These Easy Cumin Lamb Noodles are a tasty treat! With tender lamb, fragrant cumin, and slurpy noodles, this dish is quick to whip up and full of flavor.
You know it’s a good day when dinner is this easy and delicious! I love serving it with some fresh veggies on the side for a splash of color. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Noodles: I recommend using wide wheat noodles for a hearty bite, but if they’re not available, rice noodles or even spaghetti can work in a pinch! Just cook them according to the package directions.
Lamb: Lamb shoulder is perfect for this dish due to its flavor and tenderness. If lamb is out of reach, beef or chicken can also make a great substitute and still deliver a satisfying meal.
Cumin Seeds: Toasting whole cumin seeds brings out an amazing aroma that really enhances the dish. If you’re short on time, ground cumin can be used instead—just add a little less since it’s more concentrated.
Bok Choy: For greens, bok choy adds a wonderful crunch and nutrition. You can easily swap in spinach, napa cabbage, or even kale if that’s what you have on hand.
How Do You Get the Lamb Just Right?
Cooking lamb for this recipe is all about timing. You want to ensure it’s nice and browned but not overcooked. Here’s how:
- Slice your lamb thinly against the grain for tenderness. This helps it cook quickly and stay juicy.
- Stir-fry over medium-high heat. This gives a nice sear without letting it dry out. Cook just until browned—about 3-4 minutes is usually perfect.
- If you want to add more flavor, marinating the lamb briefly in soy sauce or a little garlic before cooking can enhance the taste even more.
With these tips, your lamb will turn out tender and flavorful every time!
How to Make Easy Cumin Lamb Noodles
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Noodles:
- 8 oz (225g) wide wheat noodles (or hand-pulled noodles)
For the Lamb:
- 1/2 lb (225g) lamb shoulder or leg, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp cumin seeds
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece ginger, minced
- 2 green onions, chopped (white and green parts separated)
For the Vegetables:
- 2 cups bok choy or similar leafy greens, chopped
For the Sauce:
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp chili paste or chili flakes (adjust to preference)
- 1 tbsp dark soy sauce (optional, for color)
- 1 tbsp Shaoxing wine or dry sherry (optional)
Additional Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- Salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Optional garnish: chopped cilantro or extra green onions
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 30 minutes total—10 minutes for preparation and about 20 minutes for cooking. Perfect for a quick and flavorful dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Noodles:
Start by bringing a large pot of water to boil. Cook the noodles according to package instructions until they are al dente. Once done, drain them and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set the noodles aside for later.
2. Toast the Cumin Seeds:
Next, grab a dry skillet and heat it over medium heat. Add the cumin seeds and toast them for about 1-2 minutes until they’re aromatic. Be careful not to burn them! Once toasted, remove them from the heat and crush them lightly using a mortar and pestle or spice grinder. Set aside for later.
3. Start Stir-Frying:
In a large wok or skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic, ginger, and the white parts of the green onions. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant—your kitchen will smell amazing!
4. Add the Lamb:
Now it’s time to add the thinly sliced lamb to the pan. Stir-fry until the lamb is browned and nearly cooked through—this should take about 3-4 minutes.
5. Add the Bok Choy:
Once the lamb is cooked, toss in the chopped bok choy and continue to stir-fry until the greens are wilted and tender.
6. Mix in Spice and Sauce:
Sprinkle the toasted crushed cumin seeds over the lamb and vegetables. Pour in the soy sauce, dark soy sauce if using, and Shaoxing wine. Toss everything together so all the flavors combine beautifully.
7. Combine with Noodles:
Take your cooked noodles and add them to the pan along with the chili paste or flakes. Stir-fry for another 1-2 minutes, making sure all the noodles are nicely coated with the sauce and mixed with the lamb and veggies.
8. Final Touches:
Give everything a taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed. You want it to be just right!
9. Garnish and Serve:
Remove from heat and serve hot. Feel free to garnish with chopped green onions or cilantro for an extra touch of freshness. Enjoy your delicious Easy Cumin Lamb Noodles!
This dish is a perfect blend of warm, earthy cumin with tender lamb and comforting noodles, topped with vibrant greens. It’s quick, satisfying, and packed with flavor!
FAQ for Easy Cumin Lamb Noodles
Can I Substitute Lamb with Another Meat?
Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of lamb or don’t have it on hand, beef or chicken works great as substitutes. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time based on the type of meat you choose.
How Can I Make This Dish Spicier?
If you like heat, feel free to add more chili paste or flakes to the dish. You can also include sliced fresh chilies or a splash of hot sauce right before serving for an extra kick!
Can I Use Other Vegetables Instead of Bok Choy?
Yes! You can easily swap in other leafy greens like spinach, napa cabbage, or even bell peppers for some crunch. Just ensure whatever you choose cooks quickly for the best texture.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water to keep it moist if needed.
