होटल से भी ज्यादा टेस्टी सही तरीका सॉफ्ट मंचूरियन बॉल्स बनाने का पहली बार, Veg Manchurian Fried Rice
होटल से भी ज्यादा टेस्टी सही तरीका सॉफ्ट मंचूरियन बॉल्स बनाने का पहली बार, Veg Manchurian Fried Rice is a medium Indo‑Chinese recipe that serves 4. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by Anukriti Cooking Recipes on YouTube.
Prep: 30 min | Cook: 35 min | Total: 1 hr 10 min
Cost: $22.49 total, $5.62 per serving
Ingredients
- 2 cups Cabbage (finely shredded)
- 1/2 cup Carrot (finely diced)
- 3 tablespoons Spring Onion (finely chopped, green parts only)
- 1 tablespoon Ginger‑Garlic Paste (store‑bought or homemade)
- 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper (freshly ground)
- 1/2 teaspoon Garam Masala
- 1 tablespoon Kashmiri Red Chili Powder (for color and mild heat)
- 1 tablespoon Salt
- 1 cup All‑Purpose Flour (sifted)
- 1 cup Corn Flour (also called corn starch)
- 2 tablespoons Baking Powder
- 2 tablespoons Soy Sauce (light soy sauce)
- 1 tablespoon Red Chili Sauce (store‑bought Indo‑Chinese style)
- 1 tablespoon Vinegar (or lemon juice)
- 2 cups Vegetable Oil (for deep frying (high smoke point))
- 2 tablespoons Oil (for gravy)
- 1 tablespoon Garlic (finely chopped)
- 1 tablespoon Ginger (finely grated)
- 3 tablespoons Tomato Paste
- 2 pieces Green Chili (finely chopped)
- 1 tablespoon Coriander Leaves (chopped)
- 1/2 cup Bell Pepper (diced, optional)
- 1 medium Onion (diced)
- 3 tablespoons Corn Flour Slurry (corn flour mixed with 4‑5 tbsp water, smooth)
- 3 tablespoons Tomato Ketchup
- 1/4 teaspoon Sugar (white granulated)
- 2 cups Cooked Rice (preferably day‑old, chilled)
- 1 tablespoon Sesame Oil (for flavor)
- 2 tablespoons Crushed Garlic (lightly browned)
- 3 tablespoons Ghee
- 1/2 cup White Cream (the white part of a canned cream or heavy cream)
- 2 tablespoons Soy Sauce (for fried rice)
- 1 tablespoon Green Chili Sauce (optional, for extra heat)
Instructions
Prepare the Veggie Mix
Finely shred 2 cups of cabbage, dice 1/2 cup carrot, and chop 3 tbsp spring onion greens. Place in a large mixing bowl.
Time: PT5M
Add Flavor Base
Add 1 tbsp ginger‑garlic paste, 1/4 tsp ground black pepper, 1/2 tsp garam masala, 1 tbsp Kashmiri red chili powder, and 1 tbsp salt to the veg mix. Toss well.
Time: PT3M
Make the Batter
In a separate bowl whisk together 1 cup all‑purpose flour, 1 cup corn flour, 2 tbsp baking powder, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp red chili sauce, and 1 tbsp vinegar. Add water gradually, stirring until you obtain a thick but smooth batter that coats a spoon.
Time: PT5M
Combine Veg Mix with Batter
Add the seasoned veg mixture to the batter and mix gently until every piece is evenly coated. The mixture should be sticky but not watery.
Time: PT3M
Shape the Manchurian Balls
With oiled hands, take about 10 g of the mixture and roll it between your palms to form smooth, round balls (size of a walnut). Place on a tray lined with parchment.
Time: PT7M
Deep‑Fry the Balls
Heat 2 cups vegetable oil in a deep pan over high heat until it reaches 180°C (350°F). Gently drop a few balls in; they should sizzle immediately. Fry for 2‑3 minutes until the exterior is golden and the interior is cooked through. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
Time: PT10M
Temperature: 180°C
Prepare the Gravy Base
In a saucepan, heat 2 tbsp oil over medium heat. Add 1 tbsp chopped garlic and 1 tbsp grated ginger; sauté 1‑2 minutes until fragrant and lightly browned.
Time: PT3M
Temperature: Medium
Build the Gravy
Stir in 1 tbsp Kashmiri red chili powder, 4 tbsp chopped spring onion greens, and 3 tbsp tomato paste. Cook 2 minutes, then add 1 diced onion, 2 chopped green chilies, and 1/2 cup diced bell pepper (if using). Sauté until vegetables soften.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: Medium
Season the Gravy
Add 3 tbsp tomato ketchup, 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1/4 tsp sugar, 1/2 tsp garam masala, and salt to taste. Mix well.
