Have you ever wondered how to transform humble cabbage into an explosion of Indo-Chinese flavors? Today, I’m sharing my tested recipe for Cabbage Manchurian that turns simple ingredients into crispy, flavorful bites that’ll have your family asking for seconds!
What is Cabbage Manchurian?
Cabbage Manchurian is a popular Indo-Chinese dish featuring crispy cabbage fritters tossed in a spicy, tangy sauce. This vegetarian adaptation of the classic Gobi Manchurian uses finely chopped cabbage instead of cauliflower, creating a unique texture and taste that’s both economical and delicious.
Ingredients
For Cabbage Fritters:
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cabbage | 500g | Finely chopped |
| Carrots | 100g | Finely grated |
| Spring onions | 1/2 cup | Finely chopped |
| Ginger | 2 tbsp | Minced |
| Garlic | 2 tbsp | Minced |
| All-purpose flour | 1/2 cup | – |
| Cornflour | 1/4 cup | – |
| Salt | 1 tsp | Or to taste |
| Black pepper | 1/2 tsp | Freshly ground |
| Oil | For deep frying | – |
For Manchurian Sauce:
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Garlic | 2 tbsp | Finely chopped |
| Ginger | 1 tbsp | Finely chopped |
| Green chilies | 2-3 | Finely chopped |
| Onion | 1 medium | Diced |
| Bell pepper | 1 medium | Diced |
| Soy sauce | 2 tbsp | Dark |
| Chili sauce | 1 tbsp | – |
| Vinegar | 1 tsp | Rice vinegar preferred |
| Corn flour | 1 tbsp | Mixed with water |
| Oil | 3 tbsp | For stir-frying |
Instructions
Preparing the Cabbage Mixture:
- Start by washing the cabbage thoroughly and chopping it very finely. Place in a colander and sprinkle with 1 tsp salt. Let it sit for 15 minutes to release excess water.
- Squeeze out all water from the cabbage using a clean kitchen towel. This step is crucial for crispy fritters.
- In a large bowl, combine the drained cabbage with:
- Grated carrots
- Chopped spring onions
- Minced ginger and garlic
- All-purpose flour
- Cornflour
- Salt and pepper
- Mix everything well until it forms a cohesive mixture that can be shaped into balls.
Frying the Manchurian Balls:
- Heat oil in a deep pan or kadai to 350°F (175°C).
- Shape the mixture into small lemon-sized balls.
- Deep fry the balls in batches until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove and drain on paper towels.
Preparing the Sauce:
- Heat oil in a wok over high heat.
- Add chopped garlic, ginger, and green chilies. Sauté for 30 seconds.
- Add diced onions and bell peppers. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until slightly charred but still crisp.
- Add:
- Soy sauce
- Chili sauce
- Vinegar
- Mix the cornflour slurry and add to the sauce. Cook until it thickens.
Final Assembly:
- Add the fried cabbage balls to the sauce.
- Toss gently to coat evenly.
- Garnish with chopped spring onions.
Pro Tips
- Always squeeze out excess water from cabbage completely
- Maintain oil temperature at 350°F for crispy fritters
- Don’t overcrowd while frying
- Make sauce just before serving to maintain crispiness
- Use dark soy sauce for better color and flavor
Storage and Reheating
| Storage Method | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 4-6 hours | Keep sauce separate |
| Refrigerator | 2-3 days | Store fritters and sauce separately |
| Freezer | 1 month | Only store unfried mixture |
Serving Suggestions
- Serve hot as an appetizer
- Pair with hakka noodles
- Accompany with fried rice
- Serve with sweet chili sauce on the side
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 245 |
| Protein | 6g |
| Carbohydrates | 28g |
| Fiber | 4g |
| Fat | 12g |
| Sodium | 480mg |
Common Questions
Q: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
A: Yes! Replace all-purpose flour with rice flour and use tamari instead of soy sauce.
Q: How do I prevent the manchurian balls from breaking while frying?
A: Ensure the cabbage is completely dry and the mixture is well-bound. Adding a beaten egg can help if needed.
Q: Can I air-fry the cabbage balls?
A: Yes! Spray with oil and air-fry at 380°F for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Q: How spicy is this dish?
A: The spice level is moderate but can be adjusted by varying the amount of green chilies and chili sauce.
Q: Can I prepare this in advance for a party?
A: Prepare the fritters and sauce separately. Combine just before serving to maintain crispiness.
Variations
- Dry Version: Skip the sauce and toss fried balls with spices and herbs
- Extra Crispy: Add rice krispies to the coating
- Healthier Version: Use shredded cauliflower along with cabbage
- Spicy Version: Add Schezwan sauce to the mixture
Remember, the key to perfect Cabbage Manchurian lies in the preparation of the cabbage and maintaining the right oil temperature while frying. With these tips and detailed instructions, you’re well on your way to creating restaurant-style Cabbage Manchurian at home!
