Fish Manchurian
Crispy, batter-fried fish fillets tossed in a savory and tangy Manchurian sauce. This popular Indo-Chinese appetizer is packed with flavors of ginger, garlic, and soy, perfect for a weeknight treat or a party starter.
For 4 servings
Prepare the Fish and Batter (10 minutes)
- Pat the fish cubes completely dry with paper towels. This is crucial for a crispy coating.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together maida, 4 tbsp cornflour, ginger-garlic paste, 1 tbsp soy sauce, egg, black pepper powder, and 0.5 tsp salt.
- Gradually add about 3 tbsp of water, whisking continuously, to form a thick, smooth batter that coats the back of a spoon without being too runny.
- Add the fish cubes to the batter and toss gently to ensure each piece is evenly coated. Let it marinate for at least 10 minutes.
Fry the Fish (10 minutes)
- Heat oil for deep frying in a wok or deep pan over medium-high heat. The oil is ready when a drop of batter sizzles and rises to the surface immediately.
- Carefully slide the battered fish pieces into the hot oil one by one, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry in 2-3 batches.
- Fry for 4-5 minutes, turning occasionally, until the fish is golden brown, crispy, and cooked through.
- Using a slotted spoon, remove the fried fish and drain on a wire rack to maintain crispiness.
Prepare the Manchurian Sauce (5 minutes)
- In a separate wok or large pan, heat 2 tbsp of oil over high heat.
- Add the finely chopped ginger, garlic, and green chilies. Sauté for 30-45 seconds until they are fragrant.
- Add the diced onion and capsicum. Stir-fry for 2 minutes, keeping the heat high, so the vegetables are slightly cooked but remain crunchy.
- Reduce the heat to medium. Add 2 tbsp soy sauce, red chili sauce, vinegar, ketchup, sugar, and 0.25 tsp salt. Stir well to combine.
Combine and Serve (3 minutes)
- In a small bowl, mix 1 tbsp cornflour with 1/4 cup of water to create a lump-free slurry.
- Pour 1/2 cup of water into the wok with the sauce and bring it to a simmer.
- While stirring the sauce, slowly pour in the cornflour slurry. Continue to cook and stir for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens to a glossy consistency.
- Turn off the heat. Add the fried fish pieces to the wok. Toss gently to coat the fish evenly with the sauce.
- Garnish with chopped spring onion greens and serve immediately for the best texture.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For extra crispy fish, you can double-fry it. Fry once until light golden, remove, and then fry again for 1-2 minutes in hotter oil just before adding to the sauce.
- 2Ensure all your sauce ingredients and vegetables are prepped and ready (mise en place) before you start stir-frying, as the process is very fast.
- 3Do not overcook the onions and bell peppers; they should retain a distinct crunch to provide texture contrast.
- 4To prevent the fish from becoming soggy, add it to the sauce just before serving.
- 5Adjust the amount of red chili sauce and green chilies to control the spice level to your preference.
Adapt it for your goals.
Gravy Version
For a gravy-style Fish Manchurian, increase the water for the sauce to 1.5 cups and the cornflour slurry to 2 tbsp cornflour mixed with 1/2 cup water. Serve with fried rice or noodles.
Healthier AlternativeHealthier Alternative
Instead of deep-frying, you can pan-fry the battered fish in a few tablespoons of oil until golden and cooked. Alternatively, spray with oil and bake in an oven or air fryer at 200°C (400°F) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway.
Protein SwapProtein Swap
This recipe works wonderfully with other proteins. Substitute the fish with boneless chicken cubes, prawns, or paneer for a vegetarian option.
Add More VeggiesAdd More Veggies
Feel free to add other quick-cooking vegetables like sliced carrots, baby corn, or different colored bell peppers for more color and nutrition.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Protein
Fish is a high-quality protein source, essential for building and repairing tissues, muscle development, and overall body function.
Rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Many types of fish used in this recipe, like cod, are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, which are known to support heart health, reduce inflammation, and improve brain function.
Frequently asked questions
A typical serving of Fish Manchurian (around 250g) contains approximately 400-500 calories. The calorie count can vary based on the type of fish used and the amount of oil absorbed during frying.