Description
Cumin Lamb Noodles is a flavorful and aromatic stir-fry dish featuring tender lamb slices, hand-pulled wheat noodles, and a fragrant blend of cumin, garlic, and chili. This Chinese Northwestern specialty combines spicy, savory, and tangy notes for a satisfying and hearty meal perfect for lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Noodles and Lamb
- 12 oz hand-pulled or thick wheat noodles (or substitute with udon or linguine)
- 1 lb boneless lamb shoulder or leg (thinly sliced)
Marinade
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Stir-fry Aromatics and Sauce
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon cumin seeds
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili flakes (adjust to taste)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 small red onion (sliced)
- 1 bell pepper (sliced)
- 1 tablespoon black vinegar (or rice vinegar)
Garnish
- 2 green onions (sliced)
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the noodles: Cook noodles according to package instructions. Once cooked, drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent sticking. Set aside.
- Marinate the lamb: In a bowl, combine the thinly sliced lamb with soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, cornstarch, and salt. Toss well to coat and let it marinate for 10 to 15 minutes to tenderize and infuse flavor.
- Toast cumin seeds and cook lamb: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat. Add cumin seeds and toast for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the marinated lamb and stir-fry for 2 to 3 minutes until lamb is browned and just cooked through.
- Sauté vegetables and spices: Push lamb to one side of the pan; add minced garlic, sliced red onion, sliced bell pepper, ground cumin, and chili flakes. Stir-fry everything together for another 2 to 3 minutes until vegetables are slightly tender and aromatic.
- Toss noodles with stir-fry: Add the cooked noodles to the skillet. Drizzle black vinegar over the mixture and toss everything together thoroughly. Continue cooking for 1 to 2 minutes until everything is heated through and flavors meld.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from heat and garnish with sliced green onions and fresh cilantro. Serve hot for a delicious and aromatic meal.
Notes
- For a spicier version, increase the chili flakes or add a spoonful of chili oil at the end of cooking.
- While traditionally made with hand-pulled noodles, you can use udon or linguine as a substitute for similar texture.
- Lamb can be replaced with beef or mushrooms to accommodate dietary preferences or availability.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Chinese, Northwestern Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 530
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
