Name: Spicy Cumin Lamb Biang Biang Noodles
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 140 min
Ingredients: 1.5 cups bread flour; 0.25 teaspoon salt; 0.5 cup water (plus 1 tablespoon (15ml)); 8 oz fatty lamb shoulder or chuck (thinly sliced); 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (plus 3 tablespoons (45 ml), divided); 1 tablespoon rice wine (plus 2 tablespoons (30 ml), divided); 1 teaspoon cornstarch; 1.5 tablespoons cumin seeds; 2 teaspoons coriander seeds; 0.25 teaspoon ground white pepper; 1 tablespoon grated ginger; 2 scallions scallions (chopped, white parts and green parts separated); 7 cloves garlic (minced); 1 long hot chili pepper (de-seeded and thinly sliced); 3 tablespoons chili oil (preferably homemade); 1 teaspoon sugar; 1 teaspoon black vinegar or rice vinegar; 1 tablespoon soy sauce; 0.5 teaspoon salt; 1 small red onion (thinly sliced); 0.5 cup Chinese celery or regular celery (finely diced, optional); 3 leaves cabbage (roughly chopped); 0.5 cup garlic chives (roughly chopped, optional)

Introduction to Spicy Cumin Lamb Biang Biang Noodles

Why Biang Biang Noodles are a Trendy Homemade Dish

If you haven't tried biang biang noodles, you're missing out on a culinary trend that’s sweeping kitchens everywhere. Originating from the Shaanxi province of China, these wide, hand-pulled noodles are not just a feast for the eyes but a delight for your taste buds. The name "biang" itself is derived from the sound made when the noodles are stretched and slapped against the countertop, making the cooking process a sensory experience!

Why do these noodles stand out? For starters, they pair perfectly with a host of robust ingredients. Our Spicy Cumin Lamb Biang Biang Noodles feature tender, marinated lamb infused with aromatic spices like cumin and coriander, alongside fresh vegetables. You’ll love how the simple act of pulling these noodles transforms your kitchen into a hot spot for delicious home cooking.

Plus, making biang biang noodles at home means you can tweak the recipe to satisfy all dietary preferences. With a bit of practice, you'll impress your friends with not just your cooking skills but also the flavors that will transport them straight to the streets of Xi'an. So, are you ready to dive into this culinary adventure? Let’s explore how to create these delightful noodles right in your kitchen!

Ingredients for Spicy Cumin Lamb Biang Biang Noodles

Essential ingredients for the noodles

To create the perfect texture for your spicy cumin lamb biang biang noodles, you’ll need just three basic ingredients:

1 ½ cups bread flour: This gives the noodles that chewy, satisfying bite.
¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavor of the noodles.
½ cup (plus 1 tablespoon) water: Hydration is key for achieving the right dough consistency.

These simple ingredients come together to form a delightful noodle base that will absorb all the flavors of the lamb and sauce beautifully.

Key ingredients for the lamb and sauce

For the star of this dish—the lamb and its sauce—you'll need an array of bold flavors and spices:

8 oz. fatty lamb shoulder or chuck (thinly sliced): This brings a rich flavor.
1 tablespoon vegetable oil (plus 3 tablespoons, divided): For sautéing and adding depth.
1 tablespoon rice vinegar (plus 2 tablespoons, divided): A great acidity to balance the dish.
1 ½ tablespoons cumin seeds: The essence of your spicy flavor profile.
7 cloves garlic (minced): Adds a fragrant punch.
3 tablespoons chili oil: For that kick of spiciness you're craving.

These ingredients create a sauce that’s savory, spicy, and utterly irresistible. When combined, they make your spicy cumin lamb biang biang noodles a dish to remember!

Step-by-step Preparation of Spicy Cumin Lamb Biang Biang Noodles

Cooking can be a wonderfully engaging and fulfilling journey, and making spicy cumin lamb biang biang noodles is no different. Follow these steps to create a delightful dish that combines rich flavors with satisfying textures.

Preparing the Noodle Dough

Start by making your noodle dough. In a mixing bowl, combine 1 ½ cups of bread flour, a pinch of salt, and ½ cup of water (plus an extra tablespoon to adjust moisture as needed). Use your hands or a fork to mix until it forms a scraggly dough. Transfer this mixture to a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook and knead on low for 20 minutes. The dough should be smooth and elastic, and not stick to the bowl. If it breaks when stretched, knead it a bit longer or add a splash of water. Once ready, cover it with plastic wrap and let it rest for 1 to 2 hours.

Marinating the Lamb

While your dough rests, it's time to marinate the lamb. Take 8 oz. of thinly sliced fatty lamb shoulder or chuck and mix it with 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil, 1 tablespoon of rice wine (or a non-alcoholic alternative), and 1 teaspoon of cornstarch. Let it sit for a bit, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Toasting the Spices

Next, let’s toast our spices! In a dry pan over medium heat, add 1 ½ tablespoons of cumin seeds, 2 teaspoons of coriander seeds, and ¼ teaspoon of ground white pepper. Toast the spices until aromatic, about 5 minutes. Once toasted, coarsely grind them with a spice grinder or a mortar and pestle—this step really elevates the flavors of your spicy cumin lamb biang biang noodles.

Shaping the Noodles

After resting, your noodle dough is ready! Transfer it to an oiled surface, pressing it into a rectangle about 10 inches long and half an inch thick. Cut this into 10 equal strips. Use your palms to flatten each strip into wide noodles. The fun part? Pick them up and slap them against the counter to stretch them out!

