Prepare your taste buds for an explosion of flavor with this authentic Sichuan Cumin Lamb recipe! This dish, a cornerstone of Sichuan cuisine, beautifully balances the fragrant warmth of cumin with the fiery kick of Sichuan peppercorns. Tender lamb, expertly marinated and stir-fried to perfection, is the star of the show, coated in a rich, deeply savory sauce that will leave you craving more. Forget bland takeout; this recipe delivers the authentic heat and complex spice profile you've been searching for, all from the comfort of your own kitchen.
Get ready to transform ordinary lamb into an extraordinary culinary experience. This recipe uses readily available ingredients and clear instructions, making it surprisingly accessible for home cooks of all levels. To embark on this delicious journey and learn the step-by-step process of creating this Sichuan masterpiece, let's dive into the recipe below.
Tools Needed
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Bowl
- Wok (or large pan)
- Spatula
Ingredients
- Lamb leg (from Trader Joe's or similar): Slightly over half a leg
- Purple onion: A few slices
- Ginger: 1 piece (white part only)
- Green onion (scallions): A handful (white part, called sombai)
- Cilantro: A handful
- Shaoxing wine
- Salt
- White pepper powder
- Cumin powder
- Soy sauce
- Corn starch: 1 tablespoon
- Chili powder: 1 tablespoon
- Cumin powder (for dry spice): 1 teaspoon
- Sesame seeds: 2-3 teaspoons
- Sichuan peppercorn powder: 1/2 teaspoon
- Cumin seeds: 1 small handful
- Cooking oil: 2-3 tablespoons
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Lamb and Marinades
- Cut off the fatty part of the lamb leg and cut it into strips, then further chop into cubes. Wash the lamb cubes and let them soak for 30 minutes.
- slice ginger, finely chop the white part of green onions, and roughly chop cilantro. Place these in a bowl and cover with Shaoxing wine.
- Finely chop two slices of purple onion. Cut the rest of the onion into cubes. Finely chop part of the cilantro.
- Drain the lamb and season it with salt, white pepper, cumin powder, soy sauce, and the marinated aromatics. Mix well and add corn starch, marinating for 15-20 minutes.
Step 2. Stir-fry the Lamb and Aromatics
- Heat oil in a wok. Add the lamb and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until color changes.
- Push the lamb aside, add cumin seeds and fry until fragrant. Mix with the lamb.
- Add finely chopped onion and cilantro, mix well. Add the dry seasonings and mix thoroughly.
Step 3. Add Remaining Ingredients and Seasoning
- Add onion cubes and stir-fry. Add soy sauce around the side of the wok and stir well.
Step 4. Finish and Serve
- Increase heat, add cilantro leaves (or add to serving plate later). Serve and enjoy!
Read more: Super Easy Fall-Off-Bone Chinese Style Ribs: One-Pot Recipe
Tips
- Use lamb neck for best results. Trader Joe's grass-fed, free-range lamb is recommended.
- The fat on the lamb adds to the flavor.
- Using a wok is ideal, but other pans work too.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of meat instead of lamb?
While lamb is traditional, you can substitute with beef, goat, or even chicken. Adjust cooking time accordingly; chicken will cook much faster.
2. How spicy is this recipe?
The spiciness is adjustable. Start with less chili flakes and Sichuan peppercorns, and add more to your taste. You can also omit them entirely for a less spicy dish.
3. What can I serve this Spicy Cumin Lamb with?
It pairs perfectly with steamed rice, stir-fried greens, or noodles to soak up the delicious sauce. Consider serving it alongside some steamed bao buns for a complete meal.
This Spicy Cumin Lamb recipe offers a fantastic introduction to the vibrant world of Sichuan cuisine, proving that authentic flavors can be achieved easily at home. Enjoy the satisfying combination of tender lamb and aromatic spices, and don’t hesitate to experiment with the spice level to perfectly suit your palate. Now go forth and impress your friends and family with this delicious and unforgettable dish!