7-Step Paneer Manchurian Recipe for When You’re Craving Desi Chinese

Paneer and Manchurian are two favourites in every Indian household.  The fusion of Indian paneer and Chinese Manchurian is a delightful culinary innovation that has become immensely popular across the Indian subcontinent. 

Here is an easy 7-step recipe for Paneer Manchurian that brings the two delicious flavours together for when you are craving desi Chinese.  

What Is Paneer Manchurian?

Paneer, a fresh cheese commonly used in Indian cuisine, has been a part of the Indian culinary tradition for centuries. On the other hand, Manchurian is a dish that originated in Chinese cuisine but has been adapted to suit Indian tastes. Its roots trace back to the Chinese community settled in Kolkata, India, during the early 20th century.

The fusion of paneer and Manchurian represents the blending of two distinct culinary traditions. It combines the soft and creamy texture of paneer with the bold and flavorful sauce of Manchurian, resulting in a dish that appeals to both Indian and Chinese palates.

How To Make Paneer Manchurian In Just 7 Steps?

• Gather 250 grams of paneer or cottage cheese, chopped into bite-sized cubes, along with 1 cup of chopped vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and carrots. Additionally, finely chop 4 cloves of garlic and 1 inch of ginger.
• In a bowl, mix 4 tablespoons of all-purpose flour or maida, 3 tablespoons of cornflour, 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 1 teaspoon of red chilli sauce, 1 teaspoon of ginger-garlic paste, and a pinch of salt. Add water slowly until the batter thickens.
• Dip the paneer cubes into the batter, ensuring they are evenly coated.
• Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Once hot, add the coated paneer cubes and fry until they turn golden brown and crispy. Take them out of the pan and let them rest on a paper towel to absorb any extra oil.
• In the same pan, add a tablespoon of oil. Sauté the chopped garlic and ginger until fragrant. Then, add the chopped vegetables and stir-fry for a few minutes until they are slightly tender.
• Add 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of red chili sauce, 1 tablespoon of tomato ketchup, 1 tablespoon of vinegar, 1 teaspoon of sugar, and a pinch of salt to the vegetables. Mix well, and let the sauce simmer for a couple of minutes.
• Add the fried paneer cubes to the sauce and toss until they are coated evenly. Garnish with chopped spring onions and serve hot.

Enjoy your delicious Paneer Manchurian as a perfect fusion of Indian and Chinese flavours!

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