Xinjiang Cumin Lamb Stir-Fry

Name: Xinjiang Cumin Lamb Stir-Fry
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 23 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: 500 g boneless lamb leg meat; 1 onion; 2 tbsp finely minced ginger; 5 cloves garlic; 1 tbsp soy sauce; 1 tbsp Chinese cooking wine; 1/2 tsp cooking/kosher salt; 1/4 tsp baking soda; 2 tbsp cornflour / cornstarch; 2 tbsp cumin powder; 1/2 tsp white sugar; 1/2 tsp ground Sichuan pepper; 4 tbsp vegetable oil; 1/2 cup dried Chinese chilies; 1/2 cup cilantro; 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds; plain rice

This Xinjiang cumin lamb stir-fry is bold, smoky, and deeply aromatic, with tender slices of lamb tossed in cumin, Sichuan pepper, garlic, ginger, and dried chilies. It cooks quickly in a hot pan and makes a satisfying dinner served over steamed rice.

Servings4 Portions

Prep Time15 Mins

Cook Time8 Mins

Difficulty

Intermediate

Ingredients

boneless lamb leg meat
500 g
onion
1
finely minced ginger
2 tbsp
garlic
5 cloves
soy sauce
1 tbsp
Chinese cooking wine
1 tbsp
cooking/kosher salt
0.5 tsp
baking soda
0.3 tsp
cornflour / cornstarch
2 tbsp
cumin powder
2 tbsp
white sugar
0.5 tsp
ground Sichuan pepper
0.5 tsp
vegetable oil
4 tbsp
dried Chinese chilies
0.5 cup
cilantro
0.5 cup
toasted sesame seeds
1 tsp
plain rice

Step-by-Step Instructions

Marinate the lamb: Place the sliced lamb in a bowl with soy sauce, Chinese cooking wine, salt, baking soda, and cornstarch. Mix until the lamb is evenly coated, then let it marinate at room temperature for 30 minutes.

Make the spice blend: In a small bowl, stir together the cumin powder, sugar, and ground Sichuan pepper. Set it near the stove so it is ready when the lamb is cooked.

Sear the lamb: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add half the lamb in a single layer, leave it undisturbed for about 30 seconds, then toss for 1 minute until lightly browned. Transfer to a plate and repeat with the remaining lamb.

Cook the aromatics: Add the remaining 1 tbsp oil to the pan. Add the dried chilies, ginger, and garlic, and stir for about 10 seconds until fragrant. Add the onion and stir-fry for about 2 minutes, just until slightly softened.