Grilled Sichuan Cumin Lamb Chops With Quick Pickled Cucumbers Recipes

GRILLED CUMIN LAMB WITH SPICY ONIONS

Steps:

• Grate the zest from one of the limes and squeeze the juice. Reserve both separately. Cut the other lime into wedges and save for serving.
• Cut one onion into wedges; put into a blender and add lime zest. Halve remaining onion and slice it very thinly; put slices into a sieve and rinse well with cold water. Transfer onion slices to a small bowl.
• Add lime juice to bowl with onion slices, sprinkle lightly with salt, sugar and cayenne. Toss well and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or until serving.
• In a small skillet over medium-low heat, toast cumin and coriander seeds until fragrant, 1 to 2 minutes. Transfer to the blender with the onion and lime zest. Add yogurt, mint, cilantro, garlic, jalapeño, ginger, black pepper, 2 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt and 1/8 teaspoon cayenne. Blend until smooth.
• Place the lamb on a rimmed baking sheet, bowl or in a large resealable plastic bag. Pour marinade all over lamb, turning to make sure it is thoroughly coated. Cover lamb (or close the bag), and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight.
• Heat the grill (or broiler). Wipe lamb with paper towels, removing most of the yogurt mixture. Grill or broil lamb until a digital thermometer reads 115 degrees for rare, or 125 for medium (about 6 to 15 minutes per side, depending on how you like your meat and how thick the lamb is). If the meat starts to char before it's done, move it to a cooler part of the grill to finish cooking. Or if broiling, move it farther away from the broiler's heat source.
• Transfer to a cutting board, tent loosely with foil, and let the meat rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing. Arrange meat on a platter, spooning any juices from the cutting board over the slices, and top with more mint, cilantro, the spicy onions, yogurt if you like, and a sprinkling of flaky salt. Serve immediately, with the lime wedges on the side.

GRILLED SICHUAN CUMIN LAMB CHOPS WITH QUICK PICKLED CUCUMBERS

Steps:

• In a large bowl, combine the cumin, pepper flakes, sesame oil, canola oil and 1 tablespoon of the salt. Add the lamb and rub with the mixture. Let sit at room temperature for 1 hour or refrigerate for 4 hours or up to overnight. Return to room temperature.
• Light a grill and oil the grates. Add the lamb and grill over high heat, turning occasionally until lightly charred in spots and cooked through, 18 to 20 minutes.
• Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, combine the sugar and vinegar with the remaining 1 tablespoon salt. Add the cucumbers and toss to combine. Let sit for 20 minutes.
• Serve the lamb with lettuce leaves, rice, cilantro and basil and the pickled cucumbers.