Cooking the Noodles and Preparing the Sauce

With your noodles shaped, bring a pot of water to a boil. They will take about 90 seconds to cook. Meanwhile, heat 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large wok. Add grated ginger, scallion whites, and sauté for a minute. Then introduce the marinated lamb; cook until just browned. Stir in your spice mixture, chili oil, and vegetables you've prepared.

Tossing Everything Together

When your noodles are ready, transfer them to the wok along with other vegetables like cabbage and garlic chives. Toss everything together until well coated in that delicious sauce.

Now serve up your spicy cumin lamb biang biang noodles and enjoy! This dish is perfect for impressing friends or enjoying a cozy evening at home. Happy cooking!

Variations on Spicy Cumin Lamb Biang Biang Noodles

Vegetarian Alternate Version

Craving spicy cumin lamb biang biang noodles but want to keep it meat-free? You can easily swap out the lamb for marinated tofu or tempeh. Just cube your favorite firm tofu, marinate it in soy sauce, ginger, and a touch of sesame oil, then stir-fry until golden brown. Add a mix of vegetables like bok choy, bell peppers, and snap peas for extra crunch and flavor. This plant-based twist ensures you don’t compromise on taste while keeping it fresh and exciting.

Different Protein Options

If lamb isn’t your thing, consider trying other proteins! Chicken or beef work beautifully in this dish. Marinate thinly sliced chicken breast or steak in the same spices for a flavor-packed experience. For a more unique take, why not experiment with shrimp? They cook quickly and absorb flavors phenomenally well. Simply adjust the cooking time accordingly to achieve that juicy, tender texture that perfectly complements the spicy cumin sauce. The possibilities are endless with spicy cumin lamb biang biang noodles!

Cooking Tips and Notes for Spicy Cumin Lamb Biang Biang Noodles

Importance of Dough Consistency

The right dough consistency is crucial for creating the perfect spicy cumin lamb biang biang noodles. Aim for a smooth, elastic dough that isn’t too dry or tacky. If it’s breaking when you stretch it, just knead a little longer or add a touch more water. Conversely, if it’s too sticky, a sprinkle of flour should do the trick.

Tips for Achieving Perfectly Cooked Noodles

Cooking the noodles just right enhances the dish's overall texture. Boil a large pot of water and add the noodles with the cabbage, cooking them for about 90 seconds to 2 minutes. Keep an eye on them, as they can overcook quickly. Timing is key, so have your sauce ready to toss in right when the noodles are done. Trust your instincts—if they feel right, they probably are!

Serving Suggestions for Spicy Cumin Lamb Biang Biang Noodles

Recommended sides and drinks

Pair your Spicy Cumin Lamb Biang Biang Noodles with refreshing sides like pickled vegetables or a light cucumber salad. These fresh dishes will balance out the rich flavors of the lamb and spices. For drinks, consider serving a chilled jasmine tea or a fizzy lemon-lime soda. Their refreshing qualities will cleanse your palate beautifully.

Garnishes to elevate the dish

Elevate your bowl of Spicy Cumin Lamb Biang Biang Noodles with a sprinkle of crushed peanuts or sesame seeds for texture. A handful of fresh cilantro or thinly sliced radishes adds color and brightness. Don't forget a drizzle of extra chili oil for an extra kick! These simple garnishes not only enhance visual appeal but also add layers of flavor and crunch to your meal.

Time Breakdown for Spicy Cumin Lamb Biang Biang Noodles

Preparation Time

You'll need around 30 minutes to prep your spicy cumin lamb biang biang noodles. This includes making the noodle dough, marinating the lamb, and chopping your veggies.

Cooking Time

The actual cooking process takes roughly 20 minutes. You’ll be toasting spices, stir-frying lamb, and boiling the noodles all at once.

Total Time

In total, you can expect to spend about 1 hour from start to finish. This makes it a great dish for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal with friends!

For more tips on making the best homemade noodles, be sure to check out The Woks of Life.

Nutritional Facts for Spicy Cumin Lamb Biang Biang Noodles

Understanding the nutritional profile of your dishes can be enlightening, especially when diving into flavorful meals like Spicy Cumin Lamb Biang Biang Noodles! Here's a quick look at what you’re getting in a serving:

Calories

Each serving packs about 425 calories, making it a hearty yet satisfying choice to fuel your day.

Protein

You'll get around 19 grams of protein, perfect for muscle repair and keeping you feeling full.

Sodium

Keep in mind the sodium content is approximately 785 mg, contributing to flavor, but be mindful if you're watching your intake!

For a little added insight, if you’re interested in reducing sodium, consider using low-sodium soy sauce as a swap!

FAQs about Spicy Cumin Lamb Biang Biang Noodles

Can I make the noodles ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the biang biang noodles ahead of time. After making the dough, simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you're ready, let it come to room temperature before rolling and stretching into noodles.

What can I substitute for lamb?

If lamb isn't your thing or is hard to find, don’t worry! You can substitute it with ground beef, chicken, or even tofu for a vegetarian twist. Each option provides a unique flavor, making this dish versatile to your preferences.

How can I adjust the spiciness?

Love heat? Increase the amount of chili oil or add more sliced chili peppers. For a milder version, reduce the chili oil and use fewer hot peppers. Experiment until you find the perfect balance for your taste buds!

Feel free to ask more questions or share your experiences trying spicy cumin lamb biang biang noodles. Happy cooking!

Conclusion on Spicy Cumin Lamb Biang Biang Noodles

In conclusion, spicy cumin lamb biang biang noodles combine bold flavors and an exciting texture that are sure to please. Whether you're impressing guests or indulging in a comforting meal, this recipe is a must-try. Don't hesitate to explore more variations by adding your favorite ingredients!