Paneer Manchurian

If you are a fan of Indo-Chinese cuisine, then you are in for a treat with this delicious Paneer Manchurian recipe. This unique dish combines the rich and creamy flavors of paneer with the tangy and spicy flavors of Manchurian sauce. Whether you are looking to impress your dinner guests or simply craving a flavorful meal, this recipe is sure to satisfy your taste buds. Let's dive into the details of creating this mouthwatering dish!

What Is Paneer Manchurian?

• Paneer Manchurian is a delicious Indo-Chinese dish that combines succulent paneer cubes with a perfect blend of Indian spices and unique seasoning. The dish is made by coating paneer cubes in a flavorful batter and frying them until golden brown. The fried paneer cubes are then tossed in a savory and tangy sauce, creating a delightful combination of flavors and textures. This popular dish is often served with noodles and is a favorite among Indian food enthusiasts.

Why You'll Love Paneer Manchurian?

• Irresistible Texture: Paneer Manchurian offers a delightful combination of crispy, fried paneer cubes coated in a flavorful sauce. The crunchiness of the fried paneer paired with the savory, tangy sauce creates a texture that's simply irresistible.
• Healthier Option: This recipe is a healthier alternative to traditional deep-fried dishes, as it uses paneer, a good source of protein and calcium. Additionally, the dish includes a variety of vegetables, adding essential nutrients to your meal.
• Deliciously Flavorful: The sauce in Paneer Manchurian is a delicious blend of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors that perfectly complement the mild taste of the paneer. This tantalizing flavor profile makes it a popular choice for both kids and adults.
• Versatile Dish: Paneer Manchurian pairs well with a variety of accompaniments such as fried rice, noodles, or even as a standalone appetizer. Its versatility makes it a great option for different dining preferences.
• Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, this recipe is perfect for both beginner and experienced cooks. It's a quick and straightforward way to enjoy a restaurant-style dish at home.
• Crowd Pleaser: Whether you're hosting a party or wanting to treat your family to a special meal, Paneer Manchurian is sure to be a hit. Its appealing presentation and delectable taste make it a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients for Paneer Manchurian

• Paneer cubes: Paneer, also known as Indian cottage cheese, adds a creamy and rich texture to the dish. It is the main ingredient in paneer manchurian and holds the flavors well.
• Corn flour and all purpose flour: The combination of these flours creates a crispy and crunchy coating for the paneer cubes when deep fried, adding a delightful texture to the dish.
• Ginger and garlic paste: This aromatic paste adds a depth of flavor and enhances the overall taste of the paneer manchurian.
• Capsicum: The colorful and crunchy capsicum not only adds a pop of color to the dish but also provides a refreshing and slightly sweet flavor.
• Tomato sauce, soy sauce, and vinegar: These condiments add tanginess, saltiness, and a hint of sweetness to the dish, creating a well-balanced flavor profile.
• Spring onion and garlic: These aromatic ingredients add a delicious savory flavor and a pleasant aroma to the paneer manchurian.

How To Make Paneer Manchurian?

Paneer Manchurian is a delicious Indo-Chinese dish that combines the goodness of paneer with a flavorful sauce. Follow these simple steps to create this mouthwatering dish.

For the batter:

To ensure that the paneer cubes are perfectly coated, make a batter using a mixture of all purpose flour, corn flour, pepper powder, salt, water, and ginger and garlic paste. The consistency of the batter should be just right - not too thick or too thin. The key to a flavorful Paneer Manchurian lies in the even coating of the paneer cubes with the batter.

For frying:

Once the batter-coated paneer cubes are ready, it's time to fry them to perfection. Heat the oil in a frying pan and fry the paneer cubes in batches until they turn golden brown. This step is crucial in achieving the crispy texture of the paneer cubes, which adds a delightful crunch to the dish.

For the sauce:

The sauce is what brings all the flavors together in Paneer Manchurian. Start by sautéing garlic and spring onions, then adding finely chopped onions and capsicums. Once they are cooked to perfection, add a combination of tomato ketchup, soy sauce, vinegar, brown sugar, chili and garlic sauce, and salt for a burst of savory and tangy flavors. Finally, after adding the fried paneer cubes, thicken the sauce with a cornflour and water mixture for a perfect coating.

