Indo-Chinese cuisine has taken India by storm, and one of the most popular dishes that perfectly blends Indian and Chinese flavors is Manchurian Noodles. This dish is a delightful combination of crispy Manchurian balls tossed in flavorful stir-fried noodles, creating a burst of spicy, tangy, and umami flavors. Whether you’re craving something spicy, tangy, or simply indulgent, Manchurian noodles tick all the right boxes.
What are Manchurian Noodles?
Manchurian noodles are a fusion dish combining two beloved Indo-Chinese staples: Manchurian and noodles. The dish typically features crispy, fried vegetable or chicken Manchurian balls mixed with stir-fried noodles. The dish is laced with aromatic sauces like soy sauce, chili sauce, and vinegar, giving it that distinct Indo-Chinese flavor profile.
The dish has become a favorite among street food lovers and is also a regular feature in many Indian households. The versatility of Manchurian noodles lies in the fact that you can make them purely vegetarian, or you can add chicken or other protein sources as per your preference.
Ingredients Required for Manchurian Noodles Recipe:
Before we jump into the preparation, let’s take a look at the essential ingredients needed for this dish:
For Manchurian Balls:
- Cabbage: ½ cup, finely chopped
- Carrots: ½ cup, finely chopped
- Bell peppers (capsicum): ¼ cup, finely chopped
- Spring onions: ¼ cup, finely chopped
- All-purpose flour (Maida): ¼ cup
- Cornflour: 2 tablespoons
- Ginger-garlic paste: 1 teaspoon
- Red chili powder: ½ teaspoon
- Salt: To taste
- Black pepper: ¼ teaspoon
- Oil: For frying
For Stir-Fried Noodles:
- Hakka noodles: 200 grams (or any other noodles of your choice)
- Carrots: ½ cup, julienned
- Bell peppers (capsicum): ½ cup, julienned
- Cabbage: ½ cup, thinly sliced
- Spring onions: ¼ cup, chopped (green and white parts separated)
- Garlic: 2 cloves, finely chopped
- Ginger: 1-inch piece, finely chopped
- Soy sauce: 2 tablespoons
- Chili sauce: 1 tablespoon
- Tomato ketchup: 1 tablespoon
- Vinegar: 1 teaspoon
- Salt: To taste
- Black pepper: ½ teaspoon
- Sugar: ¼ teaspoon
- Sesame oil: 1 tablespoon (or vegetable oil)
How to Make Manchurian Noodles: Step-by-Step Process
Step 1: Preparing the Manchurian Balls
Prepare the vegetable mix: In a large bowl, combine the finely chopped cabbage, carrots, bell peppers, and spring onions. The vegetables should be finely chopped to allow the balls to bind well.
Add binding ingredients: To the vegetable mixture, add all-purpose flour (maida) and cornflour. These ingredients will act as binders, giving structure to the Manchurian balls.
Season the mixture: Add ginger-garlic paste, red chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything thoroughly until the vegetables are coated and you get a dough-like consistency.
Shape the balls: Take small portions of the mixture and shape them into small, round balls. Ensure they are tightly packed to prevent them from falling apart while frying.
Fry the Manchurian balls: Heat oil in a deep pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully drop in the vegetable balls and fry until golden brown and crispy on all sides. Remove the balls and place them on a paper towel to drain any excess oil. If you prefer a healthier option, you can shallow fry or air-fry them.
Step 2: Cooking the Noodles
Boil the noodles: Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add a pinch of salt and a teaspoon of oil to the water (this helps prevent the noodles from sticking). Add the noodles and cook according to the package instructions, ensuring they remain al dente (firm to the bite).
Drain and cool: Once the noodles are cooked, drain them in a colander and run cold water over them to stop the cooking process. Toss them with a little oil to keep them from clumping together and set aside.
Step 3: Stir-Frying the Noodles
Heat oil and aromatics: In a large wok or deep pan, heat the sesame oil over high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the finely chopped garlic and ginger. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Stir-fry the vegetables: Add the julienned carrots, bell peppers, and sliced cabbage to the wok. Stir-fry the vegetables on high heat for 2-3 minutes, keeping them crisp and slightly crunchy. Avoid overcooking.
