Xinjiang Kao Rou / Yang Rou Chuan (Uyghur Lamb Skewers)
This is the real thing! Cumin-scented Silk Road BBQ where lean and fat intersect
Description
Operates on a completely different dimension from Japanese Yakitori. The ultimate BBQ dominating all Chinese night markets. Mutton 'lean meat' and 'pure fat' are skewered alternately on metal rods. Grilled over charcoal, letting the melting fat flare up, heavily dusted with massive cumin and chili.
Restaurants serving Xinjiang Kao Rou / Yang Rou Chuan (Uyghur Lamb Skewers)
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We are researching restaurants that serve this dish.
On this site you can check dictionary details and, later, places to buy or eat related items.
The Recipe section below is a general reference, not a recipe from the listed shops.
Recipe
Ingredients
- Mutton(separate lean and fat)
- Cumin powder(mandatory)
- Chili powder
- Rock salt
- Metal skewers
Instructions
- [Authentic Recipe & Differences]
- (Skewering - This is Life) Dice lean mutton (leg) and pure lamb tail fat (Yang Wei You). Skewer on metal rods using the golden rule: 'Lean-Fat-Lean-Fat-Lean'. During grilling, the melting fat shallow-fries the lean meat, preventing it from drying out.
- (Grilling) Pack the skewers tightly on a specialized long charcoal grill. Use high heat, letting the lamb fat drip onto the coals to create flare-ups and heavy smoke, which 'smokes' the meat.
- As the surface crackles and chars, shower it massively with salt, coarse 'Cumin Powder (Ziran)', and chili powder until the meat is invisible.
- Rub the skewers against each other to distribute the spices evenly, finishing with a rock-crispy crust.
Learn more Spice, substitutes, tips
Key spices
Intense cumin (Ziran) aroma and pure sweet lamb fat、羊の脂の甘み
Substitutes at Japanese supermarkets
(Can use JP lamb, but pure lamb fat is hard to source)
Pairing
Cold Beer (Ultimate) / Xinjiang Beer
Trivia
[Trivia] While widely called 'Yang Rou Chuan', Xinjiang Uyghurs simply call it 'Kawap' (Kao Rou). Cumin (Ziran) doesn't just mask the mutton funk; it has medicinal properties that settle the stomach, preventing heaviness even after massive consumption.
Eating tips & etiquette
[Unique Eating] The metal skewer is blistering hot. Carefully pull the meat off from the side with your teeth. The 'crunchy' sweetness of the pure fat mixes with the spicy cumin, causing infinite amounts of beer to disappear.
Allergen
Mutton