Gobi Manchurian from Swig features crispy cauliflower florets tossed in a tangy, spicy Indo-Chinese sauce, garnished with fresh green onions, delivering a flavorful fusion of crunchy and savory notes.
Equipments
- Deep fryer or wok
- Mixing bowls
- Slotted spoon
- Saucepan
- Whisk
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Tongs
- Paper towels
- Serving plate
Ingredients
- 1 medium head cauliflower
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
- 3/4 cup water
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- 2 tablespoons oil (for sauce)
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon minced ginger
- 2-3 green onions (plus extra for garnish)
- 1-2 green chilies
- 1 small onion
- 1/2 small bell pepper
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon tomato ketchup
- 1 tablespoon chili sauce
- 1 teaspoon vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
Ensure your cauliflower florets are uniformly cut to achieve even frying and consistent crispiness. The combination of all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and baking powder creates a light, crunchy batter essential for authentic texture. Balance the tangy, spicy sauce carefully by adjusting soy sauce, ketchup, chili sauce, and vinegar to suit your taste. Fresh ingredients like minced garlic, ginger, and green chilies play a crucial role in delivering the bold Indo-Chinese flavors. You can recreate the delicious Gobi Manchurian from Swig with this copycat menu by following these ingredient proportions and preparation tips.
Instructions
- Instructions:
- Cut cauliflower into bite-sized florets and wash thoroughly.
- In a mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, black pepper, and red chili powder.
- Gradually add water to make a smooth, thick batter.
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or wok over medium-high heat.
- Dip cauliflower florets into the batter, ensuring they are well coated.
- Carefully drop battered florets into hot oil and fry until golden and crispy.
- Remove fried florets using a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
- Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a saucepan/wok over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic, minced ginger, and chopped green chilies; sauté until fragrant.
- Add chopped onions and bell pepper; stir-fry for 2-3 minutes.
- Add soy sauce, tomato ketchup, chili sauce, vinegar, sugar, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and salt to taste; whisk to combine.
- Stir in chopped green onions.
- Add fried cauliflower florets to the sauce and toss until well coated.
- Garnish with extra green onions.
- Serve hot on a serving plate.
Substitution
Gobi Manchurian from Swig copycat menu brings a delightful combination of crispy cauliflower florets coated in a flavorful batter, paired with a spicy Indo-Chinese sauce. If you don't have cornstarch, potato starch or rice flour can serve as effective substitutes to maintain the crunchiness. Use a wok or a deep fryer to achieve even frying, and avoid overcrowding the pan to keep the cauliflower crisp. When preparing the sauce, adjust the chili sauce according to your preferred heat level to balance the flavors perfectly. Keep paper towels handy to drain excess oil from the fried florets, ensuring your dish stays light rather than greasy.
Tips
Make sure your oil is hot enough before frying the cauliflower to achieve a crispy texture without sogginess; test by dropping a small batter piece which should sizzle immediately. Avoid overcrowding the fryer or wok since that lowers the oil temperature and results in less crispiness. When preparing the sauce, keep the heat moderate to prevent burnt garlic or ginger, which can turn the flavor bitter. Your florets should be tossed gently in the sauce just before serving to keep them crunchy and flavorful.
Nutritions
Gobi Manchurian provides a mix of nutrients from cauliflower, including vitamins C and K, folate, and dietary fiber, which support immune health and digestion. The deep-frying process increases the calorie and fat content, primarily from vegetable oil, contributing to the dish's crispy texture and rich flavor. Soy sauce and chili sauces add sodium and antioxidants, while fresh green onions offer additional vitamins and minerals. Your intake can be balanced by enjoying this flavorful dish in moderation alongside fresh vegetables or salads.
Storage
Store Gobi Manchurian in an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of cooking to maintain its crispiness and flavor. When reheating, use an oven or air fryer at 350degF for 5-7 minutes to restore the cauliflower's crunch instead of microwaving, which can make it soggy. Your leftovers can be safely kept for up to 2 days, ensuring freshness and taste.
Variation or Alternatives
You can experiment with substituting all-purpose flour with rice flour or chickpea flour in the batter to achieve a lighter and crispier texture for the cauliflower florets. Instead of deep-frying, try air frying the coated florets to reduce oil usage while maintaining crunchiness. For a variation in flavor, swap tomato ketchup with hoisin sauce or add a teaspoon of grated pineapple for a subtle sweetness in the sauce. Incorporating finely chopped cabbage or carrots alongside bell pepper can add extra crunch and freshness to the final dish.
Allergies
Gobi Manchurian contains soy sauce, which is a common allergen due to its soy content, potentially causing reactions in those with soy allergies. The all-purpose flour and cornstarch may also pose risks for individuals sensitive to gluten or corn. Your dish should be approached with caution if you have allergies related to soy, gluten, or corn-based ingredients.
Why this recipe?
Gobi Manchurian from Swig restaurant is highly appreciated for its perfect balance of crispy texture and tangy, flavorful sauce that tantalizes taste buds. The dish combines fresh cauliflower florets with a unique blend of Indo-Chinese spices, delivering a distinctive taste that stands out from typical vegetarian options. Your efforts to recreate this recipe at home will allow you to control the spice levels and freshness, resulting in a healthier, customized version of a beloved classic. Swig's Gobi Manchurian represents an ideal fusion of authentic flavors that make it an exciting culinary project worth trying.