Honey Szechuan Lamb Ribs

My Cellar

Globally inspired lamb recipes

Serves 2 to 6

2 lbs (1kg) lamb ribs, trimmed and cut into individual ribs

1-in (2.5 cm) piece ginger, peeled and grated

½ small onion, finely chopped

2 tbsp (30 ml) Shaoxing cooking wine

2 tbsp (30 ml) oyster sauce

¼ cup (60 ml) vegetable oil, divided

2 tbsp (30 ml) Szechuan peppercorns, crushed, divided

2 tbsp (30 ml) cumin, crushed, divided

10 garlic cloves, roughly chopped, divided

2 tsp (10 ml) chili flakes, or more to taste

¼ cup (60 ml) soy sauce, divided

¼ cup (60 ml) + 2 tsp (10 ml) honey, divided

2 tsp (10 ml) sesame oil

2 tsp (10 ml) toasted sesame seeds, plus more for garnish

1 handful cilantro leaves

Cucumber Salad, to serve, make ahead, recipe follows

6 mini cucumbers, cut into 1-in (2.5 cm) rounds, then crushed with side of a knife

1 tbsp (15 ml) soy sauce

2 garlic cloves, finely chopped

1 birds eye chili, thinly sliced

1 tbsp (15 ml) rice vinegar

2 tsp (10 ml) mirin (sweet rice wine)

1 tsp (5 ml) sesame oil

1 tsp (5 ml) toasted sesame seeds

In a dish large enough to hold lamb, combine ginger, onion, Shaoxing cooking wine, oyster sauce, 1 tbsp (15 ml) vegetable oil, 1 tbsp (15 ml) Szechuan peppercorns, 1 tbsp (15 ml) cumin, half the garlic, 1 tsp (5 ml) chili flakes, 2 tbsp (30 ml) soy sauce and 2 tsp (10 ml) honey. Add lamb and marinate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, in refrigerator.
Preheat oven to 350 F (180 C). Remove ribs from marinade to a parchment-lined baking sheet and roast until tender and golden brown, about 45 minutes.
While ribs are roasting, in a small saucepan, heat remaining oil over medium heat. Add remaining garlic and cook until lightly browned, about 2 minutes. Remove saucepan from heat and add remaining Szechuan peppercorns, cumin, chili flakes, soy sauce and honey. Add sesame oil and sesame seeds. Stir to combine and set aside.
When ribs are done, remove from oven and transfer to a large mixing bowl. Pour honey sauce over top and toss to coat. Garnish with sesame seeds and cilantro. Serve with Cucumber Salad.
For Cucumber Salad: In a large bowl, mix ingredients together and serve. Serves 2 to 6