Add sauces and seasonings: To the stir-fried vegetables, add soy sauce, chili sauce, tomato ketchup, and a splash of vinegar. Sprinkle in salt, black pepper, and a pinch of sugar. Stir everything well, ensuring the vegetables are evenly coated in the sauce.
Toss in the noodles: Add the cooked noodles to the wok and gently toss everything together. Make sure the noodles are well combined with the vegetables and sauce. Stir-fry for another 1-2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Step 4: Final Assembly
Add the Manchurian balls: Gently add the crispy Manchurian balls into the stir-fried noodles. Carefully toss everything together to avoid breaking the balls. Stir-fry for 1-2 minutes, ensuring the balls are coated with the sauce and noodles.
Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped spring onion greens on top for a burst of freshness. Serve the Manchurian noodles hot with extra soy sauce or chili vinegar on the side for added flavor.
Cooking Time:
- Preparation Time: 25 minutes (includes chopping vegetables, preparing the Manchurian mixture, and cooking the noodles)
- Cooking Time: 25 minutes (includes frying the Manchurian balls, boiling noodles, and stir-frying the dish)
- Total Time: 50 minutes
Nutrition Information:
This recipe yields 4 servings. Each serving contains approximately:
- Calories: 350-400 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 45-50 grams
- Fats: 12-15 grams
- Protein: 8-10 grams
- Fiber: 3-4 grams
Expert Tips
- Maintain Vegetable Crunch: Stir-fry vegetables on high heat for a short time to keep them slightly crunchy, which adds a satisfying texture to the dish.
- Adjust Spice Levels: Modify the amount of chili sauce or red chili powder according to your taste to achieve the perfect level of spiciness.
- Healthier Manchurian Balls: For a lighter version, try shallow frying, air-frying, or baking the Manchurian balls instead of deep frying.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh, high-quality vegetables and sauces to enhance the overall flavor of the dish.
- Prevent Noodles from Clumping: Toss the cooked noodles with a bit of oil to prevent them from sticking together and ensure they stir-fry evenly.
- Customize Protein: Add chicken, tofu, or shrimp to the stir-fry to boost the protein content and tailor the dish to your preference.
Variations
Ching’s Manchurian Noodles: This variation features Ching’s brand noodles, sauces, and seasonings, known for their authentic Indo-Chinese flavors. By using Ching’s products, you simplify the recipe while still achieving a delicious, restaurant-style taste. Simply follow the instructions on the sauce bottles and noodle package for the best results.
Paneer Manchurian Noodles: For a vegetarian alternative, you can replace traditional vegetable Manchurian balls with paneer Manchurian balls. Paneer, or Indian cottage cheese, adds a creamy texture and mild flavor that pairs wonderfully with the tangy and spicy noodles. To prepare, use paneer instead of mixed vegetables in the Manchurian balls recipe.
Chicken Manchurian Noodles: If you prefer a non-vegetarian option, use chicken Manchurian balls instead of vegetable ones. Chicken Manchurian adds a savory, protein-packed element to the dish. Simply substitute finely minced chicken for the vegetables in the Manchurian balls recipe and cook as directed.
Spicy Manchurian Noodles: For those who love extra heat, make spicy Manchurian noodles by increasing the amount of chili sauce or red chili powder in the recipe. You can also add sliced green chilies or red pepper flakes to intensify the spiciness. Adjust the seasoning to your taste for the perfect level of heat.
Gobi Manchurian Noodles: For a crunchy, flavorful twist, try Gobi Manchurian noodles. Replace the vegetable Manchurian balls with Gobi Manchurian balls made from battered and fried cauliflower. To make Gobi Manchurian, coat cauliflower florets in a spicy batter and deep-fry until crispy. The cauliflower adds a delightful crunch and absorbs the bold flavors of the sauce.
Maggi Manchurian Noodles: For a quicker and more convenient option, use Maggi noodles instead of traditional Hakka noodles. This variation is ideal for a fast meal, offering a familiar taste with the added flair of Manchurian balls. Simply follow the Maggi noodle package instructions and combine with the Manchurian balls and sauce.
