Maggi Manchurian is a unique exotic Indo-Chinese fusion dish wherein Manchurian balls of Maggi noodles and vegetables are deep-fried and simmered in thick Manchurian gravy. This indulgent Maggi Manchurian Recipe stands out extravagantly amongst the Indo-Chinese cuisine with its unique combination and an absolutely different way to relish Maggi in a Manchurian style.
What is Maggi Manchurian?
Maggi Manchurian is an Indo-Chinese dish prepared by deep frying Maggi noodle balls along with vegetables and spices and simmered in semi-dry spicy, garlicky Manchurian gravy.
Maggi is India’s top comfort food which is instantly prepared in the most convenient manner.
However, nowadays Maggi is prepared and relished in a number of different ways; one such is Maggi Manchurian.
Usually, Manchurian is made by preparing kofta balls of cauliflower, vegetables and even minced chicken but what makes this dish unique is the preparation of crispy balls using Maggie and vegetables.
The best part about this Maggi Manchurian Recipe is that it can be eaten in gravy form by preparing a semi-dry sauce as well as eaten in the form of an appetizer by cooking it dry.
There is room for adjusting the consistency according to your wish.
This dish is served well with Spicy Hakka noodles, Fried Rice and Spring Rolls.
How Did Maggi Manchurian Originate?
Manchurian is a very popular Chinese dish which was inaugurated in India in the 1980s brought by Chinese Chef Nelson Wang.
Manchurian comes with versatile variations such as the ones consisting of balls made of vegetables, some comprising coating meat and vegetables such as prawns, chicken, paneer cubes and cauliflower.
The Manchurian sauce is a spicy semi-dry soup of garlic, vegetables, spices and traditional Chinese sauces.
When we talk about the origin of Maggi, undoubtedly, it is considered as comfort food for most of the Indians since its launch in 1982 which was then termed as a ‘convenience food product’ for most working women.
This dish combines both these contrasting dishes in the most flavoursome manner.
Health Benefits of Eating Maggi Manchurian
This Maggi Manchurian Recipe definitely consists of ingredients that are good for your health and well-being so you can enjoy this dish guilt-free!
1. Boosts Energy
Maggi contains a great number of carbohydrates which gives a pack of energy for running all your daily tasks.
According to Tarla Dalal, Maggi provides a total of 8% of the daily value requirements based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Maggi is also quite filling and may keep you full for a long time.
2. Prevents Vitamin A Deficiency
According to Nestle, Maggi contains a good amount of Vitamin A which is the primary reason of night-blindness and delayed growth and infertility.
This dish is also prepared by adding carrots which contain beta-carotene, an antioxidant which upon intake converts into Vitamin A.
Carrots are also a low-calorie vegetable that contains high amounts of fibre, eventually promoting a healthy digestive system.
3. Improves Digestion
Health.com believes that soy sauce, which is poured and simmered in the gravy of Maggi Manchurian can help with promoting a smooth digestive tract due to its ability to support and multiply the growth of healthy bacteria in the digestive system preventing constipation and irritable bowel syndrome.
Soy sauce also helps in providing rich, dark colour and a pungent taste to the dish. A great alternative to salt!
4. Promotes Eye Health
Adding capsicums in Maggi Manchurian is a wonderful idea.
This is because capsicums carry numerous health benefits.
They are packed with lutein and zeaxanthin which are essential antioxidants required for the health of your eyes.
According to a study by The American Optometric Association, eating capsicums can also help in avoiding chronic eye ailments and cataracts.
5. Prevents Anaemia
Maggi is believed to be fortified with iron which is an important mineral responsible for the production of haemoglobin in the blood.
Iron deficiency can cause anaemia. Moreover, capsicum contains a great amount of iron and vitamin C, the combination of both these nutrients allows the body to efficiently absorb more iron.
6. Combats Illnesses
The Manchurian gravy is simmered in a lot of garlic which is extremely beneficial for health.
According to PubMed, studies show that because of the antiviral and antimicrobial properties of garlic, it is capable of preventing and relieving common cold and flu.
