Mushroom Manchurian Gravy
Crispy, batter-fried mushrooms tossed in a savory, tangy, and slightly sweet Manchurian sauce. This popular Indo-Chinese dish is a perfect side for fried rice or noodles.
For 4 servings
Prepare the Batter and Coat Mushrooms
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup cornflour, ginger-garlic paste, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper powder.
- Gradually add 1/2 cup of water, whisking continuously to form a smooth, thick batter that coats the back of a spoon without being too runny.
- Add the cleaned and cut mushrooms to the batter. Gently toss until each piece is evenly coated.
Deep-Fry the Mushrooms
- Heat the vegetable oil in a wok or deep pan over medium-high heat. The oil is ready when a small drop of batter sizzles and rises to the surface immediately.
- Carefully drop the battered mushrooms one by one into the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry in 2-3 batches.
- Fry for 4-5 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown and crisp.
- Using a slotted spoon, remove the fried mushrooms and drain them on a wire rack or a plate lined with paper towels. Set aside.
Prepare the Manchurian Gravy
- In a separate wok or large pan, heat the sesame oil on high heat. Add the chopped ginger, garlic, and slit green chilies. Sauté for 30-45 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the diced onion and capsicum. Stir-fry for 1-2 minutes to keep them crunchy.
- Reduce the heat to medium. Add the soy sauce, red chili sauce, tomato ketchup, rice vinegar, sugar, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Stir well and cook for 1 minute.
- Pour in 1.5 cups of water and bring the mixture to a rolling boil.
Thicken Gravy and Finish the Dish
- In a small bowl, mix 1 tbsp of cornflour with 1/4 cup of water to create a lump-free slurry.
- While continuously stirring the boiling gravy, slowly pour in the cornflour slurry. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency.
- Just before serving, add the crispy fried mushrooms to the gravy. Gently toss to coat them completely.
- Simmer for only 1 minute to allow the mushrooms to absorb the flavors without losing their crispness.
- Garnish with freshly chopped spring onion greens and serve immediately.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For extra crispy mushrooms, double-fry them. Fry once, let them cool slightly, then fry again for a minute before adding to the gravy.
- 2Add the fried mushrooms to the gravy only when you are ready to serve to prevent them from becoming soggy.
- 3Do not overcrowd the pan while frying; this lowers the oil temperature and makes the mushrooms oily.
- 4Stir-fry the vegetables on high heat to maintain their crunchiness and vibrant color.
- 5Adjust the sauces to your taste. For more heat, add more chili sauce; for more tang, add a bit more vinegar.
Adapt it for your goals.
Healthier Version
Instead of deep-frying, pan-fry the battered mushrooms in a few tablespoons of oil until golden, or bake/air-fry them at 200°C (400°F) for 15-20 minutes until crisp.
Dry Mushroom ManchurianDry Mushroom Manchurian
For a dry appetizer version, reduce the water for the gravy to 2-3 tablespoons and omit the cornflour slurry. Toss the fried mushrooms in the thick sauce to coat.
Gluten Free VersionGluten-Free Version
Replace the all-purpose flour with rice flour and use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce.
Other VegetablesOther Vegetables
This recipe works wonderfully with other vegetables like cauliflower (Gobi Manchurian), baby corn, or paneer.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in B Vitamins
Mushrooms are a good source of B vitamins like riboflavin (B2), niacin (B3), and pantothenic acid (B5), which are essential for converting food into energy and maintaining a healthy nervous system.
Source of Antioxidants
Mushrooms contain powerful antioxidants like selenium and ergothioneine. These compounds help protect body cells from oxidative damage caused by free radicals, which contributes to aging and various health issues.
Supports Immune Function
The nutrients in mushrooms, particularly selenium and beta-glucans, can help strengthen the immune system, making your body more effective at fending off illness.
Frequently asked questions
One serving of Mushroom Manchurian Gravy contains approximately 350-450 calories. The exact number can vary based on the amount of oil absorbed during the frying process.