Get ready to embark on a culinary adventure that will transport your senses straight to the vibrant streets of Asia! These Sticky Lamb Buns are not just a recipe; they're a mouthwatering experience that combines tender, succulent lamb with the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. Imagine soft, pillowy bao buns stuffed with juicy, hoisin-glazed lamb that melts in your mouth, topped with crisp cucumber and fresh cilantro. Whether you're looking to impress dinner guests or treat yourself to an extraordinary meal, these sticky lamb buns are about to become your new obsession!
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs
Total Time: 1 hrs 30 mins
Cuisine: Asian
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground lamb
- 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 8 bao buns
- 1/2 cup cucumber, sliced
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 1 pound of ground lamb, 1/4 cup of hoisin sauce, 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of sesame oil, 8 bao buns, 1/2 cup of sliced cucumber, and 1/4 cup of chopped cilantro.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground lamb, hoisin sauce, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Use your hands or a fork to mix the ingredients thoroughly until well combined.
- Heat a skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the lamb mixture to the pan, spreading it evenly. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the lamb is browned and cooked through.
- While the lamb is cooking, prepare the bao buns. If using frozen bao buns, steam them according to the package instructions. If using fresh bao buns, you can also steam them in a bamboo steamer or a microwave for a few minutes until they are soft and warm.
- Once the lamb is cooked, remove the skillet from heat. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, adding more soy sauce or hoisin sauce according to your preference.
- To assemble the sticky lamb buns, take a steamed bao bun and open it gently. Spoon a generous amount of the cooked lamb mixture into the center of the bun.
- Top the lamb with a few slices of cucumber and a sprinkle of chopped cilantro for freshness and crunch.
- Repeat the process for all the bao buns until the lamb mixture is fully used.
- Serve the sticky lamb buns warm on a platter, and enjoy them as a delicious Asian-inspired meal or appetizer!
Tips
- For the most tender lamb, choose ground lamb with a slightly higher fat content (80/20 ratio) to ensure maximum flavor and moisture.
- Don't rush the cooking process - let the lamb develop a nice brown crust for deeper flavor complexity.
- If you can't find fresh bao buns, frozen ones work perfectly. Just make sure to steam them until they're soft and pillowy.
- For extra flavor, try adding a small amount of minced garlic or ginger to the lamb mixture.
- Want to kick up the heat? Add a drizzle of sriracha or chili oil before serving.
- These buns can be prepared ahead of time - cook the lamb mixture and steam the buns in advance, then assemble just before serving.
- For a complete meal, serve with a side of quick-pickled vegetables or a light Asian-inspired slaw.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 20g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 65mg