By following these key steps, you'll be able to create a flavorful and aromatic Paneer Manchurian that is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Enjoy this delicious dish served with noodles for a complete meal.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with Noodles: Serve Paneer Manchurian with a side of noodles for a complete and satisfying meal. The combination of the crispy paneer and flavorful sauce pairs perfectly with the soft and savory noodles.
• Steamed Rice: For a classic pairing, serve Paneer Manchurian with steamed rice. The fluffy texture of the rice complements the rich and saucy paneer dish, creating a delightful dining experience.
• Fried Rice: Another great option is to pair Paneer Manchurian with fried rice. The savory and slightly crunchy fried rice adds a nice contrast to the tender paneer, making for a delicious and filling meal.

Tips for Paneer Manchurian

Preparation Duration:

• It is essential to thaw the paneer naturally before starting the recipe to ensure that it cooks evenly and has a tender texture. This can take about 30 minutes to an hour, so factor this into your meal preparation time.

Cooking Techniques:

• When frying the paneer cubes, make sure the oil is at the right temperature - around 350°F. This will ensure that the paneer cooks to a perfect golden brown and remains crispy.

Importance of Garnishing:

• Garnishing with finely chopped spring onion not only adds a fresh and vibrant touch to the dish but also enhances the overall presentation. It’s the small details that make a big difference in the visual appeal of your Paneer Manchurian.

Serving Suggestion:

• Pairing Paneer Manchurian with noodles makes for a satisfying and complete meal. The combination of the flavors of noodles and paneer in Manchurian sauce is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

Customization Options:

• Feel free to experiment with different colored capsicums to add visual appeal to the dish. You can also adjust the level of heat by adding more or less chili and garlic sauce according to your preference.

Storage Tips:

• If you happen to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Paneer Manchurian makes for great next-day lunch, and the flavors tend to meld even better with time. Just reheat and enjoy!

Variations for Paneer Manchurian

• Veggie Variation: Get creative with your vegetables! Try adding different veggies like broccoli, cauliflower, or mushrooms to add more texture and flavor to your Paneer Manchurian.
• Spicy Variation: For those who love a little heat, add extra chili and garlic sauce or even some finely chopped green chilies to give your Paneer Manchurian a spicy kick.
• Sweet and Sour Variation: Experiment with the balance of sweet and sour flavors by adjusting the amount of brown sugar and vinegar. You can create a sweeter version by adding more sugar, or a more tangy version by increasing the vinegar.
• Protein Variation: You can also try using different proteins like tofu or even mixed vegetables like baby corn and water chestnuts to make a vegetarian version of this dish.
• Gluten-Free Variation: For a gluten-free option, substitute the all-purpose flour with rice flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour, and make sure to use a gluten-free soy sauce.
• Indo-Chinese Fusion Variation: Add a twist to this recipe by infusing it with flavors from other cuisines. You can try adding a dash of garam masala for an Indian touch or some sesame oil for a fusion of Chinese and Indian flavors.

Get creative and have fun experimenting with different variations of Paneer Manchurian to create a unique and personalized dish that suits your taste preferences!

How to Store Paneer Manchurian

• Store Paneer: After making paneer manchurian, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will help to maintain the freshness and prevent it from spoiling quickly.
• Proper Ingredient Storage: Ensure that you store the key ingredients such as paneer, garlic, onion, and capsicum in the right conditions. For example, keep the paneer in the coldest part of the fridge and store garlic and onion in a cool, dark place to prevent sprouting and spoilage.
• Reheating Paneer Manchurian: When reheating the leftover paneer manchurian, make sure to warm it thoroughly to kill any bacteria. Heat it in a pan or microwave until it's steaming hot before serving.
• Avoid Freezing: It's best to avoid freezing paneer manchurian, as the texture may change and become soggy after thawing. Fresh is always the best option for enjoying this delicious dish.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best taste and quality, use fresh and high-quality ingredients in the recipe. This will ensure that the paneer manchurian tastes delicious and is safe to consume.
• Follow Use-By Dates: If using store-bought paneer or other ingredients, always check the use-by dates and consume them before they expire to avoid any food safety issues.

By following these simple storage tricks, you can maintain the freshness of paneer manchurian and ensure a delightful dining experience.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How can I adjust the spiciness of the Paneer Manchurian?

• You can adjust the spiciness of the dish by adding more or less chili and garlic sauce according to your preference. You can also adjust the amount of black pepper powder used in the batter to control the level of spiciness.

Can I use tofu instead of paneer in this recipe?

• Yes, you can definitely substitute tofu for paneer in this recipe if you prefer. Just make sure to adjust the frying time for tofu as it cooks faster than paneer.

What can I serve with Paneer Manchurian?

