Description
Cabbage Manchurian is a crispy, flavorful Indo-Chinese appetizer made from shredded cabbage fritters tossed in a bold, spicy Manchurian sauce. This vegetarian fusion dish combines the crunch of deep-fried cabbage balls with a sweet, tangy, and savory sauce for a street food-style experience at home. Serve it dry as a starter or with gravy over rice for a full meal—either way, it’s an irresistible favorite!
Ingredients
For the cabbage balls:
- 2 cups finely shredded cabbage
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste
- 1–2 green chilies, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp spring onions (white part), finely chopped
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Oil, for frying
For the Manchurian sauce:
- 1 tbsp oil
- 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 1 tsp ginger, finely chopped
- 1 green chili, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup onion, chopped
- 1/4 cup bell pepper, chopped (optional)
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp tomato ketchup
- 1 tsp red chili sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp vinegar
- 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (slurry)
- Salt, to taste
- Spring onion greens, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix shredded cabbage, flour, cornstarch, ginger-garlic paste, green chilies, spring onions, salt, and pepper. Let sit for a few minutes to release moisture.
- Form small balls from the mixture. If needed, add more flour/cornstarch to help them bind.
- Heat oil in a deep pan and fry cabbage balls in batches until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
- For the sauce, heat oil in a wok. Sauté garlic, ginger, and green chilies until fragrant.
- Add chopped onions (and bell peppers, if using) and cook until slightly soft.
- Stir in soy sauce, ketchup, chili sauce, and vinegar. Add a little water and bring to a simmer.
- Add cornstarch slurry and stir until sauce thickens.
- Toss in the fried cabbage balls and coat well in the sauce.
- Garnish with spring onions and serve hot.
Notes
- For a dry version, reduce water and thicken the sauce to coat the fritters.
- For a gravy version, add more water or vegetable broth.
- Air fry or bake cabbage balls at 400°F (200°C) for a healthier alternative.
- Mix in grated carrots or mushrooms for added nutrition.
- Use gluten-free flour and soy sauce to make it gluten-free.
