My Chinese Recipe Menu
- How I Feel About This Xinjiang Lamb Skewers
- Story Behind the Xinjiang Lamb Skewers
- Original Name
- Cooking Tips
- Cooking Time
- Ingredients to Make Xinjiang Lamb Skewers
- Food
- Seasonings
- How to Make Xinjiang Lamb Skewers
- Preparation
- Cooking
How I Feel About This Xinjiang Lamb Skewers
This is a dish that every Chinese has likely enjoyed as street food. The aroma of grilled lamb mixed with cumin and chili powder is unforgettable. I still remember when I was in kindergarten, there was a Chinese Xinjiang lamb skewer booth nearby, and my dad would buy some lamb skewers for me after school. I cherished these memories and can still recall them vividly after 20 years.
The best Chinese Xinjiang lamb skewers I ever had were when I was snowboarding in Xinjiang in 2023. There was a small booth at the end of the ski run, and I would usually buy 2-3 Xinjiang lamb skewers before taking the cable car as afternoon snacks. The taste was unparalleled, and I miss these lamb skewers a lot. That’s why I created this lamb skewers recipe. This is the oven version.
Story Behind the Xinjiang Lamb Skewers
Chinese Xinjiang Lamb Skewers originated in Xuzhou City, Jiangsu Province, China. When people mention lamb skewers, the first thing that comes to mind is Xinjiang Lamb Skewers, but the earliest Chinese lamb skewers actually originated in Xuzhou.
In 1986, a Han Dynasty portrait stone was unearthed in Tongshan, Xuzhou. The stone clearly depicts a scene of people grilling lamb skewers by the stove. This stone dates back to the 3rd year of Yuanhe in the Eastern Han Dynasty, which is 86 AD, making it 1930 years old.
Original Name
- Translated English Name: Chinese Xinjiang Lamb Skewers
- Original Chinese Pronunciation: Xinjiang Kao Yang Rou Chuan 新疆烤羊肉串
Note: You may use the Chinese name to order in China because the translated English name of the dishes might be different in every restaurant.
Cooking Tips
- Frozen lamb skewers can also use this recipe to cook. (I did a lot)
Cooking Time
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Ingredients to Make Xinjiang Lamb Skewers
Serving:1
Food
Lamb Skewers— 5 pieces
Seasonings
Oil — 2 tablespoons
Chili Powder — 1 tablespoon
Cumin Powder — 1 tablespoon
Salt — 1/2 tablespoon
How to Make Chinese Xinjiang Lamb Skewers
Preparation
1. Prepare the lamb skewers in the pan. I bought lamb skewers from Sam's Club China to save some preparation time.
Cooking
1. Spray oil over both sides of the lamb skewers. Place them in the oven at 220°C for 10 minutes. (No need to preheat)
2. Spray oil again (both sides) and add chili powder, cumin powder, and salt to one side of the lamb skewers. Put them back in the oven at 220°C for 5 minutes.
3. Spray oil again (both sides) and add chili powder, cumin powder, and salt to the other side of the lamb skewers. Return them to the oven at 220°C for another 5 minutes. Done! You may have your fresh roasted Xinjiang lamb skewers now.
