Vegetable Manchurian-Restaurant style

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Leena Kohli (@leenakohli)

Flavorful Vegetable Manchurian – Make Restaurant-Style Indo-Chinese at Home!

If you're a fan of Indo-Chinese food, Vegetable Manchurian is a must-try! This dish features vegetable balls made from finely chopped cabbage, carrots, and capsicum, tossed in a spicy, tangy, and slightly sweet Manchurian sauce. Whether served as an appetizer or paired...

Vegetable Manchurian-Restaurant style recipe
Prep Time
30min
Cook Time
20min
Total Time
50min

Ingredients

4 Servings
(1 serving = 1 portion)

For the Vegetable Balls

  • Cabbage (finely chopped)
    Cabbage (finely chopped)
    2cups
  • Carrot (finely chopped)
    Carrot (finely chopped)
    1/2cup
  • Capsicum (finely chopped)
    Capsicum (finely chopped)
    1/3cup
  • Ginger (finely chopped)
    Ginger (finely chopped)
    1tsp
  • Garlic (finely chopped)
    Garlic (finely chopped)
    1tsp
  • All-Purpose Flour
    All-Purpose Flour
    3tbsp
  • Cornflour
    Cornflour
    3tbsp
  • Black pepper powder
    Black pepper powder
    1/2tsp
  • Salt
    Salt
    1/2tsp
  • Oil (for frying)
    Oil (for frying)

For the Sauce

  • Tomato Sauce
    Tomato Sauce
    3tbsp
  • Chilli Sauce
    Chilli Sauce
    1tbsp
  • Soy Sauce
    Soy Sauce
    1tbsp
  • Vinegar
    Vinegar
    1tsp

For the Slurry

  • Cornflour
    Cornflour
    1tbsp
  • Water
    Water
    3tbsp

For Cooking

  • Oil
    Oil
    2tbsp
  • Garlic (finely chopped)
    Garlic (finely chopped)
    1tbsp
  • Onion (finely chopped)
    Onion (finely chopped)
    1/4cup
  • Capsicum (finely chopped)
    Capsicum (finely chopped)
    1/4cup
  • Green Chillies (finely chopped)
    Green Chillies (finely chopped)
    1tsp
  • Water
    Water
    1cup
  • White pepper powder (optional)
    White pepper powder (optional)
    1/2tsp
  • Salt (to taste)
    Salt (to taste)
    1/2tsp
  • Sugar
    Sugar
    1tsp
  • Spring onions (chopped, for garnish)
    Spring onions (chopped, for garnish)
    2tbsp

How to make Vegetable Manchurian-Restaurant style

Prepare the Vegetable Balls

  1. Step 1

    In a mixing bowl, combine cabbage, carrot, capsicum, ginger, and garlic.

    Step 1.1: In a mixing bowl, combine cabbage, carrot, capsicum, ginger, and garlic
  2. Step 2

    Add all-purpose flour, cornflour, black pepper, and salt. Mix well, adding a little water if needed to form a dough-like mixture.

    Step 1.1: Add all-purpose flour, cornflour, black pepper, and salt
  3. Step 3

    Grease your palms with oil and shape the mixture into small balls, pressing firmly to bind.

    Step 1.1: Grease your palms with oil and shape the mixture into small balls, pressing firmly to bind
    Step 1.2: Grease your palms with oil and shape the mixture into small balls, pressing firmly to bind
  4. Step 4

    Heat oil in a deep pan over medium heat and fry the balls until golden brown. Remove and place on a paper towel.

    Step 1.1: Heat oil in a deep pan over medium heat and fry the balls until golden brown
    Step 1.2: Heat oil in a deep pan over medium heat and fry the balls until golden brown

Prepare the Sauce

  1. Step 1

    In a bowl, mix tomato sauce, chilli sauce, soy sauce, and vinegar. Stir well and set aside.

    Step 2.1: In a bowl, mix tomato sauce, chilli sauce, soy sauce, and vinegar

Prepare the Slurry

  1. Step 1

    In a small bowl, mix cornflour with water. Set aside.

Cook the Manchurian

  1. Step 1

    Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat.

  2. Step 2

    Add garlic and sauté for a minute until aromatic.

  3. Step 3

    Add onions and sauté until translucent.

  4. Step 4

    Stir in capsicum and green chillies, stir-frying for 1-2 minutes until slightly softened but still crisp.

    Step 4.1: Stir in capsicum and green chillies, stir-frying for 1-2 minutes until slightly softened but still crisp
  5. Step 5

    Add the prepared sauce and mix well.

    Step 4.1: Add the prepared sauce and mix well
  6. Step 6

    Pour in water, white pepper (if using), salt, and sugar. Bring to a boil.

  7. Step 7

    Slowly add the slurry while stirring continuously to prevent lumps.

  8. Step 8

    Cook for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and turns glossy.

    Step 4.1: Cook for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and turns glossy
  9. Step 9

    Add the fried vegetable balls and toss gently to coat them evenly. Simmer for a few minutes to allow flavours to blend.

    Step 4.1: Add the fried vegetable balls and toss gently to coat them evenly
  10. Step 10

    Garnish with chopped spring onions.

    Step 4.1: Garnish with chopped spring onions

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories

95.0kcal (4.75%)

Protein

2.4g (4.76%)

Carbs

14.0g (5.09%)

Sugars

1.5g (3%)

Healthy Fat

3.8g

Unhealthy Fat

0.6g

% Daily Value based on a 2000 calorie diet

Tips & Tricks

  1. Adjust the water quantity in the sauce and slurry for consistency.

  2. Adjust the amount of chillies as per your taste.

FAQS

  1. How can I make Vegetable Manchurian gluten-free?

    To make gluten-free Vegetable Manchurian, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or chickpea flour. Ensure that the soy sauce you use is gluten-free, or opt for tamari as a suitable alternative.

  2. What are some good side dishes to serve with Vegetable Manchurian?

    Vegetable Manchurian pairs wonderfully with fried rice or noodles. You can also serve it alongside steamed jasmine rice or a simple vegetable stir-fry for a complete meal.

  3. How do I store leftover Vegetable Manchurian?

    To store leftover Vegetable Manchurian, place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2-3 days. For best results, reheat in a pan to maintain the crispiness of the veggie balls.

  4. Can I use frozen vegetables to make Vegetable Manchurian?

    Yes, you can use frozen mixed vegetables to make Vegetable Manchurian. Just ensure to thaw and drain any excess water before mixing them into the batter to maintain the right texture.

  5. What can I substitute for the chili sauce in the Manchurian sauce?

    If you don't have chili sauce, you can substitute it with sriracha or a homemade chili paste. Adjust the quantity based on your heat preference to keep the flavor balanced.

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Leena Kohli

(@leenakohli)

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