Lamb Skewers (Xinjiang Style)
Tender lamb cubes marinated with cumin and spices, grilled to perfection. A popular street food from China's Xinjiang region.
Ingredients
9 items- Boneless lamb leg or shoulder 500g
- Onion 1
- Soy sauce 2 tbsp
- Shaoxing wine 1 tbsp
- Ground cumin 2 tsp
- Chili powder 1 tsp
- Salt 1 tsp
- Cooking oil 1 tbsp
- Bamboo skewers 8
Nutrition
Steps （6 steps）
Cut lamb into 2cm cubes with some fat. Finely chop the onion.
In a bowl, combine lamb, onion, soy sauce, wine, cumin, chili powder, salt and oil. Mix well, cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Soak skewers in water for 30 minutes. Thread lamb pieces onto skewers, alternating fat and lean, 4-5 pieces each, leaving handles.
Heat a pan over high heat, brush with oil. Place skewers in pan, reduce to medium heat and cook 3 minutes, pressing gently with a spatula.
Flip skewers and cook another 3 minutes over medium heat until both sides are browned and sizzling. The meat should feel firm and springy.
Sprinkle with remaining cumin and chili powder, cook 30 seconds until fragrant. Serve hot with lettuce or naan bread.
Tips
Use lamb with some fat for best flavor. Soak skewers to prevent burning. Marinate longer for deeper flavor. Do not flip frequently; let each side sear well before turning.
You May Also Like
More recipes you might enjoy
Lanzhou Lamian (Lanzhou Pulled Noodles)
A signature of Northwest Chinese cuisine, Lanzhou Lamian features hand-pulled noodles with a chewy texture, served in a clear and savory beef broth topped with fragrant chili oil. Known for its 'five elements'—clear soup, white radish, red chili, green herbs, and yellow noodles—it's an iconic comfort food.
Pan-fried Pork Buns (Sheng Jian Bao)
Soft and fluffy top with a crispy golden bottom, these Shanghai-style pan-fried pork buns burst with savory juice when you bite into them. A beloved breakfast classic and street food favorite.
Peking Duck
A world-renowned classic of Beijing cuisine, featuring crispy skin and tender, juicy meat. Served with thin pancakes, sweet bean sauce, and scallion shreds, each bite is a perfect harmony of textures and flavors. Enjoy authentic Peking Duck at home!
Zongzi (Sticky Rice Dumplings)
Traditional Chinese zongzi, sticky rice filled with marinated pork belly and salted duck egg yolks, boiled until tender and fragrant with bamboo leaf aroma. A must-have for Dragon Boat Festival, also a savory treat anytime.