Name: Cumin Lamb Noodles Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 8 ounces lamb shoulder, thinly sliced; ½ teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon cornstarch; ½ tablespoon neutral oil; 1 tablespoon cumin seed; 1 teaspoon Sichuan peppercorn; ½ teaspoon coriander seed; ¼ cup chili oil; 3 tablespoons Chinese black vinegar; 3 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce; ¾ teaspoon sugar; 6 ounces wide noodles or fresh hand-pulled noodles; 2 cabbage leaves, chopped; 1½ tablespoons garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon ginger, minced; ½ medium red onion, sliced; 1 bird’s eye chili (optional); Oil for cooking; ¼ bunch cilantro, chopped; 1 stalk Asian chives or green onion, sliced; ½ stalk Chinese celery, finely chopped

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If you crave a dish bursting with bold flavors and satisfying textures, this Cumin Lamb Noodles Recipe is an absolute must-try. Featuring tender slices of lamb shoulder infused with aromatic cumin and Sichuan peppercorn, paired with wide noodles and a punchy sauce, every bite feels like a flavorful adventure. The harmony of spices, tangy black vinegar, and the fresh crunch of cabbage makes this dish a standout for any meal. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or sharing with a friend, these cumin lamb noodles bring warmth and excitement to the table in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A black frying pan sits on a white marbled surface, filled with a mix of light grayish-pink thinly sliced meat and purple and white sliced red onions. There are two main layers: the bottom layer is the cooked thin meat with some pieces still light pink and others browned, covering most of the pan. The top layer features a generous amount of dark brown, finely ground spices sprinkled mainly on the meat, slightly covering some onion slices on the right side. The onions are slightly translucent, with long curved strips around the right half of the pan. Small bits of meat and onion are scattered near the pan edges. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Cumin Lamb Noodles Recipe is a wonderful example of how simple, thoughtfully chosen ingredients create exquisite results. Each element plays a crucial role in balancing flavor, texture, and color, making this dish as vibrant as it is delicious.

Lamb shoulder (8 ounces): Thinly sliced for quick cooking and tender bites.
Salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances the natural flavor of the lamb.
Cornstarch (1 teaspoon): Coats the lamb to seal in juices and ensure a glossy finish.
Neutral oil (½ tablespoon): Helps the lamb cook evenly without overpowering flavors.
Cumin seed (1 tablespoon): Toasted to bring out its earthy and warm aroma.
Sichuan peppercorn (1 teaspoon): Adds a unique, tingling spice to the dish.
Coriander seed (½ teaspoon): Complements cumin with a citrusy, slightly sweet note.
Chili oil (¼ cup): Provides a kick of heat and a beautiful red color.
Chinese black vinegar (3 tablespoons): Contributes a deep, tangy undertone.
Low sodium soy sauce (3 tablespoons): Brings savory umami without too much saltiness.
Sugar (¾ teaspoon): Balances out acidity and heat.
Wide noodles (6 ounces): Use fresh or dried hand-pulled for chewy texture.
Cabbage leaves (2, chopped): Adds crunch and freshness.
Garlic (1½ tablespoons, minced): Packs a punch of savory flavor.
Ginger (1 tablespoon, minced): Brings warmth and brightness.
Red onion (½ medium, sliced): Offers sweetness and texture.
Bird’s eye chili (optional): Intensifies the heat for those who like it spicy.
Cooking oil: For stir-frying.
Cilantro, Asian chives, and Chinese celery (optional herb mix): Fresh green herbs to finish the dish beautifully.

How to Make Cumin Lamb Noodles Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Lamb

First things first, toss the thinly sliced lamb shoulder with salt to enhance its natural flavors. Then add cornstarch to coat each piece gently—this will help the lamb stay juicy and give it a lovely silky texture when cooked. Next, mix in the neutral oil, which helps distribute the seasoning evenly and prevents it from sticking during cooking. Let it rest while you prepare the rest of the ingredients.

