It is one of the most common Indo-Chinese dishes that consists of deep-fried vegetable balls coated in a hot sauce. Here’s how to prepare veg Manchurian dry and gravy at home!
Table of Contents
Veg Manchurian Recipe – Make Restaurant-Style Dry & Gravy
It is one of the most popular Indo-Chinese dishes, providing the perfect combination of spice, flavor, and texture. It is served as a starter (dry) or with fried rice or noodles (gravy), and veg Manchurian is one-of-a-kind in Indian fusion food.
This recipe consists of deep-fried vegetable balls served in a zesty, pungent, and umami-flavored sauce prepared from soy sauce, chili sauce, and vinegar. Vegetarians and non-vegetarians both love this dish, veg Manchurian, which is a must-have for anyone looking for restaurant-style Indo-Chinese flavors.
Let’s move on to the real but easy method of preparing this popular dish at home.
Ingredients
Vegetable Balls:
• 1 cup cabbage, grated
• 1/2 cup carrot, grated
• 1/4 cup chopped capsicum
• 1/4 cup chopped spring onions
• 1–2 green chilies, chopped
• 1 tbsp ginger garlic paste
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (maida)
• 2 tbsp cornflour
• Salt according to taste
• Oil for deep frying
For the Manchurian Sauce (Dry/Gravy):
• 1 tbsp oil
• 1 tbsp chopped garlic
• 1 tbsp chopped ginger
• 2 tbsp chopped spring onion whites
• 1/4 cup chopped capsicum
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp red chili sauce
• 1 tsp vinegar
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp cornflour dissolved in 2 tbsp water (cornflour slurry)
• 1/2 to 3/4 cup water (for gravy)
• Spring onion greens to garnish
Step-by-Step Veg Manchurian Recipe
✅ Step 1: Prepare Vegetable Balls
• Mix cabbage, carrot, capsicum, spring onions, green chilies, and ginger garlic paste together in a mixing bowl.
• Mix in maida, cornflour, and salt. Mix well to create a dough-like consistency.
• Don’t add water. Veggies’ moisture is sufficient for binding.
• Shape into small balls.
✅ Step 2: Deep Fry the Balls
• Heat oil in a deep frying pan.
• Fry the balls on medium heat until golden brown and crisp.
• Remove and drain excess oil on a kitchen towel.
✅ Step 3: Make the Manchurian Sauce
• Heat 1 tbsp oil in a wok.
• Add chopped garlic, ginger, and spring onion whites. Sauté for a minute.
• Add capsicum and stir-fry for 2 minutes.
• Add soy sauce, red chilli sauce, vinegar, sugar, and black pepper.
• Mix well and season with salt.
✅ Step 4: Dry or Gravy
• For Dry Veg Manchurian: Add vegetable balls which are fried, toss well, and cook on high flame for 1 minute.
For Gravy Veg Manchurian:
o Add 1/2 to 3/4 cup of water to the sauce.
o Add cornflour slurry and simmer till slightly thickened.
o Add veg balls and sauté for 2–3 minutes till coated with gravy.
✅ Step 5: Garnish & Serve
• Garnish with shredded spring onion greens.
• Serve hot with fried rice or noodles.
Serving Suggestions
• Veg Manchurian Dry: Serve as party starter or appetizer.
• Veg Manchurian Gravy: Serve with fried rice, hakka noodles, or plain steamed rice.
Tips for Perfect Veg Manchurian
• Remove excess moisture from vegetables to form hard balls.
• Fry on medium heat to cook well inside without burning the exterior.
• Toss the balls always just before serving to maintain crispiness.
Variations of Veg Manchurian
• Paneer Manchurian: Substitute veg balls with crispy fried paneer cubes.
• Cauliflower Manchurian (Gobi Manchurian): Substitute gobi florets for mixed vegetables.
• Air-Fried Manchurian: Air-fry the balls for a healthy version.
Why Veg Manchurian is Loved by All
• Dry, semi-gravy, or full gravy according to preference.
• Vegetarian but decadent: Suffices spice cravings for restaurant-quality food.
• Children enjoy it: Mild spice versions are healthy and suitable for children.
Tips for Storage & Reheating
• Store sauce and fried vegetable balls separately.
• Mix and heat just before serving.
• Reheat in a pan (not microwave) to preserve texture.
Homemade vs Restaurant-Version
Feature\tRestaurant Version\tHomemade Version
Oil Usage Higher Ability to control oil amount
MSG/Preservatives Normal 100% natural ingredients
Flavor Control Limited Adjustable spice & seasoning
Cost Efficiency ₹200+ per serving Less than ₹80 per serving
FAQs
Q: Can I air-fry or bake the veg balls?
A: Absolutely! 200°C for 25–30 minutes or air-fry for a healthier option.
Q: How do I prevent soggy veg balls in the gravy?
A: Add balls to freshly made hot gravy just before serving.
Q: Can I use commercial sauces?
A: Yes, employ good-quality soy sauce, chili sauce, and vinegar for true taste.
Last Thoughts: Have This Ultimate Veg Manchurian Today!
If you’re planning a dinner for the weekend or want to impress your guests, veg Manchurian is a sure winner. The marriage of crunchy vegetable balls, strong sauces, and Indo-Chinese spices is an experience never to be forgotten.
Flexible, veggie-friendly, and entirely customizable—veg Manchurian is the ideal dish to share with family, serve at a party, or serve with your preferred fried rice.
With the complete recipe, hacks, and tricks—it’s time to turn on the stovetop and bring restaurant magic to home.
For more such tasty easy (Breakfast, Main-Course, Snacks and Cakes and Desserts recipes) check out our Recipes Page
Share with your loved once search us on Google with Recipes.shaikh digital studio
“Made one of our recipes? Tag us @recipes_shaikhdigitalstudio We love featuring your kitchen magic!”📸 Follow us on Instagram for Reels, Tips, and Tasty Vibes!
