
Chicken Manchurian is everybody’s favorite for a reason
This recipe is not authentic Chinese in any way, but it has become a favorite Desi Chinese dish in the subcontinent. Each region has made it their own, and this version of Chicken Manchurian is what you find in Chinese restaurants across Pakistan. It is a delicious balance of sweet and sour, with tender chicken and crispy vegetables. Every time I make this I am transported to my favorite restaurant in Lahore, and I can hear the sizzling hot plate getting closer. The is Lahore on a plate.
A little preparation goes a long way in Pan Asian cooking
Prepping your ingredients in advance makes the cooking process easier for every dish, but it holds true in Chinese cooking more than ever. marinate your chicken before you turn the stove on. Chop your vegetables and mix the sauce ingredients before you cook the chicken, and this will come together in less than 30 minutes. The only time consuming part of this Chicken Manchurian is pan frying the coated chicken in two batches so a nice golden crust forms. That crust soaks up all the delicious Manchurian sauce and makes every bite delicious.
The balance is in the sauce
The sauce is what gives this it’s quintessential sweet and sour flavor. I know ketchup may seem basic, but it helps make the sauce red. I use low sodium soy sauce because that lets me control the salt level in my food. Using low sodium sauces make a huge difference in the salt level, but they don’t change the flavor. This recipes makes a slightly thicker sauce. Add 1/4 cup water for a thinner consistency. I serve this with steamed basmati or jasmine rice.

Chicken Manchurian
Equipment
- Wok
Ingredients
Chicken Marinade
- 1 pound boneless chicken cut into 1 inch cubes
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp white pepper
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp vinegar
- 1 tbsp sambal oelek or 1 tsp sriracha
- 2 tbsp corn starch
For the Sauce
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 tbsp sambal oelek
- 2 tsp soy sauce low sodium
- 1 tsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp vinegar
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 cup water
For the Chicken Manchurian
- 3 tbsp oil flavorless
- 1 tbsp ginger crushed
- 3 green chilli peppers
- 1 green bell pepper cubed
- 1/2 onion cubed and separated
- 1/2 cup carrots sliced into rounds
- 1/4 cup sliced green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Mix all the ingredients under chicken marinade and let them sit for ten minutes. Heat the oil in a wok and fry the chicken in 2 batches, spacing each piece of chicken apart. Cook on one side for 3 minutes, then flip and cook the other side for 3 minutes, then remove to a plate. The crust should be golden brown.
- In a medium bowl mix together all the ingredients listed under sauce. Set aside.
- In the same wok add the ginger. (There should be oil left over fomr the hcicken, if not add 1 tsp oil) Saute for one minutes, then add the vegetables and green chillies. Saute the vegetables for 2 minutes. Add the sauce and let it come to a boil.
- Add the cooked chicken into the wok and lower the flame. Let the chicken and vegetables simmer in the sauce for 2-3 minutes. Once the sauce is slightly thicker, with large bubbles forming around the edges, turn off the flame. Garnish with sliced green onions and serve with steamed rice.
Notes
Have you tried this desi Chinese classic?
Have you tried this Chicken Manchurian recipe? If you have I’d love to hear how it turned out in the comments below!


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I made it last night for dinner with your Chinese fried rice recipe. It was delicious!
That sounds delicious! I’m so happy you tried and loved it!
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This turns out so good EVERYTIME! Reminds me of Pakistan. Can’t stop making it this winter
It’s the best!!
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Love this recipe because it is quick, easy and is a crowd pleaser! 💯