Step 2: Prepare the Spices

Toast cumin seeds, coriander seeds, and Sichuan peppercorns in a dry pan over medium heat. This step unlocks their essential oils and fills your kitchen with a heavenly aroma. Once fragrant, let the seeds cool and then grind them into a fine powder. These fresh-ground spices are key to the vibrant flavor of the cumin lamb noodles.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

In a bowl, combine chili oil, Chinese black vinegar, low sodium soy sauce, and sugar. Whisk them together until the sugar dissolves, creating a perfect balance between spicy, sour, salty, and sweet. This tangy sauce is what ties all the ingredients into one mouthwatering dish.

Step 4: Prepping Noodles and Veggies

Boil a pot of water and cook the wide noodles or fresh hand-pulled noodles until just tender. In the last 30 seconds, add chopped cabbage leaves right into the boiling water to soften them slightly but still preserve their crunch. Drain everything together and set aside for the stir-fry.

Step 5: Stir-Fry and Bring It All Together

Heat about 2 tablespoons of oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and ginger, sautéing for just 10 seconds to release their fragrance without browning. Toss in the red onion slices and bird’s eye chili if using, giving them a quick stir. Now add the marinated lamb, separating the slices so they cook evenly. As the lamb nears doneness, sprinkle the freshly ground spice powder and stir well to coat every bite. Pour in the sauce and mix thoroughly. Finally, add the cooked noodles and cabbage, tossing constantly until everything is evenly coated in the luscious sauce. For that fresh, herbaceous pop, sprinkle the optional cilantro, Asian chives, and Chinese celery on top and give it one last toss.

How to Serve Cumin Lamb Noodles Recipe

A close-up view of a black skillet filled with cooked wide noodles that are light orange from sauce, mixed with browned pieces of meat, red onion slices, and pale green cabbage. The top center of the dish is covered with a large pile of finely chopped fresh green herbs. The skillet sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate your presentation and flavor, top the dish with a handful of fresh herbs like cilantro and sliced green onions. A drizzle of extra chili oil adds an irresistible sheen and an extra layer of heat for spice lovers. These garnishes create contrast and make your plate look as good as it tastes.

Side Dishes

This cumin lamb noodles recipe pairs beautifully with light, refreshing sides such as a simple cucumber salad dressed with rice vinegar and sesame oil, or steamed bok choy with garlic. These help balance out the richness of the lamb and provide a crisp, cool counterpoint to the warm spices.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the noodles family-style in a large, shallow bowl so everyone can dig in and enjoy the sizzling mix of flavors. You can also plate them in individual bowls and garnish each with a sprinkle of roasted peanuts or toasted sesame seeds for added texture and a bit of surprise crunch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Refrigerate any leftover cumin lamb noodles in an airtight container for up to 2 days. The flavors tend to deepen overnight, making the next meal just as delicious. Keep the herbs separate if possible, adding them fresh when reheating.

Freezing

While this recipe is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the cooked lamb and noodles separately in freezer-safe containers for up to 1 month. Avoid freezing the fresh vegetables or herbs to maintain their texture and flavor when reheated.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the noodles and lamb in a wok or skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or oil, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. Add fresh herbs and any extra chili oil after reheating to revive the flavors and freshness you loved in the original dish.

FAQs

Can I use other cuts of lamb for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute lamb shoulder with leg or loin, but shoulder tends to be more tender and flavorful for quick stir-fry methods in this cumin lamb noodles recipe.

What kind of noodles work best for this dish?

Wide noodles, especially fresh hand-pulled ones, are ideal because of their chewy texture and ability to soak up the sauce. However, any flat wheat noodle can work well.

Is the bird’s eye chili necessary?

Not at all! It’s optional and mainly used if you want to add an extra spicy kick. You can omit it or replace it with chili flakes according to your heat preference.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

This dish shines with lamb, but to make a vegetarian version, try substituting the lamb for firm tofu or mushrooms, and adjust the spices and cooking times accordingly.

How important is toasting the spices?

Toasting the cumin, coriander, and Sichuan peppercorns is crucial because it unlocks their oils and significantly boosts the flavor. Don’t skip this step for a truly authentic cumin lamb noodles recipe.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a dish that brings a burst of color, warmth, and incredible flavor to your dinner table, the Cumin Lamb Noodles Recipe is a gem worth making again and again. Its balanced spices, tender lamb, and hearty noodles create a comforting yet exciting meal that feels like a hug in a bowl. Grab your ingredients and give this recipe a try—you’ll love the vibrant taste and the ease it brings to your kitchen.