Gobi Manchurian is a beloved Indo-Chinese dish that features crispy cauliflower florets coated in a sweet and tangy sauce. It’s a perfect appetizer, snack, or even main course, and it’s sure to tantalize your taste buds with its unique blend of flavors and textures.
This recipe is easy to follow, yet delivers restaurant-quality results. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to whip up a batch of this deliciousness!
Ingredients:
- 1 medium cauliflower, cut into florets
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon garam masala
- 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1/4 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
- Salt to taste
- Vegetable oil for frying
For the sauce:
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon vinegar
- 1 tablespoon tomato ketchup
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon green chili sauce
- 1/4 cup water
- Cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water)
- Chopped green onions, for garnish
Instructions:
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Marinate the cauliflower:
In a large bowl, combine the cauliflower florets with the flour, cornstarch, red chili powder, garam masala, turmeric powder, ginger-garlic paste, and salt. Mix well to coat the cauliflower evenly. Set aside for 30 minutes.
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Heat oil for frying:
In a large wok or frying pan, heat enough oil for deep frying over medium-high heat. Test the oil by dropping a small piece of batter in. If it sizzles and floats immediately, the oil is hot enough.
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Fry the cauliflower:
Working in batches, carefully add the marinated cauliflower florets to the hot oil and fry until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
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Make the sauce:
In a separate pan, combine the soy sauce, vinegar, ketchup, sugar, red chili powder, and green chili sauce. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
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Thicken the sauce:
Add the cornstarch slurry to the sauce and cook until thickened and glossy.
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Assemble the dish:
Add the fried cauliflower florets to the sauce and toss gently to coat. Garnish with chopped green onions and serve hot.
Tips:
- For a spicier dish, add more red chili powder to the marinade or sauce.
- You can also add other vegetables to the dish, such as carrots, bell peppers, or broccoli.
- If you don’t have cornstarch, you can substitute it with all-purpose flour.
- Serve Gobi Manchurian with fried rice, noodles, or roti for a complete meal.
Gobi Manchurian FAQs:
Q1. Can I bake the cauliflower instead of frying it?
Yes, you can! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake the marinated cauliflower florets for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
Q2. What can I substitute for soy sauce?
If you don’t have soy sauce, you can use tamari sauce, coconut aminos, or even a mixture of equal parts oyster sauce and water.
Q3. Can I make this dish vegan?
Absolutely! Use vegetable broth instead of water for the sauce, and make sure your other ingredients are vegan-friendly. You can also substitute tofu or tempeh for the cauliflower for a different protein option.
Q4. What other sauces can I use with Gobi Manchurian?
You can experiment with different sauces depending on your preference. Sweet and sour sauce, chili garlic sauce, or even a honey sriracha sauce can be delicious variations.
Q5. How long can I store leftover Gobi Manchurian?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. However, the cauliflower will lose some of its crispness as it sits.
Q6. What side dishes go well with Gobi Manchurian?
Fried rice, noodles, roti, or even simple steamed vegetables are all great options to pair with this dish.
Q7. What are some alternative vegetables I can use?
While cauliflower is traditional, you can use other vegetables like broccoli, carrots, bell peppers, or even tofu.
Q8. How can I adjust the spice level?
Start with the suggested amount of red chili powder and adjust to your taste. You can also add chopped green chilies to the sauce for an extra kick.
Q9. Is Gobi Manchurian healthy?
It depends on how you prepare it. Baking the cauliflower instead of frying it will definitely make it healthier. You can also adjust the sugar and oil content to suit your dietary needs.
Q10. I don’t have garam masala. Can I use something else?
Garam masala is a blend of spices, but you can substitute it with a mixture of ground cumin, coriander, cardamom, cloves, and black pepper.