Best Easy Lamb with Cumin Recipe

Tender lamb is stir-fried with generous cumin seeds, dried chilies, and onions in this bold Northwestern Chinese dish. High protein and naturally keto-friendly, it's a carnivore favorite that's packed with smoky, aromatic spice.

Cook 30 min Difficulty NORMAL 390 kcal
#high protein #keto #low carb
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Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • Lamb shoulder (thinly sliced) 1.5 lbs
  • Onion (large, sliced) 1 pieces
  • Garlic cloves (minced) 4 cloves
  • Green onions (sliced, white & green parts separated) 4 pieces
  • Dried red chilies (broken into halves, seeds optional) 8 pieces
Seasonings/Sauce
  • Cumin seeds 2 tbsp
  • Ground cumin 1.5 tsp
  • Soy sauce 1.5 tbsp
  • Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry) 1.5 tbsp
  • Salt 0.75 tsp
  • Black pepper 0.5 tsp
  • Vegetable oil 2.5 tbsp
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 7 g 7%
Protein 32 g 33%
Fat 25 g 60%
Serving size 180g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    Marinate the sliced lamb with soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, salt, black pepper, and half of the ground cumin. Let it rest for at least 20 minutes to enhance flavor and tenderness.

  2. 2

    Heat 1.5 tbsp vegetable oil in a large wok over high heat until just smoking. Add cumin seeds and stir-fry for 20–30 seconds until fragrant and popping.

  3. 3

    Add dried red chilies, garlic, and the white parts of green onion. Stir-fry over high heat for 1 minute, keeping the ingredients moving to avoid burning.

  4. 4

    Push aromatics to the side, add the lamb in a single layer, and sear undisturbed for 1 minute to caramelize. Stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes until just cooked and edges are browned.

  5. 5

    Add sliced onion and remaining ground cumin, then stir-fry for 1-2 minutes until onions are slightly softened but still crisp. Toss in green onion tops, adjust seasoning, and serve hot.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What's the key ingredient in this Lamb with Cumin recipe?
The essential ingredient is lamb shoulder, which provides a juicy texture and savory flavor that stands up to the assertiveness of cumin seeds and dried red chilies. The combination of whole cumin seeds and ground cumin ensures each bite is aromatic and bold, defining the identity of this dish.
Q. How do I avoid overcooking the lamb while stir-frying?
For the best result, cook the lamb in a hot wok with high heat, spreading it in a single layer and letting it sear undisturbed for 1 minute before tossing. Stir-fry quickly—no more than 2-3 minutes—so the lamb remains tender rather than tough.
Q. What gives this dish its signature aroma and heat?
The combination of toasted cumin seeds, ground cumin, and dried red chilies delivers the distinct, smoky, and spicy character. Stir-frying the cumin seeds first in hot oil ensures the maximum release of flavor and fragrance.
Q. How many calories and how much protein are in each serving?
Each 180g serving contains about 390 kcal and delivers 32g of protein, making it a high-protein, filling option. Carbohydrates are low at 7g (7% of calories), and fat is 25g (60% of calories).
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