Garlic can be easily incorporated in a child’s as well as an adult’s diet to prevent symptoms of such common illnesses like cold and flu.
7. Reduces the Risk of Cancer
Any Chinese dish is incomplete without the garnishing of spring onions.
Not only used in garnishing, but spring onions are also used in filling as well as simmered in the gravy.
Spring onions are rich in Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin K, allyl sulphide and flavonoids.
According to The Health Site, the sulphur present in spring onions reduces the risks of colon cancer.
Flavonoids prevent the growth of cancer-causing enzymes which may cause damage to the DNA cells.
Spring onions are extremely healthy and must be incorporated in your daily diet.
8. Lowers Blood Pressure
Cabbage is full of nutrients but is often overlooked.
Cabbage plays a great role in lowering blood pressure hence, preventing heart strokes and other heart ailments.
It is rich in potassium which maintains the blood pressure levels and avoids a spike.
Consuming cabbage also detoxifies your body by flushing out harmful chemicals.
Maggi Manchurian remains incomplete without a decent portion of cabbage!
9. Increases the Metabolism in the Body
Green chilis are one of the classic ingredients in this dish.
They play a major role in the health and wellness of the body and mind.
One such benefit is that it aids in increasing the metabolism of the body therefore, maintaining a healthy weight.
Green chilis have almost zero calories and according to Kohinoor Foods, they are believed to accelerate the metabolic process by 50% for up to 2-3 hours after consuming.
They are excellent fat burners and help you remain healthy and fit.
10. Promotes Heart Health
To make this dish extra flavourful, what better can be added than onions!
Onions not only add a delicious flavour to the dish, but it also comes with numerous health benefits.
One such is promoting heart health.
Onions contain anti-inflammatory properties as well as powerful antioxidants that maintain the blood pressure levels.
Quercetin, the antioxidant found in onions, is responsible for reducing the risk of heart strokes and attacks.
According to a study by the National Centre for Biotechnology Information, it is recommended to incorporate onions in the daily diet.
Maggi Manchurian Recipe
Maggi Manchurian Recipe is prepared by simmering Indo-Chinese flavours and using desi Chinese ingredients.
In this recipe, we have used Maggie-2 minute masala noodles.
However, you can switch to a healthier alternative by choosing Atta noodles or Oats Masala noodles or in fact, any other brand of instant noodles.
For the Manchurian gravy, we have used Chinese sauces with an Indian-style.
Sauces used in the dish are:
Soy sauce, Green chilli sauce, Tomato ketchup and Schezwan chutney.
In some of the variations of Maggi Manchurian Recipe, people also like to add Maggi Masala-ae-Magic, a powdered mix of roasted spices used as a delicious taste enhancer.
Prep Time: 20 minutes Cook Time: 30 minutes Total Time: 50 minutes Serves: 4 Calories: 480 cal Cuisine: Indo-Chinese
Ingredients for the Maggi Manchurian Balls
2-3 packets of Maggi noodles, 1 teaspoon butter, 1 teaspoon olive oil, 2 packets/mini boxes of Maggie taste enhancer, 2-3 cups of water, ½ cup finely chopped onion, ½ cup finely chopped carrots, Salt to taste, ½ cup finely chopped cabbage, ½ chopped capsicum, ¼ cup chopped spring onion, ¼ teaspoon soy sauce, 1 teaspoon ginger garlic paste, 1 cup cornflour, ½ cup all-purpose flour (maida) and Sufficient oil for frying.
Procedure
Begin by boiling the Maggi along with the taste enhancer for around 7-8 minutes in 2-3 cups of water. Make sure you crush the noodles well. The Maggi must not be overboiled and mushy. After boiling them well, drain it into a large bowl and sprinkle some olive oil on it. let it cool completely. In the same bowl add 1 tsp butter, chopped onions, chopped carrots, chopped cabbage, chopped capsicum and finely cut spring onions along with ginger garlic paste and soy sauce. Add salt to taste and combine the mixture well. Now it is time to add the cornflour and all-purpose flour in good amounts and knead them into a soft dough but make sure you are not mashing the noodles completely. You can sprinkle some water if the dough looks very dry. Next, prepare Kofta sized balls. If the dough is sticky, grease your hands with oil. This will further help in coating a crispy texture on the outside after frying. Once the balls are prepared, deep fry them in vegetable oil on a medium flame till they turn crispy and golden brown. Once the balls are deep-fried, keep them aside.
