Xinjiang Cumin Lamb

Xinjiang Cumin Lamb

Xinjiang Cumin Lamb

North Western China has a Muslim population of about 20 million; where lamb is quite popular. Cumin lamb is one of the more commonly eaten lamb dishes. Cubes of lamb are stir fried with onions, garlic, ginger, and dried red chilies. The lamb is seasoned with cumin, Sichuan peppercorns, and chili flakes; ready in under 10 minutes.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time5 minutes
Marinating Time30 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Chinese
Keyword: Chinese, East Asian, lamb, main course
Author: Alex Gorgos

Ingredients

  • 1 lb boneless leg of lamb cut into cubes
  • 1 tbsp light soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp shaoxing cooking wine
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch

Spice Mix

  • 2 tbsp ground cumin
  • 2 tsp chili flakes
  • 1/2 tsp sugar
  • 1/4 tsp ground Sichuan peppercorns

Stir Fry

  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil
  • 1/2 cup dried Sichuan chilies
  • 1/2 medium white onion sliced
  • 6 garlic cloves sliced
  • 1 tbsp ginger minced
  • 1 cup cilantro roughly chopped

Garnish

  • toasted sesame seeds

Instructions

  • Marinate the lamb with the soy sauce, cooking wine and salt for 30 minutes.
    Chinese, main course, lamb
  • Pour out the liquid and coat the lamb in cornstarch.
    Chinese, main course, lamb
  • Heat up 2 tbsp of cooking oil in a sauté pan or wok over medium high heat. Add the lamb, sautéing for a minute a side. Remove from the pan.
    Chinese, main course, lamb
  • Pour in the rest of the cooking oil. Sauté the onion, ginger, garlic, and dried chilies for 1 minute.
    Chinese, main course, lamb
  • Add the lamb back into the pan. Season with the spice mix. Sauté for 1 minute.
    Chinese, main course, lamb
  • Turn off the heat. Stir in the cilantro.
    Chinese, main course, lamb
Chinese, main course, lamb
Garnish with toasted sesame seeds. Serve with steamed rice.