Cumin Lamb Noodles

Restaurant-style Cumin Lamb Noodles are a delightful dish that brings bold flavors and a unique texture to your table. With tender chunks of lamb enveloped in an addictive chili oil sauce, this recipe is perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings. The homemade hand-pulled noodles add a personal touch, making it a standout meal that impresses without overwhelming you in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bold Flavors: The combination of cumin, Sichuan peppercorns, and chili oil creates a mouthwatering taste experience.
• Homemade Touch: Crafting your own hand-pulled noodles elevates the dish and adds authenticity.
• Quick Preparation: With just 25 minutes of prep time, you can whip up this delicious meal in no time.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve these noodles as a main dish or as part of a larger spread at your next gathering.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with protein and fresh vegetables, this dish is both satisfying and nutritious.

Tools and Preparation

To create perfect Cumin Lamb Noodles, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment makes the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Mixing bowl
• Frying pan or wok
• Rolling pin (for hand-pulling noodles)
• Knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: Essential for boiling noodles quickly and effectively.
• Frying pan or wok: Provides the ideal surface for stir-frying lamb and vegetables evenly.
• Rolling pin: Helps achieve the thinness needed for hand-pulled noodles for that authentic texture.

Ingredients

For the Noodles

• 1 batch homemade hand-pulled noodles (or wide wheat noodles) (Footnote 1)

For the Lamb Stir-Fry

• 2 tablespoons whole cumin seeds
• 2 teaspoons Sichuan peppercorns
• 1 teaspoon whole coriander seeds
• 1 lb lamb (thinly sliced against the grain)
• 1 tablespoon Shaoxing apple vinegar (or dry apple juice)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon peanut oil (or vegetable oil)
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch

For the Sauce

• 1/2 cup homemade chili oil (and more to taste) (Footnote 3)
• 3 tablespoons chinkiang vinegar
• 1/4 cup Shaoxing apple vinegar (or dry apple juice)
• 4 teaspoons light soy sauce
• 4 teaspoons dark soy sauce

For Flavoring

• 1 tablespoon peanut oil (or vegetable oil)
• 8 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 inches ginger (minced)
• 1 red onion (thinly sliced)
• 1 hot green chili (sliced)
• 1/2 bunch cilantro (chopped)

How to Make Cumin Lamb Noodles

Step 1: Prepare Your Noodles

If making your own noodles, ensure the dough is fully prepared before starting on the lamb stir fry. Set a pot of water to boil so it’s ready for the noodles as soon as the lamb is cooked.

This ensures everything comes together seamlessly for a delightful dining experience!

How to Serve Cumin Lamb Noodles

Serving cumin lamb noodles can elevate your dining experience. With the right accompaniments and presentation, you can create a delightful meal that is both satisfying and visually appealing.

Garnish with Fresh Herbs

• Cilantro: A sprinkle of chopped cilantro adds freshness and a burst of flavor.
• Green Onions: Thinly sliced green onions provide a mild onion taste and vibrant color.

Pair with Sauces

• Chili Oil: Drizzle extra chili oil on top for those who enjoy an added kick.
• Soy Sauce: Offer light or dark soy sauce on the side for dipping or pouring.

Side Salad

• Cucumber Salad: A cool cucumber salad balances the warmth of the noodles and lamb, enhancing the meal’s freshness.
• Pickled Vegetables: Tangy pickled veggies can complement the rich flavors of the dish.

How to Perfect Cumin Lamb Noodles

Perfecting cumin lamb noodles requires attention to detail and technique. Here are some tips to enhance your cooking process.

• Use Quality Ingredients: Fresh, high-quality lamb will yield better flavor and tenderness in your dish.
• Mind Your Noodles: If making hand-pulled noodles, ensure they are thin enough to absorb flavors but sturdy enough to hold up during cooking.
• Control Heat Levels: Stir-fry the lamb quickly over high heat to achieve a nice sear without overcooking.
• Balance Flavors: Adjust seasoning like salt and vinegar after tasting to achieve a perfect balance between savory and tangy.

Best Side Dishes for Cumin Lamb Noodles

Complement your cumin lamb noodles with these delicious side dishes. They enhance the overall dining experience and offer a variety of flavors.

1. Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli adds a nutritious crunch that pairs well with the spicy noodles.
2. Garlic Bok Choy: Sautéed bok choy with garlic brings a savory element that blends beautifully with the main dish.
3. Spicy Asian Slaw: This crunchy slaw offers a refreshing contrast to the rich lamb flavors.
4. Fried Rice: A simple fried rice can soak up any extra sauce from the cumin lamb noodles, creating a satisfying meal.
5. Egg Drop Soup: A light soup provides a warm starter that complements the heavier main course.
6. Vegetable Dumplings: Steamed or pan-fried dumplings filled with seasonal vegetables make for an excellent appetizer or side option.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing Cumin Lamb Noodles, it’s easy to make some common mistakes that can affect the final dish. Here are a few to watch out for:

• Skipping the noodle prep: Ensure you prepare your homemade noodles before starting on the lamb. This way, everything will be ready to serve hot and fresh.
• Overcooking the lamb: Cook the lamb quickly over high heat for tender results. Overcooking can result in tough meat, so keep an eye on it.
• Ignoring seasoning balance: Taste as you go! Adjust the seasoning with chili oil and vinegar to get that perfect flavor balance. Don’t wait until the end.
• Not using fresh spices: Whole spices provide more flavor than pre-ground ones. Toast them lightly before using to enhance their aroma and taste.
• Forgetting about garnishes: Fresh cilantro and sliced chili add not just flavor but also visual appeal. Don’t skip these at the end!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Make sure to let it cool completely before sealing.

Freezing Cumin Lamb Noodles

• Place in freezer-safe containers or bags, removing as much air as possible.
• Can be frozen for up to 2 months for best taste.

Reheating Cumin Lamb Noodles

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Cover with foil and heat for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat in short bursts of 1 minute, stirring in between until hot.
• Stovetop: Add a splash of water or broth in a skillet over medium heat. Stir occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Cumin Lamb Noodles:

Can I use beef instead of lamb?

Yes! Beef works well in this recipe. Choose a tender cut for the best results.

What type of noodles should I use?

Homemade hand-pulled noodles are ideal, but you can use wide wheat noodles if you’re short on time.

How spicy is this dish?

The spiciness can be adjusted based on how much chili oil and fresh chili you add. Start with less if you’re sensitive to spice.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! Substitute lamb with marinated tofu or tempeh for a delicious vegetarian option while keeping the flavors vibrant.

Final Thoughts

Cumin Lamb Noodles offer a delightful blend of flavors and textures that are sure to impress your family or guests. The recipe is versatile, allowing for various substitutions based on your preferences or dietary needs. Don’t hesitate to get creative with ingredients like different proteins or extra veggies!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Cumin Lamb Noodles

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• Author: Aileen
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4 people 1x

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Description

Cumin Lamb Noodles are a deliciously bold dish that brings the essence of restaurant-style dining to your home. This flavorful meal features tender lamb stir-fried with aromatic spices, enveloped in a spicy chili oil sauce, and served over homemade hand-pulled noodles. Perfect for family dinners or casual get-togethers, the combination of cumin, Sichuan peppercorns, and fresh vegetables creates a delightful culinary experience. With just 25 minutes of prep time and quick cooking, you can impress your guests without spending hours in the kitchen. Customize this dish by adding your favorite veggies or adjusting the spice level to suit your palate.

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Ingredients

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• Homemade hand-pulled noodles (or wide wheat noodles)
• 2 tablespoons whole cumin seeds
• 2 teaspoons Sichuan peppercorns
• 1 teaspoon whole coriander seeds
• 1 lb lamb (thinly sliced against the grain)
• 1 tablespoon apple vinegar (or dry apple juice)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon peanut oil (or vegetable oil)
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch
• 1/2 cup homemade chili oil (and more to taste)
• 3 tablespoons chinkiang vinegar
• 4 teaspoons light soy sauce
• 4 teaspoons dark soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon peanut oil (or vegetable oil)
• 8 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 inches ginger (minced)
• 1 red onion (thinly sliced)
• 1 hot green chili (sliced)
• 1/2 bunch cilantro (chopped)

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Instructions

1. Prepare your homemade hand-pulled noodles or use store-bought wide wheat noodles.
2. In a frying pan or wok, heat peanut oil over high heat. Add minced garlic and ginger; sauté until fragrant.
3. Add sliced lamb and cook quickly until browned. Stir in cumin seeds, Sichuan peppercorns, salt, and cornstarch until well combined.
4. Pour in homemade chili oil and vinegar; toss to coat the lamb evenly.
5. Cook the noodles in boiling water until tender, then drain and combine with the stir-fried lamb mixture.
6. Serve hot, garnished with chopped cilantro and green onions.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Stir-frying
• Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bowl (350g)
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 780mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 65g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 70mg