If you love bold flavors and hearty meals that warm you from the inside out, this Cumin Lamb Noodles recipe is going to be your new best friend. Picture tender, spiced lamb mingling with chewy noodles, all coated in a fragrant cumin-infused sauce that’s just begging for a big, satisfying bite. Trust me, this dish is the perfect blend of savory and aromatic, with just the right hint of spice to keep things interesting without overwhelming your taste buds.
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Whether you’re looking to impress dinner guests with something a little different or just craving a comforting meal that feels like a hug in a bowl, this recipe has got you covered. It’s simple enough for weeknights but packed with flavor that feels anything but basic.
Why You’ll Love Cumin Lamb Noodles
Versatile: Whether you’re making a solo dinner or feeding a crowd, this dish scales easily and can be paired with simple sides or a fresh salad.
Budget-Friendly: Ground lamb or lamb mince isn’t just delicious—it’s a great way to get rich flavor without breaking the bank.
Quick and Easy: Minimal ingredients, straightforward steps, and a meal on the table in under an hour—what’s not to love?
Customizable: Like heat? Add a dash of chili flakes. Want it milder? Dial back the spices and add a splash of yogurt on the side.
Crowd-Pleasing: The warm spices and hearty noodles make this a guaranteed winner, whether you’re serving family or friends.
Ingredients in Cumin Lamb Noodles
Here’s the flavor foundation for this delicious dish:
Ground Lamb: Juicy and flavorful, it’s the meaty centerpiece that soaks up all the spices beautifully.
Noodles: Thick, chewy noodles work best here to hold onto all that savory goodness.
Cumin Seeds: Toasted and fragrant, cumin gives this dish its signature earthy warmth and aroma.
Garlic & Ginger: These classic aromatics add depth and a bit of zing.
Onion: Sweet and caramelized, the onion rounds out the flavor base perfectly.
Chili Flakes: Optional, but highly recommended if you like a little kick.
Soy Sauce: Adds umami and saltiness, balancing the richness of the lamb.
Fresh Cilantro or Parsley: For a bright, fresh finish.
Olive Oil or Sesame Oil: For cooking and adding subtle nutty notes.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s get cooking this savory noodle bowl:
Preheat Your Pan: Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat with a splash of olive or sesame oil.
Toast the Cumin: Add cumin seeds to the hot oil and toast for 30 seconds until fragrant. This step really releases the flavor magic.
Cook the Aromatics: Toss in chopped onions, garlic, and ginger. Sauté until golden and fragrant—your kitchen will smell amazing.
Brown the Lamb: Add the ground lamb, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until browned and cooked through.
Add Seasonings: Sprinkle in chili flakes (if using), then pour soy sauce over the meat. Stir well to combine.
Prepare the Noodles: Meanwhile, cook your noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Combine Everything: Add the cooked noodles to the lamb mixture in the skillet. Toss everything together, making sure the noodles soak up all that rich, spiced goodness.
Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle fresh cilantro or parsley on top for a burst of color and freshness.
Serve this dish hot and enjoy every flavorful, comforting bite!
How to Serve Cumin Lamb Noodles
Simple Salad: A crisp cucumber salad with lemon vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast.
Pickled Vegetables: Brighten the meal with some quick-pickled carrots or radishes.
Spicy Sides: Serve with chili oil or hot sauce on the side for anyone craving more heat.
Brothy: Add a splash of broth or stock to turn this into a delicious noodle soup.
On Its Own: This dish is hearty and filling enough to be a stand-alone meal.
Additional Tips
Prep Ahead: Chop your aromatics and measure spices in advance to speed things up.
Adjust the Heat: Play with chili flakes and fresh chilies to get the perfect level of spice for you.
Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh cilantro or parsley makes a big difference in freshness and flavor.
Leftover Friendly: Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat gently to keep noodles from drying out.
Double the Batch: This recipe freezes well, so consider making extra for a quick meal later.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use beef or chicken instead of lamb?
