Introduction
Chicken Manchurian is a mouthwatering Indo-Chinese dish that has gained immense popularity worldwide for its tantalizing flavors and unique fusion of Chinese and Indian culinary elements. This delectable dish features succulent chicken pieces tossed in a flavorful sauce, making it a favorite choice at restaurants and homes alike. In this article, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of preparing Chicken Manchurian in the comfort of your own kitchen.
Ingredients:
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 500 grams of boneless chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon red chili sauce
- 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
For the Manchurian Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 carrot, thinly sliced
- 4-5 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece of ginger, minced
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons tomato ketchup
- 1 tablespoon red chili sauce (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1 tablespoon vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup chicken broth or water
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)
Instructions:
Marinating the Chicken:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the soy sauce, red chili sauce, ginger-garlic paste, salt, pepper, egg, and cornstarch to create a marinade.
- Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and coat them evenly. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes, or refrigerate it for a few hours for maximum flavor.
Frying the Chicken:
- Heat oil in a deep pan or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully add the marinated chicken pieces one by one.
- Fry the chicken until it turns golden brown and crispy, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Remove the fried chicken and set it aside.
Preparing the Manchurian Sauce:
- In the same pan, add a bit more oil if needed. Add the minced garlic and ginger and sauté for a minute until fragrant.
- Add the chopped onion, green and red bell peppers, and carrot. Stir-fry these vegetables for 2-3 minutes until they are slightly tender but still crisp.
- Now, add the soy sauce, tomato ketchup, red chili sauce, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper. Mix well and sauté for another 2 minutes.
- Pour in the chicken broth or water, and bring the mixture to a simmer.
- In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with water to form a smooth paste. Gradually add this mixture to the simmering sauce while stirring continuously until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
Combining the Chicken and Sauce:
- Once the sauce is ready, add the fried chicken pieces to it. Gently toss the chicken in the sauce, ensuring it’s well coated.
- Cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the chicken to absorb the flavors of the sauce.
Serving:
- Chicken Manchurian is best served hot, garnished with fresh chopped green onions.
In conclusion, Chicken Manchurian is a delightful dish that perfectly balances the heat of the spices with the sweet and savory flavors of the sauce. With this easy-to-follow recipe, you can recreate the magic of this Indo-Chinese favorite right in your own kitchen. So, gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to savor the exquisite taste of homemade Chicken Manchurian. Enjoy!
