SnackAppetizer

Cumin Lamb Skewers (Yang Rou Chuan)

Name: Cumin Lamb Skewers (Yang Rou Chuan)
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: chinese
Ingredients: 500 g lamb leg cut into 1-inch cubes; 2 tbsp soy sauce; 1 tbsp rice wine; 1 tsp sesame oil; 2 clove garlic minced; 1 tbsp ginger grated; 2 tbsp ground cumin; 1 tbsp chili flakes; 1 tsp sichuan peppercorns toasted and ground (optional); 0.5 tsp salt

These flavorful lamb skewers are a popular street food, originating from Xinjiang in Northwest China. Tender lamb pieces are marinated and then grilled until juicy, seasoned generously with cumin and chili for a smoky, spicy, and aromatic bite. They are perfect as a snack or appetizer.

An original recipe by Forkin

Total time: 1 hr
Serves: 4
Difficulty: Medium
Per serving: 427 kcal

Allergen information: may contain gluten, sesame, and soy. Always check ingredient packaging if you have an allergy.

Mise en place

Ingredients

marinade

500 glamb leg, cut into 1-inch cubes
2 tbspsoy sauce
1 tbsprice wine
1 tspsesame oil
2 clovegarlic, minced
1 tbspginger, grated

seasoning

2 tbspground cumin
1 tbspchili flakes
1 tspsichuan peppercorns, toasted and ground(optional)
0.5 tspsalt

Equipment

grill · tongs · mixing bowl

The method

Step by step

1
Place the lamb cubes in a medium bowl.
2
Add the soy sauce, rice wine, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger to the lamb.
3
Toss everything together until the lamb is well coated.
About 1 min
4
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours, allowing the flavors to meld.
About 30 min
Cook’s note: Soaking the bamboo skewers during this time prevents them from burning on the grill.
5
While the lamb marinates, combine the ground cumin, chili flakes, ground Sichuan peppercorns (if using), and salt in a small bowl to create your seasoning blend.
About 2 min
Cook’s note: Toast whole cumin seeds and Sichuan peppercorns lightly before grinding for a more intense flavor.
6
Thread the marinated lamb cubes onto the soaked bamboo skewers, ensuring not to overcrowd them.
About 5 min
Cook’s note: Leave a small space between each lamb cube for even cooking.
7
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
About 5 min
Cook’s note: Alternatively, you can use a grill pan or broil them in the oven.
8
Place the lamb skewers on the hot grill.
9
Grill for 2-3 minutes per side, turning occasionally, until the lamb is cooked through and slightly charred.
About 8 min
Cook’s note: Adjust cooking time based on your preferred doneness.
10
During the last minute of grilling, generously sprinkle the seasoning blend over the skewers, pressing lightly to adhere.
About 1 min
Cook’s note: Apply the seasoning at the end to prevent the spices from burning.
11
Remove the skewers from the grill and serve immediately.

Per serving

Nutrition

37%Score

Calories: 427.1kcal
Protein: 33.7g
Carbs: 4.5g
Fat: 29.5g
Fibre: 1.4g
Sugar: 0.1g

Estimated from the recipe’s ingredient quantities. Values can vary with brands and substitutions.

Keep it good

Storage

Store leftover lamb skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a pan or oven until warmed through to prevent drying out.