Honey Chilli Lamb
Crispy fried lamb strips tossed in a sticky, sweet, and spicy honey chili sauce. This popular Indo-Chinese appetizer is incredibly addictive and perfect for parties or a special weekend treat.
For 4 servings
Marinate and Coat the Lamb
- In a mixing bowl, combine the lamb strips, ginger-garlic paste, 1 tbsp of soy sauce, black pepper powder, and 0.5 tsp of salt. Mix thoroughly to coat the lamb evenly.
- Let the lamb marinate for at least 15-20 minutes at room temperature.
- After marination, add the beaten egg, all-purpose flour, and 4 tbsp of cornflour to the bowl. Toss well until every lamb strip is fully coated in the batter.
Deep Fry the Lamb
- Heat 2 cups of oil in a deep pan or wok over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
- Working in small batches to avoid overcrowding, carefully place the coated lamb strips into the hot oil.
- Fry for 4-6 minutes per batch, turning occasionally, until the lamb is golden brown and crispy.
- Using a slotted spoon, remove the fried lamb and let it drain on a wire rack to maintain crispiness.
Prepare the Honey Chilli Sauce
- In a separate large wok or skillet, heat 2 tbsp of oil over high heat.
- Add the minced ginger, minced garlic, and slit green chilies. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the cubed onion and capsicum. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until they are slightly tender yet still crisp.
- Reduce the heat to medium. Add the remaining 2 tbsp of soy sauce, red chili sauce, white vinegar, and honey. Stir well to combine.
- Pour in 1/4 cup of water and the remaining 0.25 tsp of salt. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
Combine and Serve
- In a small bowl, whisk 1 tsp of cornflour with 2 tbsp of water to create a smooth, lump-free slurry.
- Pour the cornflour slurry into the simmering sauce, stirring continuously. Cook for 1 minute until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Add the crispy fried lamb strips to the wok with the sauce.
- Toss everything together quickly but gently for about 30-60 seconds, ensuring all the lamb is evenly coated with the glossy sauce.
- Turn off the heat. Garnish with chopped spring onion greens and toasted sesame seeds. Serve immediately for the best texture.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For extra crispy lamb, double-fry it. Fry once until light golden, remove, and then fry again for 1-2 minutes in hot oil just before tossing in the sauce.
- 2Do not overcrowd the pan while frying; this lowers the oil temperature and can result in soggy lamb.
- 3Toss the fried lamb in the sauce just before serving to maintain maximum crispiness.
- 4Ensure your oil is sufficiently hot before adding the lamb. A small drop of batter should sizzle and rise to the surface immediately.
- 5You can prepare the sauce and fry the lamb ahead of time. Reheat the sauce and toss in the lamb just before you're ready to eat.
Adapt it for your goals.
Protein Swap
This recipe works wonderfully with boneless chicken strips, paneer cubes, firm tofu, or even mushrooms for a vegetarian option. Adjust frying times accordingly.
Healthier VersionHealthier Version
Instead of deep-frying, coat the lamb strips and bake them at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes or until crispy, or use an air fryer.
Add More VeggiesAdd More Veggies
Incorporate other vegetables like sliced carrots, baby corn, or broccoli florets. Add them along with the onions and capsicum.
Sauce VariationSauce Variation
For a tangier flavor, add a tablespoon of tomato ketchup to the sauce. For a different kind of sweetness, you can substitute honey with maple syrup.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Protein
Lamb is a high-quality protein source, providing all essential amino acids required for building and repairing muscles, tissues, and supporting overall body function.
Rich in Heme Iron
This dish provides a significant amount of heme iron from the lamb, which is more easily absorbed by the body than iron from plant sources. Iron is crucial for forming red blood cells and preventing anemia.
Provides Essential B Vitamins
Lamb is a good source of B vitamins, especially Vitamin B12 and Niacin (B3). These vitamins are vital for energy metabolism, brain function, and maintaining a healthy nervous system.
Frequently asked questions
One serving of Honey Chilli Lamb contains approximately 550-600 calories. The majority of the calories come from the deep-fried lamb and the honey in the sauce.