Chinese Paratha Recipe - How to Make Street-Style Chinese Paratha
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Time to read 4 min
Key Takeaways
- Chinese paratha is a modern street-style fusion, combining soft Indian paratha dough with bold Indo-Chinese stir-fried vegetable flavors.
- Moisture control is the key to success, which is why vegetables are stir-fried on high heat and cooled before stuffing.
- Rolling gently and cooking on medium heat helps maintain crisp layers outside while keeping the inside soft and well-cooked.
- The filling is customizable, allowing swaps for sauces, vegetables, or even small amounts of noodles without losing texture.
- Chinese paratha works as a snack, meal, or experiment-friendly dish, especially for those who enjoy creative paratha variations.
There are sounds you never forget. Vegetables hitting a hot pan, garlic crackling, and sauces going in fast. That sound usually belonged to a street-side Indo-Chinese stall, not a paratha vendor. But food has a way of crossing lines. Someone, somewhere, decided to wrap those bold, crunchy flavors inside a paratha. And the legendary Chinese paratha was born!!
This isn’t a traditional recipe passed down through generations. It’s a modern street-style creation. A mashup that combines soft Indian dough with sharp Indo-Chinese flavors. If you enjoy experimenting with parathas beyond the usual fillings, this one fits right in.
What is Chinese Paratha?
Chinese paratha is a stuffed Indian flatbread filled with a dry, stir-fried Indo-Chinese vegetable mixture. The filling usually includes cabbage, carrots, capsicum, garlic, and sauces like soy, vinegar, and Schezwan.
Unlike classic Indian parathas, the filling here is crunchy, spicy, and moisture-controlled. The paratha is rolled carefully and cooked on a tawa until crisp on the outside while staying soft inside. It’s inspired by street food, not regional tradition.
Chinese Paratha Recipe
Making Chinese paratha at home is about finding the right balance. You want strong flavor without excess moisture. You want crunch inside, not sogginess. And you want the dough soft enough to hold everything together. Don’t worry, it’s not as tricky as it sounds! Let’s see how to make this amazing paratha:
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 2 cups whole wheat flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon oil
- Warm water, as required
For the Filling
- 1 cup finely shredded cabbage
- ½ cup grated carrot
- ¼ cup thinly sliced capsicum
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped garlic
- 1 tablespoon chopped spring onion greens
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Schezwan chutney
- Black pepper, to taste
- Salt, as needed
How to Make Chinese Paratha
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Mix flour and salt in a bowl. Add oil, then warm water little by little. Knead into a soft dough. Cover and rest for 20 minutes. This rest time helps prevent tearing while rolling.
Step 2: Make the Filling
Heat a pan on high heat. Add oil, then garlic. Once fragrant, add vegetables. Stir-fry quickly. Add soy sauce, vinegar, Schezwan chutney, salt, and pepper. Cook just until the vegetables stay crisp. Turn off the heat and let it cool fully.
Step 3: Stuff the Dough
Divide the rested dough into equal portions. Roll one ball into a small disc. Place filling in the center and bring the edges together to seal.
Step 4: Roll Gently
Flatten lightly and roll with minimal pressure. Aim for even thickness without forcing the filling outward.
Step 5: Cook the Paratha
Heat a tawa on a medium flame. Place the paratha on it. When bubbles appear, flip and apply oil lightly. Cook both sides until golden with crisp spots.
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Tips to Make Perfect Chinese Paratha
These simple adjustments help your paratha hold shape and flavor.
- Stir-fry vegetables on high heat to remove excess moisture.
- Always cool the filling completely before stuffing.
- Keep the dough slightly soft and rested.
- Roll gently instead of pressing hard.
- Cook on medium heat for even cooking.
- Avoid overfilling.
What to Serve With Chinese Paratha
Chinese paratha tastes best with bold dips that complement the filling. Popular pairings include:
- Sweet chili sauce for contrast.
- Schezwan chutney if you love extra spicy food.
- Garlic-mayo dip for creaminess as an abstract to the Chinese spiciness.
It also works well as a standalone snack or a light dinner option.
How to Store Chinese Paratha
Let cooked Chinese parathas cool fully before storing. Place parchment paper between each paratha and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat on a tawa over low heat. Avoid reheating in the microwave, as it softens the layers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Chinese-style paratha different from a regular stuffed paratha?
Chinese paratha uses Indo-Chinese stir-fried vegetables and sauces instead of traditional Indian fillings. Garlic, soy sauce, vinegar, and Schezwan chutney give it a bold street-style flavor that stands apart from classic parathas.
Why does the Chinese filling sometimes make the paratha soggy?
Too much sauce or undercooked vegetables release moisture. Stir-fry on high heat and allow the filling to cool fully before stuffing to keep the paratha intact.
Can Chinese paratha be made without Schezwan chutney?
Yes. You can use chili garlic sauce or a mix of red chili sauce and fresh garlic. The result remains flavorful without changing the texture.
Is cabbage essential to make a Chinese-style paratha?
Cabbage adds crunch and bulk, but it isn’t mandatory. Lettuce, pak choi, or extra capsicum and carrots work as substitutes.
Can noodles be added like street-style versions?
Yes, small quantities of boiled noodles can be mixed into the filling. Keep them dry to avoid tearing while rolling.
How can the flavor feel more Indo-Chinese?
Fresh garlic, black pepper, and a pinch of Chinese five-spice help deepen flavor without overpowering the filling.
Chinese Paratha Recipe Card
Prep Time:
25 minutes
Cook Time:
20 minutes
Serves:
4 Parathas
Cuisine:
Indo-Chinese
Course:
Snack/Lunch/Dinner
Ingredients
- Whole wheat flour
- Mixed vegetables
- Garlic
- Sauces
- Oil
- Salt
- Peppers
Instructions
- Knead a soft dough using flour, water, and a pinch of salt, then let it rest briefly.
- Stir-fry finely chopped vegetables with basic Chinese seasonings until just cooked.
- Let the filling cool completely before stuffing it into the dough.
- Roll the stuffed dough gently to avoid tearing or spilling the filling.
- Cook on medium heat until the paratha is evenly golden and cooked through on both sides.
- Repeat this step for as many parathas as you want!
Nutrition (Approx. per paratha)
Calories:
~239 kcal
Carbohydrates:
34 g
Protein:
6 g
Fat:
10 g