Worth The Hunt
The Recipe · No.1133 · Xinjiang Lamb Skewers

Xinjiang Lamb Skewers, and where to source it

Xinjiang Lamb Skewers — Worth The Hunt WORTH THE HUNT Xinjiang Lamb Skewers Chinese 5best2buy.com

Alternate lean lamb with cubes of pure fat on each skewer so the rendering fat bastes the meat as it grills.

By Vince Gonzalez · Published July 2026 · Sourcing verified 5 Jul 2026

Prep30 min
Cook12 min
MakesMakes 12 skewers
CuisineChinese
Cost$$$
Gluten-freeDairy-free
The Ingredients — and where to get them
Cook for 12 skewers
Lamb shoulder, cubed
1.5 lb
680 g
Local / market
Lamb fat, cubed
4 oz
115 g
Local / market
Ground cumin
2 tbsp
30 ml
Local / market
Cumin seeds, toasted
1 tbsp
15 ml
Local / market
Chili flakes
1 tbsp
15 ml
Local / market
Salt
1 tsp
5 ml
Local / market
Onion, grated
1/2
1/2
Local / market
Neutral oil
1 tbsp
15 ml
Flat metal or bamboo skewers
12
12
Local / market
The Rundown
Greedometer ●●●● Squeaky clean
About as virtuous as dinner gets. · plan ahead — needs marinating, soaking, or resting time
EffortSome doing
Cook it with
GrillInstant PotSlow cookerOne-pot
The Method
  1. Toss the cubed lamb with the grated onion, oil, and a little salt and let it marinate for 30 minutes.PT30M
  2. Thread the lamb onto skewers, alternating lean cubes with cubes of fat so each has a piece of fat between.PT8M
  3. Grill over hot coals or a screaming grill, turning often, until charred at the edges and just cooked through.PT8M
  4. Shower with the ground and toasted cumin, chili flakes, and salt in the last minute over the heat, then serve hot.PT2M
The Toolkit

Grill · Skewers · Cleaver

Straight Answers
Can you make Xinjiang Lamb Skewers in an air fryer? — Yes, with an insert

Not on its own — an air fryer can’t hold a pool of liquid. You can simmer it in an oven-safe dish or a silicone insert made to fit the basket, but the broth won’t reduce or brown the way it does on the stove, and that insert comes out scorching, so use oven mitts. For real depth, a pot on the stove wins.

Can you freeze Xinjiang Lamb Skewers? — Yes

Yes — it freezes well. Cool it fully, portion into airtight containers, and it keeps a few months; thaw in the fridge and reheat gently.

Can you make Xinjiang Lamb Skewers ahead of time? — Yes

Yes — it holds well and often tastes better the next day. Make it ahead and reheat gently before serving.

Is Xinjiang Lamb Skewers gluten-free? — Yes

Yes — nothing in this recipe as written contains gluten. As always, glance at the labels on any packaged items (broth, sauces, chocolate), since brands vary.

Is Xinjiang Lamb Skewers vegan? — No

No — it contains meat, so it isn’t vegetarian or vegan.

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© 2026 5best2buy · Worth The Hunt · Recipe No.1133