Globaltic is launching an exciting global culinary BBQ journey in collaboration with Spice Punch. Each month, we’ll be sharing a diverse range of recipes from around the world, designed to elevate your BBQ skills. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just getting started, these recipes will help you embrace new flavours and techniques. Today, our journey begins with a burst of bold and aromatic flavours from Asia, setting the stage for your next BBQ adventure.
Today, we’ll explore two recipes that will elevate your BBQ game: Chinese Xinjiang Cumin Lamb Skewers and Japanese Chicken Yakitori. These dishes are not only rich in flavour but also straightforward to prepare, making them ideal for grilling enthusiasts looking to try something new.
Chinese Xinjiang Cumin Lamb Skewers
Xinjiang cuisine is renowned for its bold flavours, where cumin and chilli take centre stage. These lamb skewers are a staple street food in the region, offering a tantalising mix of spice and savoury goodness. The key to perfecting this dish lies in a well-prepared marinade and a flavourful rub that enhances the natural taste of the lamb.
Ingredients
For the Marinade:
- 700g lamb, cut into ½ inch by 2” pieces (shoulder, rump, neck, or fillet)
- 2 tablespoons cumin
- 3 tablespoons corn-starch
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons Shaoxing rice wine
For the Rub:
- 4 tablespoons cumin seeds
- 3 tablespoons dried chilli flakes
- 1 teaspoon Sichuan pepper
- ½ tablespoon salt
- ½ teaspoon sugar
- 4 spring onions, chopped
- Handful of coriander, chopped
Method
- Prepare the Marinade:
- Combine the marinade ingredients in a zip-lock bag: lamb, cumin, corn-starch, oil, soy sauce, and Shaoxing rice wine.
- Marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 24 hours in the fridge for deeper flavour.
- Make the Spice Rub:
- Heat a frying pan or wok over medium heat.
- Add the cumin seeds and toast for 30 seconds.
- Add Sichuan pepper and continue toasting until fragrant.
- Remove from heat and stir in salt and chilli flakes.
- Transfer the mixture to a pestle and mortar, add sugar, and crush into a fine powder.
- Grill the Skewers:
- Set up your BBQ with direct and indirect heat zones.
- Thread the lamb pieces onto skewers.
- Grill the skewers over direct heat to sear the meat.
- When the lamb is about 80% cooked, sprinkle the spice rub over the skewers.
- Continue grilling until the lamb is cooked through and slightly charred.
- Serve with chopped spring onions and coriander for garnish.
Japanese Chicken Yakitori
Yakitori is the embodiment of Japanese street food—simple, delicious, and versatile. These grilled chicken skewers are often served with a sweet and savoury tare sauce that caramelises beautifully over the open flame, creating a glossy, sticky glaze that is irresistible.
Ingredients
For the Skewers:
- 1 whole chicken or 2 thighs/2 breasts, cut into 2.5cm pieces
- Bunch of spring onions, cut into 2.5cm pieces
For the Tare Sauce:
- 2 spring onions
- 1 knob of ginger (2.5cm), sliced thinly
- 50ml sake
- 100ml mirin
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 100ml soy sauce (dark preferred)
- 50ml water
Method
- Make the Tare Sauce:
- In a saucepan, combine spring onions, ginger, sake, mirin, sugar, soy sauce, and water.
- Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
- Reduce the sauce by half until it’s thick and glossy.
- Strain the sauce and set it aside.
- Assemble the Skewers:
- Thread the chicken pieces onto skewers, alternating with spring onion pieces.
- If using chicken skin, trim it into 2.5cm strips and skewer it at the ends of some skewers.
- Grill the Yakitori:
- Set up your BBQ with direct and indirect heat zones.
- Grill the skewers over direct heat, turning frequently.
- When the chicken is 80% cooked, begin brushing the skewers with tare sauce.
- Continue grilling until the chicken reaches 65°C for breasts or 75°C for thighs.
- Serve immediately, with extra tare sauce if desired.
These recipes highlight how charcoal grilling can transform simple ingredients into culinary masterpieces. The bold, spicy notes of the Xinjiang cumin lamb skewers and the sweet, umami richness of the Japanese chicken yakitori are sure to make your next BBQ an unforgettable experience. Gather your ingredients, fire up the grill, and get ready to wow your guests with these international flavours. Happy grilling!