Ingredients for the Manchurian Gravy
1-2 tablespoon oil, ¼ cup finely chopped garlic, 1 inch finely chopped ginger, 2 green chillies, slit, ¼ cup chopped spring onions, 1 cup chopped onions, 1 cup cubed capsicum, 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 teaspoon vinegar (optional), ¼ cup tomato ketchup, 1 teaspoon green chilli sauce, 2 tsp Schezwan chutney, 1 teaspoon red chilli powder, ¼ teaspoon black pepper powder, Salt to taste, ¼ teaspoon sugar and 1 to 2 cups water (depending on the desired consistency).
Procedure
In a wok, heat 1-2 tablespoons of oil and add chopped garlic and ginger. Let them fry for a while and add slit green chillies and spring onion. On a high flame, sauté the onions until they become translucent and add 1/4 teaspoon of sugar to nicely caramelise them. Next, add capsicum and stir fry it for about 2 to 3 minutes. Now it is time to add the sauces. Add tomato ketchup, vinegar (optional), soy sauce, green chilli sauce and Schezwan chutney. Mix the sauce well till they coat the onions and capsicums well. Add salt to taste and black pepper powder. Meanwhile, prepare a mixture of 1 teaspoon red chilli powder in half cup of water and add it to the gravy. Next, it is time to add water depending on the consistency you wish for. If you want to prepare this dish dry there is no need to add water. However, if you want a semi-dry gravy, add 1 cup of water and 2 cups if you want more gravy. Once the sauce is perfectly mixed and simmers for about 3 to 4 minutes, add the Maggie balls and coat them well with the gravy. Let them simmer on a closed lid for about a minute or two. Serve hot with steamed rice, fried rice or Hakka noodles.
Notes
- Make sure the Maggi is not overboiled. It is completely fine if you feel it is not boiled properly. Keep the noodles undercooked to make the dough properly.
- Feel free to add vegetables and herbs of your choice. You can add cilantro, chopped cauliflower, chopped celery, chopped spinach to make the Manchurian balls healthier.
- For a healthy alternative, instead of regular instant noodles, you can also use atta noodles or oat noodles.
- Serve as an appetizer or a dish, with Spring Rolls, Steamed rice, Fried rice, Hakka noodles, Vegetable Stir Fry or with a sizzler.
Maggi Manchurian Recipe
Ingredients
For the Maggi Manchurian Balls
- 2-3 packets of Maggi noodles
- 1 tsp butter
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 2 packets/mini boxes of Maggie taste enhancer
- 2-3 cups of water
- ½ cup finely chopped onion
- ½ cup finely chopped carrots
- ½ cup chopped cabbage
- ½ chopped capsicum
- ¼ cup chopped spring onion
- ¾ tsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp ginger garlic paste
- Salt to taste
- 1 cup cornflour
- ½ cup all-purpose flour (maida)
- Sufficient oil for frying
For the Manchurian Gravy
- 1-2 tbsp oil
- ¼ cup finely chopped garlic
- 1 inch finely chopped ginger
- 2 green chillies slit
- ¼ cup cup chopped spring onions
- 1 cup chopped onions
- 1 cup cubed capsicum
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp vinegar (optional)
- ¼ cup tomato ketchup
- 1 tsp green chilli sauce
- 2 tsp Schezwan chutney
- 1 tsp red chilli powder
- ¼ tsp black pepper powder
- Salt to taste
- ¼ tsp sugar
- 1-2 cups water depending on consistency
Instructions
To Make the Maggi Manchurian Balls
- Begin by boiling the Maggi along with the taste enhancer for around 7-8 minutes in 2-3 cups of water. Make sure you crush the noodles well. The Maggi must not be overboiled and mushy.
- After boiling them well, drain it into a large bowl and sprinkle some olive oil on it. let it cool completely.
