Letโs Talk About Cumin Lamb Noodlesโฆ
Alright, my friend, this is the kind of dish that will make your taste buds dance with excitement! Picture this: tender lamb, perfectly seasoned with earthy cumin and aromatic spices, tossed with noodles that are just the right amount of chewy. Itโs like a cozy, flavor-packed hug for your mouth. Trust me, once you dig into these Cumin Lamb Noodles, youโll be wondering why you havenโt made this dish a regular in your weeknight rotation.
The combination of cumin with lamb is a match made in heaven. The bold, savory flavor of the lamb just soaks up the spices, and when itโs paired with the noodles, itโs a harmonious blend of textures and tastes that hits all the right notes. If you love a good balance of spicy, savory, and just the right amount of heat, this recipe is about to be your new favorite.
Why Youโll Love Cumin Lamb Noodles
Versatile
This dish is perfect for everything from a casual family dinner to impressing your friends at a dinner party. Itโs one of those recipes thatโs just as good for a cozy night in as it is for a celebration.
Budget-Friendly
Lamb might seem fancy, but this dish is surprisingly affordable when you shop smart. Youโre using a few key ingredients that pack a punch, making every bite worth it without stretching your budget.
Quick and Easy
The beauty of this dish is how quickly it comes together. The noodles cook up in no time, and the lamb, seasoned with cumin and a handful of other spices, takes just a few minutes to cook to perfection.
Customizable
Love spice? Toss in a little extra chili for heat. Prefer a milder version? Just tone down the cumin and add a splash of soy sauce for a different flavor profile. You can truly make this dish your own.
Crowd-Pleasing
Cumin Lamb Noodles are definitely a crowd-pleaser! The savory lamb, fragrant spices, and chewy noodles are perfect for anyone who loves a hearty, flavorful meal.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.If you click and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Ingredients in Cumin Lamb Noodles
Hereโs what youโll need to make this dish come together in all its glory:
Lamb
The star of the show! Youโll want tender lamb that can soak up all the cumin and spice goodness. Lamb shoulder or leg works beautifully in this recipe.
Noodles
Use your favorite long noodlesโegg noodles or wheat noodles work great. Theyโll be the perfect base to carry all that juicy lamb and rich sauce.
Cumin
Cumin is the magic ingredient here, adding that signature warm, earthy flavor that makes this dish so irresistible.
Chili Flakes
For a little kick! If you like spice, add more chili flakes. The heat balances the rich flavor of the lamb perfectly.
Garlic
Garlic adds a savory base to the dish that complements the cumin and lamb wonderfully. Youโll want it fragrant and golden.
Ginger
A little ginger goes a long way in giving this dish that extra layer of warmth and depth of flavor.
Soy Sauce
A splash of soy sauce gives this dish that beautiful umami flavor that makes everything taste even better.
Scallions
Garnish with fresh scallions for a burst of freshness that cuts through the richness of the lamb and adds a nice crunch.
Sesame Oil
A drizzle of sesame oil at the end adds a bit of nuttiness and depth to the dish.
Rice Vinegar
Just a tiny splash of rice vinegar brightens up the flavors and gives the dish a little tang.
(Note: the full ingredient list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Prepare the Lamb
Start by slicing the lamb into thin, bite-sized pieces. The thinner you slice it, the quicker it will cook and absorb all those delicious spices.
Cook the Noodles
Cook the noodles according to the package directions. Be sure to salt the water generously to season the noodles. Drain and set them aside, but save a little pasta water to help with the sauce later on.
Sautรฉ Garlic, Ginger, and Spices
In a large pan or wok, heat a little oil over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and ginger, and sautรฉ for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Now, toss in the cumin and chili flakes. Let them toast in the oil for about 30 seconds to release all those flavors.
Cook the Lamb
Add the sliced lamb to the pan and cook for 4-5 minutes until browned and cooked through. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking, and let the lamb get a little crispy around the edges.
Toss the Noodles
Add the cooked noodles to the pan with the lamb. Drizzle in the soy sauce and a splash of rice vinegar, and toss everything together to coat the noodles and lamb in that fragrant spice mixture. Add a bit of reserved pasta water if you need to loosen up the sauce.
Finishing Touches
Drizzle a little sesame oil over the noodles, and give it one last toss. Garnish with fresh scallions, and serve hot.
Serve and Enjoy
Serve your Cumin Lamb Noodles straight from the pan. This dish is comforting, flavorful, and just the right amount of savory. Enjoy!
