Spicy Chinese Cumin Lamb Skewers Recipes

SPICY CUMIN LAMB SKEWERS (YANG ROU CHUAN) RECIPE

Steps:

• Remove skewers from the grill and serve right away.

SPICY CUMIN CHICKEN HEART SKEWERS

Steps:

• To make the chicken hearts: Butterfly the chicken hearts by slicing them lengthwise, cutting deeply without cutting them entirely in half.
• Smash the green onions and ginger with clean hands to release their flavors.
• Add the smashed green onions and ginger, along with the Sichuan peppercorns, five-spice powder, cooking wine, and salt to a container along with 1 cup (240 ml) water to make a marinade.
• Add the chicken hearts to the marinade and stir well to combine. Cover the container with plastic wrap and let marinate in the refrigerator for 1 hour. Any longer and you risk over-marinating.
• To grill and serve: Thread 5 chicken hearts onto each skewer. The skewers may be kept refrigerated, covered, before cooking for no longer than 2 hours.
• Prepare a robata or other grill with charcoal that has turned ashy gray and is smoldering hot but not actively emitting flames. Set the skewers down on the grill surface and cook for 2 minutes, then flip over and cook for an additional 2 minutes. When the meat tightens up and oil begins to seep out, it is almost done. At this point, brush the oil on one side of the meat, then sprinkle half of the cumin, red chili powder, and salt, to taste, on top.
• Flip the skewers over and season the other side in the same way. Flip the skewers once more and toast the newly seasoned side for about 30 seconds. Cook for about a minute or so more on each side.
• Remove the cooked skewers to a plate, sprinkle with the sesame seeds, and serve immediately.
• Note: When brushing oil and sauce on the meat while over the fire, do so sparingly, dabbing off any excess, so it doesn't drip onto the flames. If at any point the flames flare up, remove the skewers from the grill until the flames die down.

XINJIANG LAMB SKEWERS

Steps:

• Cut the lamb and the fat into roughly inch big cubes.
• Make the marinade by putting the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt and spices into a bowl and mixing until even. Put the meat and fat in the marinade and mix until thoroughly coated, then cover, put the bowl in the fridge and leave for at least 2 hours (or overnight if you think ahead).
• Skewer the meat, roughly 2 pieces of lean meat to one piece of fat (you don't have to eat the fat but do keep it on whilst cooking, as it helps keep the meat nice and tender). Pack it quite tightly so that the fat and meat are up against each other, as in the picture above.
• Cook on the BBQ until you feel it's ready to eat. I prefer it so the fat is nice and crispy, but just cook it to your own preference. If you made the spice sprinkle then add it occasionally on the top of the skewers as they cook.

SPICED LAMB SKEWERS WITH LEMONY ONIONS

Steps:

• Season lamb with salt and pepper. Add cumin and turmeric and toss to coat. (This can be done up to 24 hours ahead, if you like.)
• If you're using a charcoal grill, build the fire so it's screaming hot. This lamb is to be cooked hot and fast so it can stay nicely medium-rare, so the hotter the better. If you're using a gas grill, set it on high. Bring a clean platter, cutting board or baking dish out to the grill for the skewers to rest in after cooking.
• Combine onion, sumac (if using) and 3 tablespoons lemon juice; season with salt and pepper and toss to combine. Set aside.
• Combine yogurt and remaining 2 tablespoons lemon juice; season with salt and pepper. Set aside.
• Skewer the lamb onto wooden or metal skewers, 2 to 4 pieces per skewer.
• Once the grill is hot, cook the skewers on all sides until deeply browned and lightly charred all over, 2 to 3 minutes per side (less time for smaller pieces), moving the skewers around as needed to prevent excessive flare-ups. (If you've trimmed most of the fat away from the lamb, the flare-ups shouldn't be too bad.)
• Transfer the skewers to the platter, cutting board or baking dish to rest for a few minutes and drizzle with olive oil. Serve with the dressed onions, lemony yogurt, cilantro, olives, lavash and any pickled vegetables or peppers you like.

SPICED GRILLED LAMB SKEWERS

Steps:

• Blend all the marinade ingredients until smooth, and season with 1 tsp salt and some black pepper. Add the lamb, mix well, cover and put in the fridge to marinate for as long as possible; overnight is best.
• When ready to cook, soak 8 wooden skewers in water for 10 mins and heat a barbecue to medium-high, or heat your grill and line a baking tray with foil. Thread the lamb onto the skewers, about 4 pieces on each. Place on oiled racks of the barbecue and cook for 12-14 mins, turning often, or until charred in places and cooked right through. If you're grilling the skewers, cook for 10-12 mins.