Manchurian

 

Chicken Manchurian

Chicken Manchurian 

 Chicken Manchurian is a popular Indo-Chinese dish known for its savory, tangy, and slightly spicy flavor profile. The dish combines crispy chicken pieces with a flavorful sauce made from soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and a touch of sweetness.  

Specialty of Chicken Manchurian 

Its distinctive taste comes from the unique blend of spices and sauces that are integral to Indo-Chinese cuisine, which melds Chinese cooking techniques with Indian spices. The result is a dish that is both comforting and exciting, with a crunchy exterior and a rich, glossy sauce. 

Chicken Manchurian Recipe 

  Ingredients: 

For the Chicken Marinade: 

• 500g boneless chicken (cut into bite-sized pieces) 
•   1 egg 
•   2 tbsp soy sauce 
•    1 tbsp cornstarch 
•    1 tbsp all-purpose flour 
•    Salt and pepper to taste 

 For the Sauce: 

•   2 tbsp oil 
•   1 medium onion (finely chopped) 
•  1 bell pepper (chopped) 
•    2-3 cloves garlic (minced) 
•   1-inch piece ginger (minced) 
•   3 tbsp soy sauce 
•    2 tbsp tomato ketchup 
•  1 tbsp vinegar 
•  1 tbsp chili sauce (adjust to taste) 
•   1 tbsp cornstarch (dissolved in 2 tbsp water) 
•   1 cup water or chicken broth 
•   Salt and pepper to taste 
•    2-3 green onions (chopped, for garnish) 
•    Fresh coriander (chopped, for garnish) 

  

 Instructions: 

 1.Marinate the Chicken: 

    In a bowl, combine the chicken pieces with egg, soy sauce, cornstarch, all-purpose flour, salt, and pepper. Mix well and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes. 

 2. Fry the Chicken: 

    Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. 

    Fry the marinated chicken pieces until golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels. 

 3. Prepare the Sauce: 

    In a separate pan, heat 2 tablespoons of oil. 

   Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, garlic, and ginger. Sauté until the onions become translucent and the bell pepper is slightly tender. 

   Add soy sauce, tomato ketchup, vinegar, and chili sauce. Stir well. 

  Pour in the water or chicken broth and bring to a simmer. 

    Add the cornstarch mixture to thicken the sauce. Stir continuously to avoid lumps. 

    Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. 

 4. Combine Chicken and Sauce: 

   Add the fried chicken pieces to the sauce. Toss gently to coat the chicken evenly. 

    Cook for a few more minutes until the chicken is well coated with the sauce and heated through. 

 5. Garnish and Serve: 

    Garnish with chopped green onions and fresh coriander. 

    Serve hot with steamed rice or noodles. 

 Restaurants in Pakistan Where Chicken Manchurian is Available 

 1. Lal Qila Restaurant (Karachi) - Known for its diverse menu, including popular Indo-Chinese dishes. 

2.Chengdu Restaurant (Lahore) - Offers a range of Indo-Chinese options, including Chicken Manchurian. 

3. China Town (Islamabad) - Famous for its authentic Chinese dishes, including Chicken Manchurian. 

4. Monal Restaurant (Islamabad) - Features a variety of cuisines, with Indo-Chinese dishes like Chicken Manchurian on the menu. 

5. Salt Bae Steakhouse (Karachi) - Although primarily known for steaks, they offer a range of other dishes, including Indo-Chinese options like Chicken Manchurian. 

 

Paneer Manchurian

 Specialty of Paneer Manchurian 

 Paneer Manchurian is a popular Indo-Chinese dish that marries the flavors of Indian spices with Chinese cooking techniques. The dish features paneer (Indian cottage cheese) cubes that are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, tossed in a savory and slightly tangy sauce. Its unique combination of spices and ingredients, like soy sauce, garlic, and green chilies, creates a flavorful and appetizing dish that appeals to a wide range of palates. 

 Recipe for Paneer Manchurian 

Ingredients: 

For the Paneer: 

•  200 grams paneer, cut into bite-sized cubes 
•  1/2 cup all-purpose flour (maida) 
•  1/4 cup cornflour 
•  1/2 teaspoon baking powder 
•  1/2 teaspoon red chili powder 
•  1/2 teaspoon black pepper powder 
•  Salt to taste 
•  Water as needed 
•  Oil for deep frying 

 For the Sauce: 

•  2 tablespoons oil 
•  1 tablespoon minced garlic 
• 1 tablespoon minced ginger 
•  2-3 green chilies, finely chopped 
•  1 medium onion, chopped 
•  1 medium bell pepper (capsicum), chopped 
•  2 tablespoons soy sauce 
• 1 tablespoon vinegar 
•  1 tablespoon tomato ketchup 
• 1 tablespoon chili sauce (adjust to taste) 
•  1 teaspoon sugar 
•  1 cup water 
•  1 tablespoon cornflour mixed with 2 tablespoons water (cornflour slurry) 
•  Salt to taste 
•  Chopped spring onions for garnish 

Instructions:  

1.Prepare the Paneer: 

  In a bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, cornflour, baking powder, red chili powder, black pepper powder, and salt. 

    Add enough water to form a thick batter. 

  Heat oil in a pan for deep frying. 

    Dip the paneer cubes into the batter and carefully drop them into the hot oil. 

    Fry until they are golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels. 

 2. Prepare the Sauce: 

   Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. 

   Add minced garlic, ginger, and green chilies. Sauté for a minute until fragrant. 

    Add chopped onions and bell peppers. Cook until they are slightly tender. 

   Stir in soy sauce, vinegar, tomato ketchup, chili sauce, and sugar. Mix well. 

   Pour in water and bring to a boil. 

    Add the cornflour slurry to the sauce and cook until it thickens. 

 Season with salt to taste. 

 3. Combine: 

    Add the fried paneer cubes to the sauce and toss gently to coat them evenly. 

  Cook for a couple of minutes to allow the paneer to absorb the flavors of the sauce. 

 4. Serve:   

  Garnish with chopped spring onions. 

   Serve hot as an appetizer or a side dish with fried rice or noodles. 

 Restaurants in Pakistan Serving Paneer Manchurian 

 1.Lahore: 

   Tandoor Restaurant: Known for its diverse menu including Indian and Indo-Chinese dishes. 

 Chatterbox: Offers a range of Indo-Chinese dishes including Paneer Manchurian. 

 2. Karachi: 

  Koyla Chines: A popular spot for Indo-Chinese cuisine, including Paneer Manchurian. 

  Spice Bazaar: Features a variety of Chinese dishes with an Indian twist. 

 3. Islamabad: 

   Monal Restaurant: Offers a mix of cuisines, including Indo-Chinese specialties. 

   Saffron Restaurant: Known for its Indo-Chinese menu items. 

4. Faisalabad: 

Chili's: Known for its Chinese and Indo-Chinese dishes. 

  Tandoor House: Offers a range of Indian and Indo-Chinese cuisine. 

 Feel free to adjust the recipe or check with the restaurants for their specific variations of Paneer Manchurian! 

 

Vegetable Manchurian

Vegetable Manchurian 

Vegetable Manchurian is a popular Indo-Chinese dish known for its unique blend of flavors and textures. This dish features crispy, deep-fried vegetable balls coated in a tangy, spicy sauce made with soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and a hint of sweetness. 

Specialty of Vegetable Manchurian: 

 The crispy, savory vegetable balls are a delightful contrast to the rich, flavorful sauce, making Vegetable Manchurian a favorite in both Indian and Chinese cuisine. It's often served as an appetizer or main course and pairs well with fried rice or noodles. 

Recipe for Vegetable Manchurian:  

Ingredients:  

For the Vegetable Balls: 

• 1 cup finely chopped mixed vegetables (carrot, cabbage, beans, etc.) 
• 1/2 cup grated cabbage 
•  1/4 cup finely chopped spring onions 
•  1/4 cup all-purpose flour (maida) 
•  1/4 cup cornflour 
•  1/2 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste 
•  1/2 teaspoon black pepper 
•  1 teaspoon soy sauce 
•  Salt to taste 
• Oil for deep frying 

 For the Manchurian Sauce: 

•  2 tablespoons oil 
•  1 tablespoon finely chopped garlic 
•  1 tablespoon finely chopped ginger 
•  1/2 cup finely chopped onions 
• 1/4 cup finely chopped bell peppers 
•  1/4 cup soy sauce 
•  2 tablespoons chili sauce 
•  1 tablespoon tomato ketchup 
•  1 teaspoon sugar 
•  1 cup vegetable stock or water 
•  1 tablespoon cornflour mixed with 2 tablespoons water (cornflour slurry) 
•  Salt and pepper to taste 
• Chopped spring onions for garnish 

 Instructions: 

 1.Prepare the Vegetable Balls: 

   In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped vegetables, grated cabbage, spring onions, all-purpose flour, cornflour, ginger-garlic paste, black pepper, soy sauce, and salt. Mix well until the mixture holds together. 

  Shape the mixture into small balls. 

   Heat oil in a deep frying pan or wok. Fry the vegetable balls in batches until golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels. 

 2. Prepare the Manchurian Sauce: 

   Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the chopped garlic and ginger and sauté until fragrant. 

   Add the chopped onions and bell peppers and sauté until they become soft. 

  Stir in the soy sauce, chili sauce, tomato ketchup, sugar, and vegetable stock or water. Bring the mixture to a boil. 

   Add the cornflour slurry to thicken the sauce, stirring constantly. 

   Season with salt and pepper to taste. 

 3.Combine and Serve: 

   Add the fried vegetable balls to the sauce and gently toss to coat them evenly. 

 Garnish with chopped spring onions. 

 4. Serve Hot: 

   Serve the Vegetable Manchurian hot with fried rice or noodles. 

Restaurants in Pakistan Where You Can Find Vegetable Manchurian: 

 Karachi: 

  China Town: Known for its range of Chinese dishes including Vegetable Manchurian. 

 P.F. Chang's: A popular spot for Indo-Chinese cuisine, including Vegetable Manchurian. 

Cafe Flo: Offers a variety of international dishes including Vegetable Manchurian. 

 Lahore: 

  Monal Lahore: Serves a mix of Chinese and continental dishes, including Vegetable Manchurian. 

 Royal Palm Golf and Country Club: Known for its diverse menu which includes Vegetable Manchurian. 

 Panda Chinese Restaurant: Offers a variety of Chinese dishes, including Vegetable Manchurian. 

 Islamabad: 

Chilman Restaurant: Known for its Indo-Chinese offerings, including Vegetable Manchurian. 

Des Pardes: Features a range of Chinese and fusion dishes, including Vegetable Manchurian. 

The Royal Mughal: Offers a mix of traditional and fusion dishes, including Vegetable Manchurian. 

 Feel free to try these places if you're in Pakistan and craving some delicious Vegetable Manchurian! 

 

Prawn Manchurian

Prawn Manchurian 

 Prawn Manchurian is a popular Indo-Chinese dish known for its crispy, flavorful prawns coated in a tangy, spicy, and slightly sweet sauce. This dish combines the delicate taste of prawns with a rich, savory sauce that has become a favorite in many parts of the world.  

Specialty of Prawn Manchurian 

 It is typically served as an appetizer or a main course and is renowned for its delicious blend of textures and flavors. The use of soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and a hint of chili gives it a unique taste that distinguishes it from other seafood dishes. 

Recipe for Prawn Manchurian 

 Ingredients 

 For the Prawns: 

• 500 grams of large prawns, peeled and deveined 
•  1/2 cup all-purpose flour 
• 1/2 cup cornflour 
•  1 teaspoon baking powder 
•  1/2 teaspoon black pepper 
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 
•  1 egg, beaten 
•  Oil for deep frying 

 For the Sauce: 

•  2 tablespoons oil 
•  1 teaspoon ginger, finely chopped 
• 1 teaspoon garlic, finely chopped 
•  1/2 cup onion, chopped 
•  1/2 cup bell peppers (red and green), chopped 
• 2-3 green chilies, slit 
• 1/4 cup soy sauce 
•  1/4 cup tomato ketchup 
• 2 tablespoons chili sauce (adjust to taste) 
• 1 tablespoon vinegar 
• 1 tablespoon sugar 
• 1/2 cup water or chicken broth 
• 1 tablespoon cornflour mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening) 
•  Salt to taste 
•  Chopped spring onions for garnish 

 Instructions 

 1. Prepare the Prawns:  

  1. In a bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cornflour, baking powder, black pepper, and salt. 

   2. Add the beaten egg and mix to form a batter. It should be thick enough to coat the prawns. 

   3. Heat oil in a deep pan for frying. 

   4. Dip the prawns into the batter and fry them in batches until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels and set aside. 

 2. Make the Sauce: 

   1. Heat oil in a wok or large skillet over medium heat. 

   2. Add the chopped ginger and garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds. 

   3. Add the chopped onions, bell peppers, and green chilies. Sauté until they are slightly tender but still crisp. 

   4. Add the soy sauce, tomato ketchup, chili sauce, vinegar, and sugar. Mix well. 

   5. Pour in the water or chicken broth and bring to a simmer. 

   6. Add the cornflour mixture and stir continuously until the sauce thickens. 

   7. Season with salt to taste. 

 3. Combine Prawns and Sauce: 

   1. Add the fried prawns to the sauce and toss to coat them well. 

   2. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the prawns are heated through and coated with the sauce. 

 4. Serve: 

   1. Garnish with chopped spring onions. 

   2. Serve hot as an appetizer or with steamed rice as a main course. 

Restaurants in Pakistan for Prawn Manchurian 

 1. Karachi: 

   Sakura: Located in the Pearl Continental Hotel, Sakura is known for its excellent Indo-Chinese cuisine, including Prawn Manchurian. 

Kolachi: A popular restaurant offering a variety of Asian dishes, including Prawn Manchurian. 

 2. Lahore: 

 Monal Lahore: Located in the northern areas of Lahore, Monal offers a range of international cuisines, including Prawn Manchurian. 

   Chinatown: Known for its authentic Chinese dishes, this place is a great spot for Prawn Manchurian. 

 3.Islamabad: 

 The Royal Elephant: A well-regarded restaurant in Islamabad offering a range of Asian and Chinese dishes, including Prawn Manchurian. 

Zao: Known for its Chinese cuisine, Zao is a good place to enjoy Prawn Manchurian.