How to Serve Cumin Lamb Noodles
With Fresh Vegetables
Add some steamed or stir-fried vegetables on the side, like bok choy, broccoli, or green beans. The fresh veggies will add a nice crunch and balance out the richness of the noodles.
Top with Herbs
For a burst of freshness, sprinkle some cilantro or mint over the top. Itโs a small touch that really brightens the flavors.
Pair with a Cold Drink
A chilled glass of iced tea or a cold beer pairs wonderfully with this dish. It helps balance out the heat and richness.
Make it a Full Meal
Serve these noodles as part of a larger spread, with dishes like dumplings, spring rolls, or a simple salad to round things out.
Additional Tips
Cut the Lamb Thinly
The thinner you slice the lamb, the quicker it cooks and the more tender it will be. Use a sharp knife to get those thin slices.
Save Pasta Water
The starchy pasta water is a secret weapon in many noodle dishes. Donโt forget to save a bit of it before draining, as it helps create a silky sauce.
Adjust the Spice
If youโre not into heat, feel free to tone down the chili flakes or leave them out entirely. Youโll still get plenty of flavor from the cumin and lamb.
Make Extra Sauce
If you love a saucy noodle dish, double the soy sauce and sesame oil mixture to give you a bit more of that delicious sauce to coat the noodles.
Prep Ahead
You can slice the lamb and prep the noodles ahead of time to make cooking even faster when itโs time to eat. Just keep everything stored in the fridge until youโre ready to cook.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use a different protein instead of lamb?
A1: Yes! Beef or chicken would work just as well. Just make sure to adjust the cooking times based on the meat you use.
Q2: Can I make this dish vegetarian?
A2: Absolutely! You can replace the lamb with tofu or tempeh for a plant-based version thatโs just as delicious.
Q3: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A3: Itโs best served fresh, but you can prepare the lamb and noodles ahead of time and then just toss everything together when youโre ready to eat.
Q4: How do I store leftovers?
A4: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. Reheat in a pan with a little bit of water or oil to bring it back to life.
Q5: Can I freeze this dish?
A5: While itโs not ideal to freeze noodles, you can freeze the lamb and spices mixture and cook fresh noodles when youโre ready to serve.
Conclusion
Cumin Lamb Noodles are a total game-changer. With that mouthwatering combo of savory lamb, fragrant cumin, and chewy noodles, this dish delivers on all frontsโcomfort, flavor, and heartiness. Whether youโre feeding a hungry crowd or just indulging in a comforting dinner, this recipe is sure to leave everyone smiling. So, roll up your sleeves and get ready to enjoy a bowl of deliciousness!
Print
Cumin Lamb Noodles
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Cumin Lamb Noodles is a savory and aromatic dish combining tender lamb, fragrant cumin, and chewy noodles. This dish is a delicious blend of rich flavors and spices, often found in Chinese or Central Asian cuisine, offering a perfect balance of heat, savory flavors, and fresh herbs.
Ingredients
- For the Cumin Lamb:
- 1 lb (450g) lamb, thinly sliced (preferably lamb shoulder or leg)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes (optional, for heat)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- For the Noodles:
- 8 oz (225g) fresh wheat noodles or any preferred Asian-style noodles
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin (for seasoning noodles)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Lamb:
- Heat vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic, ginger, and onion. Sautรฉ for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the sliced lamb to the pan and cook until browned, about 4-5 minutes. Make sure to break up any clumps of lamb as it cooks.
- Once the lamb is browned, add the ground cumin, coriander, cinnamon, black pepper, and chili flakes (if using). Stir well to coat the lamb with the spices.
- Stir in the soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sugar. Let it cook for another 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Remove from heat and set aside. Garnish with chopped cilantro and set aside while you prepare the noodles.
- Prepare the Noodles:
- Cook the noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium heat. Add the cooked noodles to the pan and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, until they start to become golden and slightly crispy.
- Season the noodles with soy sauce, sesame oil, cumin, and salt. Stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes, making sure the noodles are well coated.
- Assemble the Dish:
- Once the noodles are ready, plate them and top with the cumin lamb mixture. Garnish with green onions and extra cilantro if desired. Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- If you prefer a spicier dish, feel free to add more chili flakes or fresh chili peppers to the lamb mixture.
- For a richer flavor, you can use lamb fat or add a small amount of stock while cooking the lamb.
- This dish can be served with a side of sautรฉed vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for added freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stir-fried
- Cuisine: Chinese/Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 70mg