Gobi (Cauliflower) Manchurian is the result of the adaptation of popular Indian snacks Bhajiaa or Pakoda in which Gram flour batter is used instead of corn flour as in manchurian. In its two-stage preparation, the first stage requires preparing a spiced corn flour batter, dipping cauliflower florets in it and deep frying them. In the second stage, the deep fried florets are sautéed with chopped onion, capsicum, garlic, etc. in soy and chili sauce.

There are two different variants of gobi Manchurian, dry and with gravy. Both variants are prepared by using common ingredients like cauliflower, corn flour, maida flour, spring onion, capsicum, soy sauce, chili sauce, minced garlic, ground pepper, etc. and has typical garnish of spring onion. Few recipes call for use of Ajinomoto (MSG) to increase the taste profile however some avoid it due to misconceptions about its unhealthiness.[2] Its taste can vary from mild spicy to hot and fiery based on the recipe and personal preference