- In the same bowl add 1 tsp butter, chopped onions, chopped carrots, chopped cabbage, chopped capsicum and finely cut spring onions along with ginger garlic paste and soy sauce. Add salt to taste and combine the mixture well.
- Now it is time to add the cornflour and all-purpose flour in good amounts and knead them into a soft dough but make sure you are not mashing the noodles completely. You can sprinkle some water if the dough looks very dry.
- Next, prepare Kofta sized balls. If the dough is sticky, grease your hands with oil. This will further help in coating a crispy texture on the outside after frying.
- Once the balls are prepared, deep fry them in vegetable oil on a medium flame till they turn crispy and golden brown. Once the balls are deep-fried, keep them aside.
To Make the Manchurian Gravy
- In a wok, heat 1-2 tablespoons of oil and add chopped garlic and ginger. Let them fry for a while and add slit green chillies and spring onion.
- On a high flame, sauté the onions until they become translucent and add 1/4 teaspoon of sugar to nicely caramelise them. Next, add capsicum and stir fry it for about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Now it is time to add the sauces. Add tomato ketchup, vinegar (optional), soy sauce, green chilli sauce and Schezwan chutney. Mix well the sauce well till they coat the onions and capsicums well.
- Add salt to taste and black pepper powder. Meanwhile, prepare a mixture of 1 tsp red chilli powder in half cup of water and add it to the gravy.
- Next, it is time to add water depending on the consistency you wish for. If you want to prepare this dish dry there is no need to add water. However, if you want a semi-dry gravy, add one cup of water and 2 cups if you want more gravy. Once the sauce is perfectly mixed and simmers for about 3 to 4 minutes, add the Maggie balls and coat them well with the gravy.
- Let them simmer on a closed lid for about a minute or two.
- Serve hot with steamed rice, fried rice or Hakka noodles.
Notes
- Make sure the Maggi is not overboiled. It is completely fine if you feel it is not boiled properly. Keep the noodles undercooked to make the dough properly.
- Feel free to add vegetables and herbs of your choice. You can add cilantro, chopped cauliflower, chopped celery, chopped spinach to make the Manchurian balls healthier.
- For a healthy alternative, instead of regular instant noodles, you can also use atta noodles or oat noodles.
- Serve as an appetizer or a dish, with Spring Rolls, Steamed rice, Fried rice, Hakka noodles, Vegetable Stir Fry or with a sizzler.
Nutritional Value of Maggi Manchurian
The important nutrients present in Maggi Manchurian are given below based on per serving according to the 2000 calorie diet.
| Proteins | 4.2 g |
| Energy | 120 cal |
| Total fat | 10.9 g |
| Cholesterol | 3.8 mg |
| Sodium | 364.4 mg |
| Potassium | 137.7 mg |
| Vitamin A | 44.4% |
| Vitamin B6 | 3.1% |
| Vitamin C | 8.2% |
| Vitamin E | 20.7% |
| Calcium | 2.6% |
| Iron | 4.8% |
| Magnesium | 2.8% |
| Folate | 9.6% |
| Niacin | 5.6% |
| Phosphorus | 4.1% |
| Copper | 2.2% |
| Thiamin | 7.7% |
| Selenium | 5.9% |
Daily value % is based on a 2000 calorie diet. Depending on individual calorie needs, daily values may be higher or lower.
The Takeaway
Maggi Manchurian is an absolute delight if you are looking for something spectacular in the Indo-Chinese cuisine.
Its relishing Chinese flavours mixed with crispy and spicy Maggi balls will definitely leave a savoury essence on your tastebuds.
Although this dish is high in calories, adding lots of vegetables can make it a lot more healthy.
This Maggi Manchurian Recipe can be served at parties and get-togethers and is very effortless to prepare.
This unique dish is also for all those Maggi lovers who are bored of eating Maggi the regular way.
This Maggi Manchurian Recipe is a must-try as it is peppery and flavoursome in absolute best ways!
Anushka is a passionate writer and works at F and B Recipes. She loves poetry and is currently pursuing a degree in media and communications.