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Grilled Chinese lamb skewers served with dipping sauce and cucumber salad.

The Best Chinese Lamb Skewers Recipe

Juicy, smoky, and packed with bold flavors, these Chinese lamb skewers are grilled to perfection over charcoal, just like the famous Xinjiang street food. Infused with aromatic spices, including cumin, chili flakes, and Sichuan peppercorns, this easy recipe brings an authentic Chinese BBQ experience to your backyard. Perfect for summer grilling, gatherings, or a quick weeknight meal!

  • Total Time: ~2 hours 30 minutes (including marination)
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients

For the Lamb Skewers:

  • 1.5 lbs (700g) lamb (shoulder or leg, cut into 1-inch cubes)
  • 1012 skewers (bamboo or metal)

For the Marinade:

  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 1 tbsp honey (for caramelization)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp grated ginger
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper

For the Spice Mix:

  • 2 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp chili flakes (adjust to taste)
  • 1 tsp crushed Sichuan peppercorns
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • ½ tsp white pepper

For Garnish (Optional):

  • Chopped green onions
  • Sesame seeds

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

  1. In a large bowl, combine soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, vegetable oil, honey, garlic, ginger, salt, and black pepper.
  2. Add the lamb cubes, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Cover and marinate for at least 2 hours (overnight for best flavor).

Step 2: Prepare the Skewers

  1. If using bamboo skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning.
  2. Thread 4-5 pieces of marinated lamb onto each skewer, leaving a small gap between each piece.

Step 3: Prepare the Grill

  1. Heat a charcoal grill until the coals are covered in white ash. Arrange for medium-high heat.
  2. Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Grill the Lamb Skewers

  1. Place the skewers directly over the heat and grill for 6-8 minutes, turning every 30 seconds.
  2. Sprinkle the spice mix over the lamb while grilling to enhance the flavor.
  3. Cook until the lamb is slightly charred but juicy inside.

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy

  1. Remove from heat and let the skewers rest for 2 minutes.
  2. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.
  3. Serve hot with a side of cucumber salad, scallion pancakes, or steamed rice.

Notes

  • For extra tenderness, add ½ tsp baking soda to the marinade.
  • Adjust chili flakes to control the spice level.
  • For an alternative cooking method, use a gas grill or broil in the oven for a similar effect.
  • Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven at 375°F (190°C).
  • Author: EMY
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 8 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 skewer (approx. 175g)
  • Calories: ~420 kcal
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 580mg
  • Fat: 28g
  • Saturated Fat: 11g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 6g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 35g
  • Cholesterol: 95mg