Cumin Beef Recipe

Cumin Beef is a bold and flavorful Chinese stir fry made with thinly sliced beef, onions, scallions, garlic, and plenty of cumin. This dish has roots in Uyghur cuisine from Xinjiang, China, but has become a favorite in Sichuan restaurants worldwide. Quick to make and packed with smoky, spicy flavor — perfect served hot over steamed rice.

📝 Ingredients

• 1 lb boneless beef, thinly sliced (hot pot–style beef works well)
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp cooking oil (divided: 1 tbsp for marinade, 1 tbsp for stir fry)
• 5 cloves garlic, crushed and roughly chopped
• 1/2 onion, sliced
• 2 scallions, chopped into 1-inch pieces
• 4–8 dried red chili peppers (optional, adjust for heat)
• 2 tbsp ground cumin (divided: 1 tbsp for beef, 1 tbsp for finishing)
• Salt, to taste

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. 1In a mixing bowl, combine beef with cornstarch,...: In a mixing bowl, combine beef with cornstarch, soy sauce, and 1 tbsp oil. Let it marinade for at least 15 mins.
2. 2White waiting you can crush the garlic and...: White waiting you can crush the garlic and chop it, slice onions, and chop scallions.
3. 3Heat wok or large skillet over medium-high with...: Heat wok or large skillet over medium-high with 2 tbsp oil. Add beef and stir fry 2 minutes, then sprinkle in 1 tbsp cumin. Continue cooking another 2–3 minutes until mostly browned. Remove beef, leaving juices in the pan.
4. 4If needed, add a little more oil. Stir...: If needed, add a little more oil. Stir fry onions for about 2 minutes until softened and fragrant.
5. 5Return beef to the pan with garlic, scallions,...: Return beef to the pan with garlic, scallions, dried chilies (if using), remaining 1 tbsp cumin, and salt. Stir fry everything 2 minutes until beef is fully cooked and coated with spices.
6. 6Remove from heat and serve hot with rice.