In this Xinjiang Lamb Skewers recipe, you will learn to cook a delicious street snack from the far Northwest region in China.
After experiencing my first real Chinese BBQ at my friend’s house, I was inspired to explore Xinjiang BBQ food recipes. I discovered this one posted by Maggie and promptly clipped it with one click into my recipes in Plan to Eat. You can see and print the Xinjiang Lamb Skewers recipe at the end of this post.
I purchased an inexpensive Asian charcoal barbecue and a two dozen flat metal skewers and tried this recipe out on my family. When I get a thumbs up review from them, I re-label my recipe name in my Plan to Eat app with the prefix “Ron’s”.
Marinating the lamb and seasoning with cumin after it is cooked all but removes the gaminess that some people find unpleasant. Using both fatty and lean pieces, and some lamb fat pieces on the skewers makes for a delicious bite both crunchy and tender. Season the skewers to your own taste. I love sprinkling a generous amount of dry crushed Thai chili flakes for some delicious heat!
Print Recipe
Ron’s Xinjiang Lamb Skewers (新疆烤串, chuar)
The real-deal recipe that helps you cook exactly the way that Chinese street vendors do. Learn the best practices of choosing cuts, making the marinade, and grilling over charcoal. This recipe yields about 12 skewers, but the number changes depending on how big a skewer you make. If you’re hosting a party, prepare 1 lbs/450 g meat for 4 people serving as a main dish with other sides and appetizers, or 1 lbs/450 g meat for 6 people serving as an appetizer. For meat lovers, prepare up to 1/2 lbs (220g) meat per person if the lamb skewer is the theme of the party (it is a thing in China). Source https://omnivorescookbook.com/xinjiang-lamb-skewers/
Source: omnivorescookbook.com
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Chinese Xinjiang
Main Ingredient: Lamb
Prep Time: 30 min
Cook Time: 20 min
Total Time: 50 min
Serves:
Ingredients
- 1 pound (450 grams) lamb meat (lean fat ratio 7:3) (*See footnote 1)
- 1⁄2 onion sliced
- 2 tablespoons whole cumin seeds (Optional)
- Marinade
- 2 tablespoons peanut oil (or vegetable oil)
- 2 tablespoons light soy sauce (or soy sauce, or tamari for gluten-free)
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 2 teaspoons cumin powder and extra for grilling
- 1⁄2 teaspoon chili powder and extra for grilling
- 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
- 1⁄4 teaspoon Sichuan peppercorn powder (Optional)
- Sesame Oil (Optional)
- Toasted Sesame Seeds (Optional)
Directions
- Combine oil, soy sauce, cornstarch, cumin powder, chili powder, and salt in a small bowl. Mix well.
- Trim fat from the lamb meat if necessary. Cut lean part into 1.5-cm (0.5-inch) cubes. Cut fat into thin pieces half the size of the lean pieces.
- Thread lamb cubes closely onto skewers, alternating between lean meat and fat cubes (*see footnote 2).
- Spread onion inside a 1-gallon ziploc bag. Place lamb skewers on top of the onion. Pour the marinade over the lamb. Massage the bag so the lamb is covered evenly with the marinade. Seal both sides of the bag and place upside down, the onions facing up. Let marinate for 30 minutes at room temperature or overnight in the fridge.
- Build a modified two zone fire, and leave some space without any coal.
- Transfer the lamb skewers onto the grilling grate, one finger’s width apart. Flip frequently until the lamb turns dark brown on all surfaces. Move to indirect fire. Generously sprinkle a layer cumin powder, then chili powder (or you can skip the chili powder if you don’t want the lamb to be too spicy). Flip, then sprinkle another layer of cumin powder. Sprinkle whole cumin seeds onto the lamb for extra flavor, if using. Grill until the meat is cooked through.
- Serve immediately. Or move to the side of the grill without coal to keep warm.
Amount Per Serving (12)
- Calories: 94
- Protein: 10.8g
- Carbohydrate: 0.8g
- Fat: 5.1g
- Cholesterol: 34mg
- Sodium: 278mg
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