Chinese Stir-Fry Lamb With Vegetables
Experience the bold flavors of this Chinese stir-fry featuring tender lamb, crisp vegetables, and fragrant ginger. Perfect for a quick, satisfying meal, it combines savory soy, aromatic garlic, and crunchy cashews for a delightful bite that suits both weeknight dinners and entertaining guests.
Ingredients
- 3 lb. lean lamb in 3/4-inch cubes
- 1/4 c. soy sauce ⓘ
- 1/4 c. brandy or cognac ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic ⓘ
- 1/4 c. cornstarch ⓘ
- cooking oil
- 1 oz. fresh ginger root ⓘ
- salt
- 1 bunch green onions ⓘ
- 1 1/2 c. beef bouillon or water ⓘ
- 1 c. bean sprouts
- 1 c. snow peas ⓘ
- 1/2 c. sliced water chestnuts ⓘ
- 1/2 c. cashew nuts ⓘ
- cooked rice ⓘ
Instructions
- Marinate lamb in soy sauce, brandy, garlic, and cornstarch for one hour or more.
- Heat a wok or large skillet.
- Add oil to thinly coat the bottom of the pan.
- Add salt and ginger slices.
- Cook until ginger begins to brown and dries up.
- Add lamb with marinade, all at once, and sauté until lightly browned.
- Add chopped green onions and beef bouillon or water.
- Cover and cook until meat is as done as you like it, about 1 minute for rare.
- Remove cover and add bean sprouts, snow peas, water chestnuts, and cashew nuts.
- Cook about one minute more, stirring constantly.
- Serve over cooked rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For optimal flavor, marinate the lamb for at least one hour, but overnight is even better. If you're out of brandy or cognac, dry sherry or even white wine can work as substitutes. Ensure your wok or skillet is very hot before adding the lamb to achieve a good sear. Consider adding bell peppers or broccoli for extra veggies, aligning with many Chinese recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish over a bed of fluffy cooked rice for a satisfying meal. For added texture and flavor, garnish with sesame seeds or additional chopped green onions. It pairs wonderfully with a side of stir-fried vegetables or a light soup, making it a colorful and balanced plate. Browse more Chinese recipes for additional meal ideas.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, adding a splash of water or broth to maintain moisture. Avoid microwave reheating if possible, as it can make the lamb tough.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chinese Stir-Fry Lamb With Vegetables contains roughly 627 calories, with 16g protein, 92g carbohydrates, and 22g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (31% of the Daily Value) and iron (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of meat instead of lamb?
Yes, you can substitute the lamb with beef or chicken if preferred. If using chicken, opt for thighs for more moisture; for beef, consider flank steak or sirloin for tenderness. Adjust cooking times accordingly, as different meats will require varying cooking durations to reach desired doneness.
What can I serve with this stir-fry?
This stir-fry is best served over cooked rice, but you can also try it with quinoa or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. For a complete meal, serve with steamed dumplings or a light cucumber salad. This combination enhances the overall dining experience and offers a variety of textures and flavors.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add heat, consider incorporating sliced fresh chili peppers or a dash of chili oil during cooking. You could also use Szechuan peppercorns for a unique flavor twist. Adjust the amount based on your spice tolerance, and remember to taste as you go to achieve your desired level of spiciness.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).