Cumin Mutton 孜然羊肉 （zī rán yáng ròu）
Cumin mutton, a dish that embodies colors, aromas, and flavors. Under the illumination of light, the golden slices of mutton shimmer with an alluring gloss, emanating delightful scents. Every piece of mutton is meticulously chosen and processed, showcasing a uniform thickness and consistent texture. According to tradition, this dish was originally crafted by local herders during their outdoor grazing, where they would cut the mutton into thin slices and roast them with cumin and other spices. As time passed, this dish gained popularity and became a signature delicacy of the Xinjiang region.
Comprehensive rating:
| PREP TIME | COOK TIME | VARIETY | MOUTHFEEL | LEVEL |
| 15 min | 25 min | 15 | Fragrant、Spicy | Easy |
Ingredients for Cumin Mutton：
| Mutton | 750g |
| Egg | 50g |
| Salt | 2g |
| Light soy sauce | 6g |
| Dark soy sauce | 4g |
| Oyster sauce | 10g |
| Starch | 10g |
| Ginger | 5g |
| Green onion | 5g |
| Sugar | 1g |
| Onion | 70g |
| Cumin powder | 20g |
| Chili powder | 15g |
| Shaoxing wine | 5g |
Steps:
1.Prepare a fresh piece of mutton. Cut the mutton into finger-sized pieces to ensure even heat distribution and flavor absorption. Take a bowl and place the cut mutton pieces in it for later use. Choosing fresh mutton ensures a tender texture and provides a rich meaty aroma.
2.Prepare spring onions and ginger, slicing them and adding them to the bowl with the mutton. This adds aroma and enhances the taste of the mutton. Now, let’s start marinating the mutton. Pour a little Shaoxing wine, light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, and oyster sauce into the bowl with the mutton. These seasonings will add color and flavor. Sprinkle some white sugar and cornstarch; the sugar balances the saltiness of the seasonings, while the cornstarch helps make the mutton crispy and golden. Crack an egg into the bowl, which adds moisture and helps bind the ingredients. Add a generous amount of cumin powder and chili flakes to give the mutton a fragrant and spicy taste. Finally, pour in a little water and mix all the seasonings and mutton thoroughly to ensure that each piece of mutton absorbs the marinade evenly. Marinate for about ten minutes, which is sufficient time for the mutton to absorb the flavors.
3.Preheat the air fryer to 180 degrees Celsius before using it. Once the fryer reaches the appropriate temperature, place the marinated mutton into the frying basket. Set the fryer temperature to 180 degrees Celsius and cook the mutton for 20 minutes. This time will ensure that the mutton is fully cooked and has a golden crispy exterior. Please note that specific cooking times may vary depending on the model of the air fryer, thickness of the mutton, and personal preference. After 20 minutes of cooking, thinly slice an onion and sprinkle it into the frying basket. Continue cooking for an additional minute, which will slightly soften the onions and add extra flavor.
4.After one minute of cooking, remove the cooked mutton from the air fryer. To remove excess oil, place the mutton on kitchen paper and press it to absorb any remaining grease. This helps reduce the dish’s oil content, making it healthier. Once the excess surface oil of the mutton is absorbed, transfer it to a serving dish. Choose an elegant plate for presentation and arrange the mutton attractively, enhancing both the visual appeal of the dish and the dining experience. Now, enjoy your delicious homemade cumin mutton!
Tips:
1.To achieve better texture and flavor, choose fresh and tender mutton, preferably from softer cuts of meat.
2.When slicing the mutton, cut against the grain along the fibers. This will make the meat more tender and enhance the chewiness.
Cumin mutton has a juicy and tender texture with a delightful aroma. Each bite is a fusion of the tender mutton and the unique fragrance of cumin, leaving a blissful sensation in your mouth. Not only is this dish delicious, but it also provides rich nutritional value, including protein, fats, carbohydrates, and other essential nutrients. It offers the body the necessary energy and nourishment. Additionally, cumin mutton is known for its benefits in nourishing blood and Qi, improving appetite, and supporting spleen health. It can also help alleviate symptoms of weakness and digestive issues.