A1: Yes! Ground beef or chicken works well; just adjust cooking times accordingly.
Q2: What type of noodles work best?
A2: Thick wheat noodles or even rice noodles are great. Choose noodles with some chew.
Q3: Can I make this dish vegetarian?
A3: Substitute the lamb with crumbled tofu or tempeh and boost the spices for extra flavor.
Q4: How spicy is this dish?
A4: It’s mild by default, but you can easily add more chili flakes or fresh chilies to ramp it up.
Q5: Can I prepare this ahead of time?
A5: Yes, cook the lamb mixture and noodles separately and combine when ready to serve.
Q6: How do I store leftovers?
A6: Store in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently.
Q7: Can I freeze this?
A7: You can freeze the lamb mixture (without noodles) for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat before adding noodles.
Q8: What oil is best for cooking?
A8: Olive oil is great for mild flavor; sesame oil adds a wonderful nutty aroma.
Q9: Can I add vegetables to this dish?
A9: Definitely! Bell peppers, snap peas, or bok choy work wonderfully.
Q10: What’s a good side dish?
A10: A simple green salad or steamed greens like bok choy or broccoli balance the meal nicely.
Conclusion
This Cumin Lamb Noodles recipe is your ticket to an aromatic, comforting meal that feels both exotic and homey. The warm spices, tender lamb, and chewy noodles come together to create a bowl that’s perfect for weeknights or impressing guests. So grab your skillet, get those spices ready, and let’s make some magic happen in the kitchen. You’re going to love every bite!
Print
Cumin Lamb Noodles
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stir-frying
- Cuisine: Chinese
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
Cumin Lamb Noodles is a flavorful and aromatic Chinese-inspired dish featuring tender thinly sliced lamb cooked with toasted cumin, Sichuan peppercorns, and coriander seeds, served over homemade hand-pulled noodles tossed in a spicy, tangy sauce with chili oil and fresh herbs.
Ingredients
- 1 batch homemade hand-pulled noodles or wide wheat noodles
- 2 tablespoons whole cumin seeds
- 2 teaspoons Sichuan peppercorns
- 1 teaspoon whole coriander seeds
- 1 lb lamb, thinly sliced against the grain (loin or shoulder)
- 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon peanut oil (or vegetable oil)
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 1/2 cup homemade chili oil (plus more to taste)
- 3 tablespoons Chinkiang vinegar
- 1/4 cup Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
- 4 teaspoons light soy sauce
- 4 teaspoons dark soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon peanut oil (or vegetable oil)
- 8 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 inches ginger, minced
- 1 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 hot green chili, sliced
- 1/2 bunch cilantro, chopped (about 1 heaping cup loosely packed)
Instructions
- Toast cumin seeds, Sichuan peppercorns, and coriander seeds in a dry pan over medium heat until fragrant. Grind coarsely and set aside.
- In a bowl, combine lamb slices with Shaoxing wine, salt, peanut oil, and cornstarch. Marinate for 15-30 minutes.
- Cook homemade or store-bought noodles according to instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a wok or large pan, heat 1 tablespoon peanut oil over medium-high heat.
- Add minced garlic, ginger, red onion, and sliced green chili. Stir fry until aromatic and onions soften.
- Add marinated lamb and stir fry until browned and cooked through.
- Add the toasted spice mix and stir well to coat the lamb.
- Mix chili oil, Chinkiang vinegar, Shaoxing wine, light soy sauce, and dark soy sauce in a small bowl.
- Add the sauce mixture to the wok and toss to combine everything evenly.
- Add cooked noodles and chopped cilantro. Toss gently to mix and heat through.
- Adjust seasoning and chili oil to taste. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Homemade hand-pulled noodles add authentic texture, but wide wheat noodles work well as a substitute.
- Chili oil can be store-bought or homemade; adjust quantity to control heat.
- Shaoxing wine can be substituted with dry sherry or omit if unavailable.
- Serve with extra cilantro and chili oil on the side for personalization.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg