Zi Ran Yang Rou
Xinjiang Cumin Lamb
Aromatic Xinjiang-style cumin lamb, a staple of Northwestern Chinese Muslim cuisine. Tender lamb is stir-fried with a generous amount of cumin and dried chilies for a fragrant and subtly spicy dish.
🧂 Ingredients
- 400 g Lamb leg or loin(Trim any excess fat and slice thinly against the grain, about 2-3mm thick. For easier slicing, partially freeze the lamb for 30 minutes.)
- 2 tbsp Cumin seeds(Whole seeds are preferred for toasting.)
- 1 tbsp Ground cumin(Adds a different layer of cumin flavor.)
- 6-10 Dried red chilies(Adjust to your spice preference. Remove seeds for less heat, or leave them in for more. Cut into 1-inch pieces.)
- 1 tbsp Chili flakes(Optional, for extra heat and visual appeal.)
- 1 medium Yellow onion(Cut into 1-inch chunks or thick slices.)
- 1/2 cup Fresh cilantro(Roughly chopped, stems and leaves. Reserve some for garnish.)
- 2 tbsp Soy sauce(For marinating the lamb.)
- 1 tbsp Shaoxing wine(Optional, helps tenderize and flavor the lamb.)
- 1 tsp Cornstarch(For marinating, helps create a tender texture.)
- 3-4 tbsp Vegetable oil(For stir-frying. Use a high smoke point oil like canola or peanut.)
- to taste Salt
- 1/4 tsp White pepper(Optional, for marinating.)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the lamb: In a bowl, combine the thinly sliced lamb with soy sauce, Shaoxing wine (if using), cornstarch, and white pepper (if using). Mix well to ensure each slice is coated. Let it marinate at room temperature for at least 15 minutes, or up to 30 minutes.
⏱️ 15-30 minutes - 2
Toast the cumin seeds: Heat a dry wok or skillet over medium-low heat. Add the whole cumin seeds and toast, stirring constantly, until they become fragrant and lightly browned, about 1-2 minutes. Be careful not to burn them. Immediately transfer the toasted seeds to a mortar and pestle or spice grinder and coarsely crush them. Set aside.
⏱️ 3 minutes - 3
Prepare aromatics: While the lamb marinates, cut the onion into chunks and the dried chilies into 1-inch pieces. If using, have the chili flakes and chopped cilantro ready.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 4
Sear the lamb: Heat a wok or large skillet over high heat until it is smoking hot. Add 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil. Carefully add the marinated lamb in a single layer (you may need to do this in batches to avoid overcrowding, which would steam the lamb instead of searing). Stir-fry quickly for 1-2 minutes until the lamb is browned on the outside but still slightly pink inside. Remove the lamb from the wok and set aside.
⏱️ 2-3 minutes - 5
Stir-fry aromatics: Add the remaining 1-2 tablespoons of oil to the hot wok. Add the onion chunks and stir-fry for about 1 minute until they start to soften slightly. Add the cut dried chilies and chili flakes (if using) and stir-fry for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
⏱️ 1.5 minutes - 6
Combine and finish: Return the seared lamb to the wok. Add the ground cumin and the crushed toasted cumin seeds. Toss everything together quickly for about 1 minute to combine and ensure the spices coat the lamb and vegetables. Stir in most of the chopped cilantro.
⏱️ 1 minute - 7
Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt if needed. Transfer the Zi Ran Yang Rou to a serving platter. Garnish with the remaining fresh cilantro. Serve immediately with steamed rice.
⏱️ 1 minute
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Achieve a good sear by ensuring your wok or pan is extremely hot before adding the lamb. Do not overcrowd the pan, as this will lower the temperature and result in steamed, not seared, meat.
- ✓The lamb should be cooked quickly over high heat to maintain its tenderness and a slightly pink interior. Overcooking will make it tough.
- ✓Toast the cumin seeds carefully; they burn easily. The goal is to release their aroma, not to char them, which would impart a bitter flavor.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- For a spicier dish, increase the number of dried chilies and chili flakes, or add a pinch of Sichuan peppercorns for a numbing sensation.
- This dish can be adapted for skewers (Yang Rou Chuan) by threading marinated lamb onto skewers and grilling or pan-frying them.