Cumin Lamb Noodles

The bold flavors of cumin and lamb are combined with spicy chile crisp in this quick noodle stir-fry. Bloom the cumin seeds before searing the lamb to infuse the dish with a warm earthiness. While black vinegar and dark soy sauce add a distinct complexity and faint sweetness to the dish, we’ve included substitutes in the Notes from the Food & Wine Test Kitchen.

Can you use other cuts of lamb?

Any cut of well-marbled lamb can be used in place of lamb shoulder steaks. Lamb rib chops are tender and flavorful, and make a great substitute. Avoid using lean cuts like loin chops, which can become tough and dry. If substituting boneless lamb, use 1 to 1 1/4 pounds of meat.

Notes from the Food & Wine Test Kitchen

In a pinch, 12 ounces of fresh lasagna sheets, cut lengthwise into 1-inch-wide strips, can be substituted for wheat noodles. Black vinegar adds a malty, mildly smoky flavor, but you can substitute it with rice vinegar. Dark soy sauce may be substituted with 2 teaspoons regular soy sauce plus 1/4 teaspoon granulated sugar. Wide wheat noodles, black vinegar, and dark soy sauce are available at most Asian grocery stores or online at themalamarket.com.

Suggested pairing

Try a peppery, powerful Australian Shiraz with these savory noodles, like Penfolds Bin 28.