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Learn how to make mouthwatering Cumin Beef (孜然牛肉) at home with this easy and authentic recipe. Tender slices of beef are blending with fragrant cumin and other spices, creating a dish that’s bursting with flavour. This Chinese-inspired recipe is perfect for spice lovers and a great addition to your home-cooked meals.

Ever since I was a little girl, this dish has been my steadfast companion, accompanying me through my entire youth. When my mom would ask the golden question, “What would you like to eat today?” my answer was clear as day – Cumin Beef, 9 times out of 10.

In response to my unwavering devotion, my mom started including a portion of Cumin Beef in my school lunch box every single day. I can still vividly remember those moments. She would purchase a whole kilogram of beef, divide it into 10 carefully portioned blocks, and stash them away in the freezer. Each morning, she’d retrieve one block, defrost it, and work her magic to prepare my lunch.

I just simply love the taste of Cumin Beef – the enchanting combination of cumin, chili flakes, and sesame. It’s a melody of flavours that have not only tantalized my taste buds but also etched itself into the very core of my being. It’s a dish that’s so much more than a meal; it’s a connection to my past, a reflection of my roots, and a testament to the unwavering love of my mom.

Moving to Europe brought new adventures and, at times, a longing for the familiar. But in the heart of Europe, I found comfort in the kitchen, mastering the art of Cumin Beef. This dish not only reminded me of home but also won the heart of my beloved husband. It’s now one of our cherished favorites. When it’s absent from our table for just a week, it makes a grand comeback. Join us on this journey as we celebrate the taste of home, even from miles away.

If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out for you. Leave a comment below and share your experience!

For more information about the Chinese spices see my ingredients list

Happy cooking!

Delicious Cumin Beef Recipe (孜然牛肉)

Learn how to make mouthwatering Cumin Beef (孜然牛肉) at home with this easy and authentic recipe. Tender slices of beef are seasoned with fragrant cumin and other spices, creating a dish that's bursting with flavour. This Chinese recipe is perfect for spice lovers and a great addition to your home-cooked meals.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 12

Course Main Course

Cuisine Chinese

Ingredients

400 g beef
1 tbsp cooking wine for marinate
1 tsp five-spice powder
10 Sichuan peppercorns
1 onion
3 slices ginger
2 cloves garlic
1 tbsp cooking wine
1 tbsp light soy sauce
1 tsp dark soy sauce
1/2 tsp sugar
2 tbsp cumin seeds
2 tbsp red chili flakes or to your taste
2 tbsp sesame seeds
1/2 tsp salt
5 sprigs cilantro

Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Beef

Begin by slicing the beef into thin pieces and marinating it with a bit of five-spice powder, cooking wine, and set it aside to infuse the flavours.
(Can skip this step to save time)

Step 2: Infuse the Oil with Flavour

Heat up a pan and introduce Sichuan peppercorns. Once their fragrance permeates the air, remove them and set them aside. Their mission is complete.

Step 3: Sauté and Stir-Fry the Beef

In the same pan, add ginger slices and sliced onions. Sauté until they release their delightful aromas and the onions turn translucent. Add the marinated beef into the pan. Stir-fry it until the beef changes color.

Step 4: Elevate with Spices

Pour cooking wine, both light and dark soy sauces, and a pinch of sugar over the beef. Give it a quick stir, and when there's still some liquid in the pan, add the cumin seeds, sesame seeds, and red chili flakes. This masterstroke intensifies the dish's flavour, taking it to new heights.

Step 5: Season to Perfection

When the pan’s liquid has evaporated, add a small teaspoon of salt to season the beef. Throw in those aromatic garlic cloves and stir them in quickly.