Description
A bold Xinjiang-style dish featuring tender lamb stir-fried with aromatic cumin and chili spices, served over chewy hand-pulled noodles. This street food favorite delivers smoky, savory flavors with a satisfying heat that clings to every strand.
Ingredients
Scale
- For the Lamb:
- 1 lb lamb leg or shoulder, thinly sliced against the grain
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp Shaoxing wine
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp Sichuan peppercorns, ground
- ½ tsp sugar
- For the Noodles:
- 12 oz fresh hand-pulled noodles or dried wheat noodles
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil (divided)
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp ginger, julienned
- 2 red chilies, sliced (or 1 tsp chili flakes)
- 1 bell pepper, julienned
- 2 tbsp ground cumin
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 cup cilantro leaves
- 2 green onions, sliced
Instructions
- Marinate Lamb: Combine lamb with soy sauce, wine, cornstarch, 2 tsp cumin, Sichuan pepper, and sugar. Let sit 20 minutes.
- Cook Noodles: Boil noodles according to package instructions. Drain and toss with 1 tbsp oil to prevent sticking.
- Stir-Fry: Heat 2 tbsp oil in wok over high heat. Add lamb in single layer; sear 2 minutes per side until browned. Remove.
- Cook Aromatics: In same wok, add onion, garlic, ginger, and chilies. Stir-fry 1 minute until fragrant.
- Combine: Return lamb to wok with bell pepper, remaining cumin, and chili powder. Toss 1 minute.
- Finish: Add noodles and toss to coat. Drizzle with sesame oil and garnish with cilantro and green onions.
Notes
- Authentic touch: Use 1 tbsp whole cumin seeds (toasted and ground)
- Noodle swap: Udon or thick spaghetti work in a pinch
- Heat control: Adjust chili amounts to preference
- Make ahead: Slice lamb and prep vegetables up to 24 hours ahead
- Xinjiang style: Serve with a side of raw onion and vinegar
- Prep Time: 25 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Frying
- Cuisine: Chinese (Xinjiang)
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 580
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 85mg