Spiced Lamb Stir-Fry over Rice

When we think stir-fry, we usually think dishes based on Chinese, Thai, or other Asian-style cuisines, but this method of cooking can really translate to any type of dish—as long as it can be prepared quickly at a high temperature.

So, enter lamb. And, of course, a few fresh vegetables and herbs. The key here is very aromatic spices that penetrate the meat and kick up the flavor of the overall dish. Lamb is a meat that doesn’t need much time on the fire—give it plenty of time in the dry rub, then finish it off fast in the wok.

Serves 4

Ingredients

• 1/2 tsp ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/4 tsp ground cayenne
• 1/4 tsp turmeric
• 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 lb boneless lamb shoulder, cut into thin, 1-inch strips
• 2 tbs soy sauce
• 2 tbs red wine vinegar
• 2 tsp white sugar
• 2 tbsp peanut oil, divided
• sea salt
• 6 oz asparagus, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 4 small dried red chiles, such as arbols (stems removed)
• 3 small garlic cloves, peeled and thinly sliced
• 1 medium white onion, thinly vertically sliced
• 1 medium julienned red bell pepper
• 3 cups cooked basmati (or other long-grain white rice)
• 3 scallions, thinly sliced
• torn fresh mint leaves, for serving

Prepared Ingredients

Preparation

1. Combine the cumin, pepper flakes, turmeric, and cinnamon in a small bowl. Place the lamb in a medium bowl and sprinkle with the spice mixture. Toss well to coat. Cover and refrigerate at least 4 hours (or overnight).

Spice-Rubbed Lamb

1. Combine the soy sauce, vinegar, and sugar in another bowl and set aside.
2. Heat a wok (or deep pan) over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon oil. Season the lamb with salt and add to the pan. Stir-fry 3-4 minutes, until almost done. Transfer to a plate with a slotted spoon and wipe out the wok.
3. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil to the pan. Add the asparagus, chiles, garlic, onion, and bell pepper, and stir-fry 4 minutes, until lightly charred and softened.
4. Add the cooked lamb, along with any juices from the plate, and the soy sauce mixture. Stir-fry until the meat and vegetables are coated and the sauce is slightly reduced, 2-3 minutes.

Lamb Beginning to Cook

Stir-Fried Lamb

Vegetable Mixture Added

Divide the rice among 4 shallow bowls. Divide the stir-fry on top and sprinkle all with sliced scallions and mint leaves.

Spiced Lamb Stir-Fry