Chicken Manchurian: Pakistani Recipe

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Chicken Manchurian is a wildly popular dish, a fusion of Chinese flavors adapted to suit the Pakistani palate. This recipe brings together the best of both worlds, offering a spicy, savory, and slightly tangy flavor profile that’s sure to be a hit. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner, this guide will help you create a restaurant-quality dish right in your own kitchen. — Lupe Tortilla Family Pack: A Texas Tradition

What is Chicken Manchurian?

Chicken Manchurian typically consists of marinated, deep-fried chicken pieces coated in a thick, flavorful sauce. The Pakistani version often includes a generous dose of green chilies and spices, adding an extra kick. It’s commonly served with fried rice or noodles, making it a complete and satisfying meal. — Ariana DeBose's West Side Story Impact

Ingredients You'll Need

  • For the Chicken Marinade:
    • 500g boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into cubes
    • 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
    • 1 tsp red chili powder
    • 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
    • 1 tbsp soy sauce
    • 1 tbsp vinegar
    • 1 tbsp cornstarch
    • Salt to taste
  • For the Manchurian Sauce:
    • 2 tbsp oil
    • 1 tbsp ginger-garlic, finely chopped
    • 2-3 green chilies, slit
    • 1 medium onion, diced
    • 1/2 cup capsicum (bell pepper), diced
    • 2 tbsp tomato ketchup
    • 1 tbsp soy sauce
    • 1 tbsp chili sauce
    • 1 tsp vinegar
    • 1 cup chicken broth
    • 1 tbsp cornstarch (mixed with 2 tbsp water)
    • Salt and pepper to taste
    • Chopped cilantro for garnish

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Marinating the Chicken

  1. In a bowl, combine the chicken cubes with ginger-garlic paste, red chili powder, turmeric powder, soy sauce, vinegar, cornstarch, and salt.
  2. Mix well to ensure each piece is thoroughly coated.
  3. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.

Frying the Chicken

  1. Heat oil in a deep frying pan or wok over medium-high heat.
  2. Carefully add the marinated chicken pieces, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan.
  3. Fry until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
  4. Remove the chicken and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Preparing the Manchurian Sauce

  1. In a separate pan or wok, heat 2 tablespoons of oil over medium heat.
  2. Add the chopped ginger-garlic and green chilies, sauté for a minute until fragrant.
  3. Add the diced onion and capsicum, cook until they soften, about 3-5 minutes.
  4. Stir in the tomato ketchup, soy sauce, chili sauce, and vinegar.
  5. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
  6. Add the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) to thicken the sauce, stirring continuously.
  7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Combining Chicken and Sauce

  1. Add the fried chicken pieces to the sauce.
  2. Stir well to ensure the chicken is evenly coated with the Manchurian sauce.
  3. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
  4. Garnish with chopped cilantro before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Serve hot with:

  • Fried Rice: A classic pairing.
  • Vegetable Noodles: For a different textural experience.
  • Plain Rice: To soak up all that delicious sauce.

Tips for the Perfect Chicken Manchurian

  • Marination Time: The longer the chicken marinates, the more flavorful it becomes.
  • Frying Temperature: Ensure the oil is hot enough to get a crispy exterior without burning the chicken.
  • Sauce Consistency: Adjust the amount of cornstarch slurry to achieve your desired sauce thickness.
  • Spice Level: Adjust the number of green chilies and the amount of chili sauce to suit your spice preference.

Variations

  • Dry Manchurian: Reduce the amount of chicken broth for a drier, snack-like version.
  • Garlic Manchurian: Add more garlic for an extra garlicky punch.
  • Vegetable Manchurian: Substitute chicken with mixed vegetables like cauliflower, carrots, and cabbage for a vegetarian option.

Health Considerations

While Chicken Manchurian is undeniably delicious, it's important to be mindful of its nutritional content. — Top Modern Hair Salons In Houston, TX

  • Calories: Deep-fried and sauce-laden dishes can be high in calories.
  • Sodium: Soy sauce and other condiments contribute to high sodium levels.
  • Fat: The dish contains a significant amount of fat due to the frying process.

Consider baking the chicken instead of frying and using low-sodium soy sauce to make a healthier version.

Conclusion

This Pakistani-style Chicken Manchurian recipe offers a delightful blend of flavors and textures that’s hard to resist. With these simple steps and tips, you can easily recreate this popular dish at home, impressing your family and friends with your culinary skills. Enjoy!