🧀 Paneer Manchurian Recipe | Restaurant-Style Dry Paneer Manchurian at Home

If you love Indo-Chinese cuisine, then this Paneer Manchurian Recipe is a must-try! With its crispy fried paneer cubes tossed in a bold, spicy, and tangy Manchurian sauce, it’s one of the most popular vegetarian Indo-Chinese starters served in restaurants, food courts, and street-side Indo-Chinese stalls across India.

Whether you’re preparing dry paneer Manchurian for snacks or opting for a gravy-style Manchurian to pair with fried rice or noodles, this dish delivers a flavor-packed experience.

📝 Ingredients

For Paneer Frying:

• Paneer – 250g (cut into cubes)

• Cornflour – 3 tbsp

• All-purpose flour (maida) – 2 tbsp

• Black pepper – ½ tsp

• Salt – to taste

• Water – as needed to make batter

• Oil – for deep frying

For Manchurian Sauce:

• Oil – 1 tbsp

• Garlic – 1 tbsp (finely chopped)

• Ginger – 1 tsp (finely chopped)

• Green chilies – 2 (slit or chopped)

• Onion – 1 small (cubed or chopped)

• Capsicum (green bell pepper) – ½ (cubed)

• Red chili sauce – 1 tbsp

• Soy sauce – 1 tbsp

• Tomato ketchup – 2 tbsp

• Vinegar – 1 tsp

• Cornflour slurry – 1 tsp cornflour + 2 tbsp water (optional)

• Salt – to taste

• Spring onion greens – for garnish

• Crushed black pepper – to taste

👨‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

🔹 Step 1: Prepare and Fry Paneer

1. In a bowl, combine cornflour, maida, salt, pepper, and water to make a thick batter.

2. Coat each paneer cube evenly with the batter.

3. Heat oil in a deep pan and fry the coated paneer cubes on medium-high heat until golden and crispy.

4. Drain on kitchen paper to remove excess oil.

✅ For a healthier version, paneer can be air-fried or shallow-fried.

🔹 Step 2: Make the Manchurian Sauce

1. Heat 1 tbsp oil in a wok or large pan.

2. Add finely chopped garlic, ginger, and green chilies. Sauté for 30 seconds.

3. Add onions and capsicum. Stir-fry for 2 minutes on high flame.

4. Mix in red chili sauce, soy sauce, tomato ketchup, vinegar, and a pinch of salt.

5. Stir well. Add cornflour slurry if you want a slightly sticky texture.

6. Toss the fried paneer cubes into the sauce and stir until well coated.

7. Add crushed black pepper for heat and adjust salt.

8. Garnish with spring onion greens and serve hot.

🔥 Use high heat for authentic Indo-Chinese flavor.

🍽️ When to Serve Paneer Manchurian

This Indo-Chinese classic is perfect for:

• Parties & get-togethers – A hit vegetarian appetizer.

• Evening snacks – Enjoy with a hot cup of chai or cold drink.

• Festive occasions – Paneer starters are always in demand.

• Starter for Indo-Chinese meals – Pairs well with Hakka noodles or fried rice.

• Lunchbox special – Kids love the dry version.

🍛 Variation: Paneer Manchurian Gravy

If you prefer the gravy version:

• Add 1 cup of water or vegetable stock after the sauces.

• Increase the cornflour slurry to 2 tsp to thicken the sauce.

• Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes before adding the fried paneer.

🍜 Serve hot with steamed rice or Chinese fried rice.

🧠 Expert Tips for Perfect Paneer Manchurian

• Use fresh, soft paneer for best texture. You can even soak paneer cubes in warm water for 5 minutes if using store-bought.

• Double frying the paneer gives an extra crisp bite.

• Stir-fry vegetables on high heat to retain crunch and color.

• Always add fried paneer just before serving to keep it crisp.

• Make it gluten-free by replacing maida with rice flour or chickpea flour.

🧮 Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – Approx. 200g)

🥗 For a healthier recipe, use paneer made from toned milk and pan-fry instead of deep frying.

❓ FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I make this with tofu instead of paneer?
A: Yes! Tofu Manchurian is a great vegan alternative.

Q: How do I make it ahead for a party?
A: Fry the paneer and prep the sauce in advance. Toss them together just before serving to keep the paneer crispy.

Q: Can I skip capsicum and onion?
A: While they add crunch and flavor, you can skip or replace them with other veggies like carrots or cabbage.

💬 Interesting Facts

This dry paneer Manchurian recipe is the perfect fusion starter, blending Chinese sauces with Indian spices. Whether you’re cooking for guests or making an indulgent evening snack, this restaurant-style spicy paneer dish never disappoints.

With bold flavors, crispy texture, and easy-to-find ingredients, homemade paneer Manchurian is a delightful alternative to popular dishes like Gobi Manchurian or chilli paneer.

So, next time you’re craving something crispy, spicy, and utterly satisfying—try this Paneer Manchurian recipe and impress everyone at the table!