Are you tired of the same old boring lunch options day after day? It's time to switch things up with a saucy, spicy Manchurian Paneer Kati Roll recipe. Bursting with bold Indian flavors and packed with hearty ingredients, this dish is the perfect way to satisfy your cravings while adding a little spice to your meal.

What is Manchurian?

Manchurian is an Indian Chinese or IndoChinese dish, consisting of deep fried cauliflower or paneer seasoned in a spicy brown sauce served with vegetables. The sauce is made of garlic, ginger, chilies and soy sauce. Then thickened with cornstarch. The protein is then added to this batter. Popular variations of Manchurian use chicken, cauliflower, paneer cheese.

Ingredients for Manchurian Paneer Kati Roll

To create a delicious Manchurian Paneer Kati Roll, you will need a handful of flavorful ingredients.

Paneer - Firm Indian cheese that is creamy and mild flavored
Bell Peppers - Cut into thin strips
Onions - Thinly sliced
Yogurt - Plain yogurt, Greek yogurt is preferred because it is thicker and helps to coat the paneer cubes easily
Chickpea Flour (besan) - Helps to get the seasoning to stick to the paneer cubes
Ginger - Fresh ginger that is freshly grated
Garlic - Fresh minced garlic
Soy Sauce - Any variety, I like to use dark soy sauce for this recipe because it is slightly thicker than regular
Chili Garlic Sauce - This sauce adds a little heat and a lot of flavor!
Flakey Parathas or Chapattis or Tortillas - I grab these from either the Indian grocery stores or Asian super markets. You can also find parathas at Trader Joes and other specialty grocery stores
Chili Sauce - This sauce is super spicy and pretty salty as well. So taste before you add to your kati roll and adjust to your liking.
Green Onions - Chopped green onions or scallions for topping

With these ingredients, you'll have everything you need to create a lunch that's bursting with flavor and texture. (These Grilled Schezwan Paneer Kati Rolls are also a great option when you are craving something spicy!)

Preparation

Start by cutting the paneer into cubes. Then cut the onions and peppers into strips. Make sure to slice the onions and bell peppers thinly so that they cook evenly and give a nice texture to the dish.
Next, prepare the Manchurian batter to season the paneer cubes. Mix together chickpea flour, yogurt, garlic, ginger, soy sauce and chili garlic sauce in a small bowl. Add the paneer cubes to this mixture and toss to combine.
Heat some oil in a pan and add the sliced onions and peppers. Saute them for a few minutes, until they soften slightly but still have some crunch left. Remove from pan.
Now, it's time to add the paneer to the pan. Cook it for a few minutes on each side until it turns slightly golden. Remove from pan with the cooked onions and peppers.
Warm the parathas or tortillas for the kati roll base. Take a paratha and place a spoonful of the paneer cubes, onions and peppers in the center. Top with chopped green onions and a spoonful of chutney or hot sauce if desired. Roll it tightly so that the filling is secured inside. Enjoy!

chapati with manchurian paneer and peppers

Variations

Looking to switch up your kati roll game? There are endless possibilities when it comes to variations of this tasty street food. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Spicy: If you're a fan of heat, add some extra chili powder or chopped green chilies to the filling. You can also swap out the chili garlic sauce for a spicier version or just add more.
Cheesy: If you're a cheese lover, try adding some shredded mozzarella or cheddar to the filling.
Veggie-packed: Load up on the veggies by adding in some shredded carrots, cabbage, or spinach. You can also use different types of lettuce leaves for the wrap. Fresh veggies also help to add more crunch!
Meaty: If you're looking for a non-vegetarian version, try adding in some grilled chicken or shrimp to the filling. Or you can add a thin egg omelette to the paratha layer before adding the rest of the filling.

kati roll with spicy schezwan flavored paneer

Tips & Tricks to make the Prefect Paneer Kati Roll

Make sure that the paneer is well-cooked and seasoned before adding it to the wrap. This will prevent any blandness and make sure that every bite is flavorful.
Wrap the kati roll tightly to prevent any spillage or mess.
Don't be afraid to experiment. If you prefer a spicier version, add more hot sauce. If you need to keep it mild, reduce the sauces. You can also add in some fresh veggies like lettuce and onions to add crunch and texture.
If you're making these for a group, consider setting up a DIY kati roll station. This will allow everyone to customize their own rolls to their liking and make for a fun and interactive meal.

Manchurian Paneer Kati Roll is a delicious and satisfying lunch option that is easy to make and packed with bold flavors.

📖 Recipe