Cumin-Spiced Sichuan Lamb Stir-Fry with Bell Peppers

By Lauren Mitchell, Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-05-03 · Updated 2026-05-03

Tender lamb strips stir-fried with fragrant cumin seeds, fiery chili flakes, and colorful bell peppers for a bold and savory Sichuan-inspired dish. This chinese-inspired lamb ready in about 27 minutes pairs lamb leg meat, cumin seeds, dried red chili flakes for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 400 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Ingredients

• 400 g thinly sliced lamb leg meat
• 1 tbsp cumin seeds
• 1 tsp dried red chili flakes
• 1 sliced into strips red bell pepper
• 1 sliced into strips green bell pepper
• 3 minced garlic cloves
• 1 tbsp minced ginger
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp Shaoxing wine
• 3 tbsp vegetable oil
• 2 sliced green onions
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp sugar

Instructions

1. Step 1: Toast 1 tbsp cumin seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, then crush lightly with a mortar and pestle and set aside.
2. Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a wok over high heat until hot and shimmering. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp minced ginger, stir-frying for 30 seconds until aromatic.
3. Step 3: Add 400 g thinly sliced lamb leg meat and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until the lamb starts to brown.
4. Step 4: Add the sliced 1 red bell pepper and 1 green bell pepper strips, continuing to stir-fry for 2 minutes until slightly softened.
5. Step 5: Sprinkle in the toasted cumin seeds, 1 tsp dried red chili flakes, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp Shaoxing wine, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp sugar. Stir-fry for another 2 minutes until the sauce coats the meat and vegetables.
6. Step 6: Remove from heat and garnish with 2 sliced green onions before serving.