Time: PT2M
Thicken the Gravy
Create a slurry by mixing 3 tbsp corn flour with 4‑5 tbsp cold water until smooth. Slowly pour the slurry into the simmering gravy while stirring continuously. Cook 2‑3 minutes until the gravy attains a glossy, slightly thick consistency.
Time: PT4M
Temperature: Medium
Combine Balls with Gravy
Gently add the fried Manchurian balls to the hot gravy. Simmer on low heat for 2 minutes, allowing the balls to absorb the sauce without becoming soggy.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: Low
Prepare Garlic Fried Rice
Heat 1 tbsp sesame oil in a wok over high heat. Add 2 tbsp crushed garlic and sauté until golden brown (about 30 seconds). Add 2 cups cold cooked rice, breaking any clumps.
Time: PT3M
Temperature: High
Flavor the Rice
Stir in 1/2 cup white cream, 3 tbsp ghee, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp green chili sauce, 1 tbsp ginger‑garlic paste, 1/4 tsp sugar, 1/2 tsp garam masala, and salt to taste. Cook 2 minutes, tossing continuously until the rice is glossy and heated through.
Time: PT4M
Temperature: Medium
Finish and Serve
Transfer the Manchurian balls with gravy to a serving bowl, garnish with chopped coriander leaves and a drizzle of sesame oil. Serve hot alongside the garlic fried rice.
Time: PT2M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 350
- Protein
- 8 g
- Carbohydrates
- 55 g
- Fat
- 12 g
- Fiber
- 4 g
Dietary info: Vegetarian, Gluten (contains wheat), Dairy‑free
Allergens: Wheat, Soy, Corn
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Cabbage: Napa cabbage, Savoy cabbage
- Instead of Carrot: Daikon radish, Bell pepper
- Instead of Spring Onion: Chives, Leeks
- Instead of Ginger‑Garlic Paste: Fresh ginger and garlic minced separately
- Instead of Black Pepper: White pepper
- Instead of Garam Masala: All‑spice blend
- Instead of Kashmiri Red Chili Powder: Paprika + a pinch cayenne
- Instead of Salt: Sea salt, Kosher salt
- Instead of All‑Purpose Flour: Bread flour
- Instead of Corn Flour: All‑purpose flour (extra 2‑3 tbsp)
- Instead of Baking Powder: Baking soda + cream of tartar
- Instead of Soy Sauce: Tamari
- Instead of Red Chili Sauce: Sriracha (less sweet)
- Instead of Vinegar: Apple cider vinegar
- Instead of Vegetable Oil: Canola oil, Peanut oil
- Instead of Oil: Sesame oil for extra flavor
- Instead of Garlic: Garlic paste
- Instead of Ginger: Ginger paste
- Instead of Tomato Paste: Pureed fresh tomatoes (cooked down)
- Instead of Green Chili: Jalapeño
- Instead of Coriander Leaves: Parsley
- Instead of Bell Pepper: Green capsicum
- Instead of Onion: Shallots
- Instead of Corn Flour Slurry: All‑purpose flour slurry
- Instead of Tomato Ketchup: Tomato puree + sugar
- Instead of Sugar: Honey (reduce other sugar)
- Instead of Cooked Rice: Cooked quinoa for gluten‑free
- Instead of Sesame Oil: Peanut oil
- Instead of Crushed Garlic: Garlic paste
- Instead of Ghee: Unsalted butter
- Instead of White Cream: Full‑fat milk
- Instead of Soy Sauce (for fried rice): Tamari
- Instead of Green Chili Sauce: Sriracha
Equipment Needed
- Mixing Bowl
- Deep Frying Pan or Wok
- Slotted Spoon
- Knife
- Cutting Board
- Grater (optional)
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Spatula
- Saucepan
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Achieving the right batter consistency (not too runny, not too thick).
- Frying at the correct oil temperature (180°C) to get a golden crust without absorbing excess oil.
- Adding the corn‑flour slurry gradually to avoid lumps and over‑thickening the gravy.
- Gentle handling of the fried balls when mixing with the gravy to prevent breakage.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Rinse shredded cabbage in cold water and squeeze out excess moisture to avoid a watery batter.
- Add a pinch of baking soda to the batter for extra fluffiness.
- For extra aroma, finish the gravy with a drizzle of toasted sesame oil.