Chinese Manchurian Noodles: To create a more traditional Chinese flavor, use Chinese seasonings like soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and oyster sauce. This version emphasizes classic Chinese ingredients and techniques, providing an authentic taste that mirrors what you’d find in a Chinese restaurant.
Schezwan Manchurian Noodles: Add a Schezwan twist to your Manchurian noodles by incorporating Schezwan sauce. This sauce is known for its bold, spicy, and tangy flavor profile. It adds a distinctive kick and depth of flavor, making the dish extra exciting for those who enjoy a bit of heat.
Why You Should Try Manchurian Noodles?
Manchurian noodles are a crowd-pleaser with their blend of rich flavors and textures. The dish is not only a feast for your taste buds but is also versatile, making it easy to customize according to your preferences. It’s perfect for weekday dinners, family gatherings, or even as a quick indulgent snack.
This dish is also a fantastic way to sneak in more veggies, making it a hit among both kids and adults alike. The simplicity of the ingredients, paired with the ease of cooking, makes Manchurian noodles an irresistible treat.
Final Thoughts
Manchurian noodles are a fusion delight that brings together the best of Indo-Chinese flavors. With the right balance of spices, crispiness, and savory goodness, this dish is bound to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned chef, following this easy recipe will ensure that you serve up a plate of restaurant-style Manchurian noodles at home.
How to make Manchurian noodles without deep frying the Manchurian balls?
For a healthier alternative, you can either shallow fry, air fry, or bake the Manchurian balls. While deep frying gives the crispiest texture, these methods still deliver great taste with reduced oil usage.
What type of noodles are best for a Manchurian noodles recipe?
Hakka noodles are commonly used for this dish because of their firm texture, which holds up well during stir-frying. However, you can also use chow mein noodles, egg noodles, or any thin, long pasta if Hakka noodles aren’t available.
Can we make Manchurian noodles gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free noodles like rice noodles or buckwheat noodles. For the Manchurian balls, replace the all-purpose flour with chickpea flour or rice flour, and ensure that your sauces are also gluten-free.
What vegetables can we use in Manchurian noodles?
Common vegetables include carrots, cabbage, bell peppers, and spring onions. You can also add mushrooms, baby corn, or broccoli depending on your preference. The key is to julienne them finely for even cooking.
Is it possible to make Manchurian noodles vegan?
Yes! To make vegan Manchurian noodles, use eggless noodles and ensure that all the sauces, especially soy sauce, are vegan-friendly. The Manchurian balls can be made purely with vegetables and plant-based binders.
How to make Ching’s Manchurian Noodles?
Ching’s Manchurian Noodles can be made using Ching’s brand noodles, sauces, and seasonings. Follow the instructions on the sauce bottles for optimal results, and use Ching’s noodles for an authentic Indo-Chinese flavor.
What is the calorie count for Ching’s Manchurian Noodles?
The calorie count for Ching’s Manchurian Noodles is approximately 350 to 500 calories per serving, depending on the specific ingredients used and portion size.
Can paneer be used in Manchurian noodles?
Paneer can be incorporated into Manchurian noodles by substituting the vegetable Manchurian balls with paneer cubes. Coat the paneer cubes in a spicy batter, fry them, and then toss them with the noodles.
How to make spicy Manchurian noodles?
To create spicy Manchurian noodles, increase the quantity of chili sauce or add extra red chili powder. Adjust the spice level according to preference by modifying the amount of chili ingredients used.
How does Maggi Manchurian noodles differ from traditional Manchurian noodles?
Maggi Manchurian noodles use Maggi brand instant noodles combined with Manchurian flavors. They offer a quicker preparation option and a different taste compared to traditional Manchurian noodles made with fresh ingredients.
How to make Chinese Manchurian noodles?
Chinese Manchurian noodles are prepared using traditional Chinese sauces like soy sauce and hoisin sauce. Follow the standard Manchurian noodle recipe but incorporate these Chinese sauces for an authentic taste.
What is the calorie content of Manchurian noodles?
The calorie content of Manchurian noodles depends on the specific ingredients and preparation methods. Generally, a serving ranges from 300 to 500 calories. Adjustments in oil and sauce quantities can influence the calorie count.