
1 cup water or chicken stock
Salt and pepper to taste
Chopped spring onions (for garnish)
Method :
Step 1 : Prepare the Chicken
The first step in making Manchurian chicken is to prepare the chicken itself. We want the chicken pieces to be tender on the inside while crispy on the outside.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the chicken pieces with all-purpose flour, cornstarch, ginger-garlic paste, soy sauce, egg, black pepper, and salt. Mix well to coat each piece of chicken evenly. Let it marinate for 15-20 minutes.
- In a deep frying pan, heat enough oil for deep frying. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the marinated chicken pieces in batches. Fry them until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside. Ensure they are cooked through but not dry.
- Once fried, remove the chicken pieces with a slotted spoon and drain them on a paper towel to remove excess oil.
Step 2 : Prepare the Manchurian Sauce
The heart of the dish is in the sauce, which is what gives Manchurian chicken its distinct flavor. The combination of garlic, ginger, soy sauce, ketchup, and chili sauce creates a rich, flavorful base for the dish.
- In a separate pan or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add the chopped garlic and ginger, stirring until fragrant and golden.
- Add the chopped green chili, diced onion, and bell pepper. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until the vegetables start to soften but still retain some crunch.
- Add the tomato ketchup, soy sauce, chili sauce, and vinegar to the pan. Stir well to combine the flavors.
- Add the cornstarch mixture (cornstarch mixed with water) and stir continuously to thicken the sauce. Adjust the consistency by adding more water or chicken stock as required.
- Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Keep in mind that the soy sauce is already salty, so be careful when adding extra salt.
Step 3 : Assemble the Dish
Now that both the chicken and sauce are ready, it’s time to bring everything together.
- Add the crispy fried chicken pieces to the prepared Manchurian sauce and toss everything together to coat the chicken in the sauce.
- Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes on low heat, ensuring the chicken absorbs all the flavors from the sauce.
- Garnish with freshly chopped spring onions for a pop of color and added flavor.
Step 4 : Serve and Enjoy
Your Manchurian chicken is now ready ! Serve it hot with steamed rice, fried rice, or noodles for a complete dinner experience. The crispy chicken with the savory, spicy sauce will make your taste buds dance with joy.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Manchurian Chicken
- Frying the Chicken : For the crispiest texture, ensure that your oil is hot before frying the chicken. Fry in small batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can lower the oil temperature and make the chicken soggy.
- Controlling the Sauce : If you prefer a drier version of Manchurian chicken, reduce the amount of water or stock you add to the sauce. For a more saucy version, increase the liquid and adjust the seasoning.
- Customizing Spice Levels : Manchurian chicken can be tailored to your spice preference. If you love heat, add extra chili sauce or fresh green chilies. For a milder version, you can reduce the chili sauce or omit the green chilies altogether.
- Healthier Alternatives : To make the dish healthier, you can pan-fry or bake the chicken instead of deep frying it. Air-frying is also an excellent alternative to reduce the oil content while still getting a crispy texture.
- Vegetarian Option : If you’re vegetarian or want to try a meatless version, you can easily replace the chicken with paneer (Indian cottage cheese), tofu, or cauliflower. These alternatives work beautifully with the same sauce recipe.
Variations of Manchurian Chicken
Manchurian chicken is an incredibly versatile dish, and there are many variations you can explore to keep things interesting. Here are some ideas for creating different versions of this classic Indo-Chinese dinner recipe :
- Dry Manchurian Chicken : In this variation, the sauce is kept minimal, allowing the chicken to retain its crispness. This is often served as an appetizer rather than a main course and can be enjoyed with a dipping sauce on the side.
- Gravy Manchurian Chicken : For a more substantial dinner, increase the amount of sauce and serve it over rice or noodles. The gravy version is perfect if you want a saucy, rich dish to pair with your carbs.
- Manchurian Chicken Noodles : For a complete meal in a bowl, you can toss the Manchurian chicken in with stir-fried noodles. The sauce coats the noodles beautifully, and the chicken adds a satisfying protein component to the dish.
- Manchurian Chicken Fried Rice : Another fantastic way to enjoy this dish is to combine it with fried rice. Simply stir-fry cooked rice with veggies, soy sauce, and a bit of the Manchurian sauce, then top it off with the crispy Manchurian chicken for a filling dinner.
- Honey Manchurian Chicken : For a sweeter twist, you can add a tablespoon of honey to the sauce. This adds a lovely balance to the spicy and tangy elements of the dish, creating a unique flavor profile that’s sure to impress.
Final Thoughts
Manchurian chicken is a delightful dish that embodies the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors. Its origins in Indo-Chinese cuisine make it a dish that resonates with people who love bold, fusion flavors. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or hosting a dinner party, this recipe is bound to impress everyone.
The versatility of Manchurian chicken also means that you can adapt it to suit your preferences, from a crispy appetizer