This Easy Cumin Lamb Noodles dish brings together tender lamb, flavorful spices, and perfectly cooked noodles. It’s a tasty meal that comes together quickly, perfect for busy nights!
Trust me, the combination of cumin and lamb is just magical! I often make this dish when I need a boost of energy and flavor. Plus, who doesn’t love slurping on delicious noodles? 🍜
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Noodles: For this recipe, wide flat noodles give a great texture. You can substitute with rice noodles or even spaghetti if you’re in a pinch.
Lamb: Use lamb shoulder or leg for tenderness. If you prefer beef or chicken, both can work well. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.
Cumin Seeds: Toasting cumin seeds brings out their flavor. If you don’t have seeds, ground cumin will also work; just use about 1 teaspoon.
Bok Choy: Fresh bok choy adds crunch and nutrition. You can replace it with spinach or kale if you’re looking for alternatives.
Soy Sauce: Regular soy sauce is a must for umami flavor. If you need a gluten-free option, tamari can be a great substitute.
How Do You Get the Lamb Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking lamb can be tricky, but here’s how to get it right! Thinly slicing the lamb helps it cook quickly and evenly. Use high heat for a nice sear, and don’t overcrowd the pan. Give each slice room to brown. Cook it just until browned so it remains tender.
- Heat the oil until shimmering before adding the lamb.
- Cook the lamb for about 3-5 minutes without stirring much—let it sear!
- If in doubt, cut a piece to check if it’s no longer pink in the center.
Don’t forget, you can always adjust seasonings at the end to suit your taste. Happy cooking!
Easy Cumin Lamb Noodles Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Noodles:
- 8 oz (225 g) wide flat noodles (hand-pulled or fresh wheat noodles)
For the Lamb:
- 1/2 lb (225 g) lamb shoulder or leg, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tbsp cumin seeds, toasted and crushed
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 inch piece of ginger, minced
- 2 scallions, sliced (white and green parts separated)
For the Vegetables:
- 1 cup bok choy or other leafy greens, chopped
For the Sauce:
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp dark soy sauce (optional, for color)
- 1 tsp chili flakes or chili oil (adjust to taste)
- 1 tbsp Shaoxing wine or dry sherry
- 1 tsp sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish takes about 30 minutes total, with 10 minutes for prep and about 20 minutes for cooking. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Noodles:
Start by bringing a large pot of water to a boil. Once boiling, add the wide flat noodles and cook according to the package instructions until just tender. When they are done, drain the noodles and set them aside. This will be the base of your delicious dish!
2. Toast the Cumin Seeds:
Next, take a dry pan and place it over medium heat. Add the cumin seeds and toast them until they become fragrant, which should take about 1-2 minutes. Once toasted, crush the seeds lightly using a mortar and pestle or a spice grinder to release their flavor. Set aside for later.
3. Start the Stir-Fry:
Now, heat the vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic, ginger, and the white parts of the scallions. Stir-fry these aromatics for about 30 seconds until you can smell their wonderful fragrance filling the kitchen!
4. Cook the Lamb:
Next, add the sliced lamb to the pan. Stir-fry it for about 3-5 minutes, or until the lamb is browned and cooked through. If you cook it just right, it will be savory and succulent.
5. Add the Seasonings:
Once the lamb is cooked, sprinkle in the crushed cumin seeds and stir to coat the lamb evenly. It’s time to amp up the flavor! Add the soy sauce, dark soy sauce if using, Shaoxing wine, sugar, and chili flakes or chili oil. Mix everything well and allow it to cook for another minute so the flavors meld together beautifully.
6. Toss in the Vegetables:
Now, it’s time to add the chopped bok choy or your choice of leafy greens to the wok. Toss them in and cook for another 1-2 minutes or until they are just wilted, keeping that lovely crunch!
7. Combine with Noodles:
Time to bring it all together! Add the cooked noodles to the wok and toss everything together to ensure the noodles are coated well in the sauce and all those delicious flavors mix together harmoniously.
8. Final Touches:
Before serving, taste your dish and adjust the seasoning as necessary with salt and pepper. Presentation time! Garnish your dish with the green parts of the scallions for a fresh pop of color.
9. Serve & Enjoy:
It’s time to dig in! Serve your Easy Cumin Lamb Noodles hot and enjoy every flavorful bite!
This savory cumin lamb noodle dish delivers bold flavor and a satisfying bite in every mouthful! Enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Different Types of Meat?
Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of lamb, you can substitute it with beef, chicken, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Just adjust the cooking times to ensure the meat is fully cooked through.
What Noodles Should I Use?
Wide flat noodles are traditional in this dish, but you can also use rice noodles, spaghetti, or even egg noodles based on what you have on hand. Just remember to adjust the cooking times accordingly!
Can I Make This Dish Spicier?
Yes! If you enjoy some heat, feel free to increase the chili flakes or chili oil. You can also add sliced fresh chili or hot sauce when serving for an extra kick!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in a skillet or microwave, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
This FAQ section should help clarify common queries and ensure you have a rewarding cooking experience!