Troubleshooting
Balls turn out soggy after frying.
Ensure oil is at 180°C before adding balls and fry in small batches. Do not overcrowd the pan.
Gravy is too thin.
Add more corn‑flour slurry in small increments, cooking each addition for a minute until desired thickness.
Rice sticks together.
Use day‑old rice, break clumps before adding to the wok, and keep the heat high while tossing.
Batter sticks to the bowl.
Lightly oil the mixing bowl or use a silicone bowl; this prevents sticking.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store the Manchurian balls and gravy separately in airtight containers for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on low heat.
Freezer: Freeze the fried balls (uncoated) on a tray, then transfer to a zip‑lock bag; they keep for up to 1 month. Thaw and re‑fry before serving.
Room temperature: Do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Fry the Manchurian balls a few hours ahead, let them cool, and store in the fridge. Re‑heat in a hot pan before adding to fresh gravy.
- Gravy can be prepared a day in advance; re‑heat and add the balls just before serving.
- Cooked rice for fried rice works best when chilled overnight.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Veg Manchurian in Indo‑Chinese cuisine?
Veg Manchurian is a hallmark of Indo‑Chinese cuisine, created by Chinese immigrants in India who adapted traditional Chinese techniques to local vegetables and Indian spices. It became popular in the 1970s as a street‑food favorite and is now a staple in Indian Chinese restaurants.
What are the traditional regional variations of Manchurian in Indian cuisine?
In North India, Manchurian often uses cabbage and carrots with a thick, sweet‑spicy gravy. South Indian versions may add curry leaves and use a thinner sauce. Some regions serve it dry (dry Manchurian) while others prefer it drenched in gravy, like the recipe from YouTube channel Anukriti Cooking Recipes.
How is Veg Manchurian traditionally served in Indian Chinese restaurants?
It is usually served hot in a shallow bowl, garnished with chopped coriander and a drizzle of sesame oil, accompanied by fried rice or noodles. The balls are expected to be crisp on the outside and soft inside, soaking up the rich gravy.
What occasions or celebrations is Veg Manchurian associated with in Indian culture?
Veg Manchurian is a popular party snack for birthdays, festivals like Diwali, and casual gatherings. Its bold flavors and easy finger‑food format make it a crowd‑pleaser for celebrations.
What authentic ingredients are essential for Veg Manchurian versus acceptable substitutes?
Authentic ingredients include cabbage, carrot, soy sauce, red chili sauce, and Kashmiri red chili powder. Substitutes can be made with other crunchy veggies like bell pepper, and soy sauce can be replaced with tamari for a gluten‑free version.
What other Indo‑Chinese dishes pair well with Veg Manchurian and garlic fried rice?
Classic pairings include Chicken or Paneer Chili, Hakka Noodles, Spring Rolls, and Chili Garlic Tofu. The combination of Manchurian and fried rice creates a balanced meal of protein, carbs, and bold flavors.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Veg Manchurian balls at home?
Common errors are using a batter that is too watery, frying at low temperature (causing soggy balls), and overcrowding the pan. Follow the recipe’s temperature guidelines and fry in small batches for best results.
Why does this Veg Manchurian recipe use corn flour in the batter and also as a gravy thickener?
Corn flour gives the batter a light, crisp texture without making it heavy, and it thickens the gravy without adding a starchy aftertaste. Using the same ingredient maintains consistency in flavor and texture.
Can I make Veg Manchurian ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes. Fry the balls and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Re‑heat briefly in a hot pan before adding to fresh gravy. The gravy itself can be made a day ahead and reheated.
What texture and appearance should I look for when frying Veg Manchurian balls?
The balls should be golden‑brown on the outside, slightly glossy, and feel firm to the touch. Inside they should be soft and moist, not dry. A uniform color indicates even frying.
What does the YouTube channel Anukriti Cooking Recipes specialize in?
The YouTube channel Anukriti Cooking Recipes specializes in easy‑to‑follow Indian home‑cooking tutorials, focusing on vegetarian dishes, Indo‑Chinese recipes, and quick weeknight meals for families.
How does the YouTube channel Anukriti Cooking Recipes' approach to Indo‑Chinese cooking differ from other Indian cooking channels?
Anukriti Cooking Recipes emphasizes simple, ingredient‑friendly methods, often using pantry staples and minimal equipment. The channel provides detailed timing, temperature tips, and troubleshooting, making Indo‑Chinese dishes accessible to beginners compared to more technique‑heavy channels.
Last updated: August 25, 2026






