How to make Crispy Vegetable Manchurian Balls

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Ria Pai (@riapai009)

This recipe is a guide to making perfectly crispy vegetable Manchurian balls. It emphasizes the importance of choosing the right ingredients, proper mixing, and frying techniques to achieve the best texture and flavor. Follow these steps to create a delicious dish that pairs well with a thick Manchurian sauce or as a standalone snack.

How to make Crispy Vegetable Manchurian Balls recipe

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Prep Time
30min
Cook Time
20min
Total Time
50min

Ingredients

4 Servings
(1 serving = 4-5 Manchurian balls)

Vegetables

  • finely grated cabbage
    finely grated cabbage
    1cup
  • finely grated carrots
    finely grated carrots
    1cup
  • finely grated capsicum
    finely grated capsicum
    1cup
  • finely grated onions
    finely grated onions
    1cup

Binding Agent

  • cornstarch
    cornstarch
    2tbsp
  • all-purpose flour (maida)
    all-purpose flour (maida)
    2tbsp

Flavor Enhancers

  • garlic paste
    garlic paste
    1tbsp
  • ginger paste
    ginger paste
    1tbsp
  • green chili paste
    green chili paste
    1tbsp
  • soy sauce
    soy sauce
    2tbsp
  • Oil to deep fry
    Oil to deep fry

How to make How to make Crispy Vegetable Manchurian Balls

Choosing the Right Ingredients

  1. Step 1

    Finely grate cabbage, carrots, capsicum, onions and chopped fresh coriander leaves. Add salt and rest for 10-15 min. .

    Step 1.1: Finely grate cabbage, carrots, capsicum, onions and chopped fresh coriander leaves
    Step 1.2: Finely grate cabbage, carrots, capsicum, onions and chopped fresh coriander leaves
  2. Step 2

    Add garlic, ginger, green chili paste, and soy sauce to enhance the flavor of the mixture. Use cornstarch or cornflour as the binding agent. You can mix it with all-purpose flour for added structure.

    Step 1.1: Add garlic, ginger, green chili paste, and soy sauce to enhance the flavor of the mixture
  3. Step 3

    Add garlic, ginger, green chili paste, and soy sauce to enhance the flavor of the mixture.

Proper Mixing

  1. Step 1

    Mix the grated vegetables and binding flour lightly to avoid making the balls dense. Ensure the mixture is slightly sticky but firm enough to shape into balls.

    Step 2.1: Mix the grated vegetables and binding flour lightly to avoid making the balls dense

Shaping the Balls

  1. Step 1

    Shape the mixture into small to medium-sized balls, approximately 1–1.5 inches in diameter.

    Step 3.1: Shape the mixture into small to medium-sized balls, approximately 1–1
  2. Step 2

    Roll the balls in a thin layer of cornstarch for extra crispiness. This is completely optional.

Frying Technique

  1. Step 1

    Heat oil to medium to high temperature (around 180°C / 350°F).

  2. Step 2

    Fry the balls in batches in medium flame to maintain stable oil temperature and ensure even crispiness.

    Step 4.1: Fry the balls in batches in medium flame to maintain stable oil temperature and ensure even crispiness
  3. Step 3

    Fry until golden brown and drain excess oil on paper towels.

    Step 4.1: Fry until golden brown and drain excess oil on paper towels
    Step 4.2: Fry until golden brown and drain excess oil on paper towels

Optional Double Fry

  1. Step 1

    For extra crunch, fry the balls lightly once, let them rest for 2–3 minutes, then fry again until golden.

Tossing in Sauce

  1. Step 1

    Ensure the Manchurian sauce is thick and not watery to keep the balls crispy.

  2. Step 2

    Serve the balls on the side with sauce as a dip to retain maximum crunch.

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories

75.0kcal (3.75%)

Protein

2.5g (5%)

Carbs

15.0g (5.45%)

Sugars

3.8g (7.5%)

Healthy Fat

0.2g

Unhealthy Fat

0.1g

% Daily Value based on a 2000 calorie diet

Tips & Tricks

  1. Cornstarch crisps up better than flour alone, so use it generously.

  2. Serve immediately for the best texture, as crispy balls lose crunch if left too long in sauce.

  3. You can make the balls in advance by half frying it and cool down and store in a zip lock bag. Fry when needed. Stays fresh upto 2 weeks.

FAQS

  1. Why is it important to squeeze excess water from the vegetables?

    Excess water can make the mixture soggy and prevent the balls from becoming crispy. But don't throw the water , you can use it in gravies.

  2. Can I use only all-purpose flour instead of cornstarch?

    Cornstarch is preferred as it crisps up better than all-purpose flour. However, you can mix both for structure.

  3. What oil temperature is ideal for frying?

    Medium-high heat, around 180°C / 350°F, is ideal to ensure the balls cook evenly inside out and become crispy.

  4. How can I make the balls extra crunchy?

    You can double fry the balls by frying them lightly once, letting them rest, and frying them again until golden.

  5. How should I serve the Manchurian balls?

    Serve them immediately with a thick Manchurian sauce or as a standalone snack with Schezwan sauce on the side.

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Ria Pai

(@riapai009)

Cooking has always been my way of spreading love and warmth. Through this channel, I share recipes close to my heart—some from childhood memories, some

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