• Paneer Manchurian can be served with steamed rice, fried rice, or noodles. It also pairs well with a side of vegetable stir-fry or a fresh salad.

Is it necessary to deep fry the paneer cubes?

• Yes, deep frying the paneer cubes gives them a crispy texture and enhances the overall flavor of the dish. However, if you prefer a healthier option, you can try shallow frying or baking the paneer cubes.

Can I make Paneer Manchurian ahead of time?

• While Paneer Manchurian is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the sauce and batter ahead of time and fry the paneer cubes just before serving. This will help save time and make the dish more convenient for a busy day.

How can I store leftover Paneer Manchurian?

• If you have any leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat it in a pan or microwave before consuming for the best taste and texture.

Recipe Card

Paneer Manchurian  2020-10-02 04:47:36

Paneer Manchurian

Serving Size: 4

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients:

• 200 grams paneer cubes
• Oil for deep frying

For batter:

• 3 tbsp corn flour
• 3 tbsp all purpose flour
• 1 tsp ginger and garlic paste
• 1/2 tsp black pepper powder
• 1/2 tsp salt, or to taste
• 1/3 cup water

For sauce:

• 1 tbsp finely chopped garlic
• 1 large-sized, finely chopped onion
• 2 tbsp finely chopped spring onion whites and greens
• 1/2 cup finely chopped capsicum (green, red, and yellow)
• 4 tbsp tomato sauce
• 1 tsp chili and garlic sauce
• 1 tsp brown sugar (optional)
• 1/2 tbsp light soy sauce
• 1 tsp vinegar
• Pinch of salt
• 2 tbsp oil
• 1 tsp corn flour
• 1 tbsp water
• 2 tbsp finely chopped spring onion for garnishing

Instructions:

Preparations:

• Thaw the paneer naturally.

For the batter:

• In a bowl, mix all-purpose flour, corn flour, black pepper powder, salt, and 1/3 cup water until well combined. Add ginger and garlic paste and mix well. The batter should be of medium consistency.
• Add the paneer cubes to the batter and coat them evenly. Set aside.

For frying:

• Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Drop the batter-coated paneer cubes in batches and fry until golden brown.
• Drain and transfer the fried paneer cubes to kitchen tissues to remove excess oil.
• Deep fry the remaining paneer cubes and set aside.

For the sauce:

• Heat 2 tbsp of oil in a wide pan, add chopped garlic and fry until golden brown.
• Add chopped spring onions and sauté for 1 minute until transparent.
• Then add finely chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.
• Add chopped capsicums and stir-fry until half cooked but still crunchy.
• Pour in tomato ketchup, soy sauce, vinegar, brown sugar, chili and garlic sauce, and salt. Stir well.
• Add the fried paneer cubes and sauté over high heat for a minute until the sauce coats the paneer.
• In a small bowl, mix 1 tsp of cornflour with 1 tbsp of water. Pour this mixture over the paneer manchurian and stir well.
• Garnish with spring onion and serve Paneer Manchurian with noodles.

By Santhi Therese
The Indian Claypot

Step-By-Step Instructions:

In a bowl, mix all purpose flour, corn flour, pepper powder, salt and
1/3 cup water and mix until well combined.

Then add ginger and garlic paste and mix well.

Make sure that batter is not too thick or not too thin.

Then add paneer cubes in the batter and mix well.

For perfect Manchurian, the batter should coat the paneer cubes evenly.
Keep it aside.

Meanwhile, heat the oil in a frying pan over medium heat, drop the batter
coated paneer cubes in batches (8 to 10) in oil

and fry till they turn golden brown.

Drain and then transfer the fried paneer cubes over kitchen tissues to observe
excess oil. Deep fry the remaining paneer cubes also and keep it aside.

Heat 2 tbsp of oil in a wide pan, add chopped garlic, fry till they
become golden brown.

Add chopped spring onions, stir-fry for 1 minute or until transparent.

Then add finely chopped onions and saute till golden brown.

Also, add chopped capsicums, stir fry until half cooked but still they are crunchy.

Pour tomato ketchup, soy sauce, vinegar, brown sugar, chili and garlic sauce,
and salt,

give a quick stir.

Then add fried paneer cubes and saute well over high heat for a minute or
until the sauce well coated with paneer.

Meanwhile, mix 1 tsp of cornflour with 1 tbsp of water

and pour this mixture over the paneer manchurian and give a good stir.

Finally, garnish it with spring onion and serve Paneer Manchurian with noodles.