Mexican Lamb Tacos

Ingredients

In this Mexican-American adaptation, the traditional Chinese cassia lamb is transformed into a flavorful filling for tacos. The original dish typically uses cassia bark, a spice commonly used in Chinese cuisine, to infuse the lamb with its distinct aroma. However, in this recipe, we replace the cassia bark with a blend of Mexican spices such as cumin and chili powder to create a unique fusion of flavors. Additionally, the lamb is served in warm tortillas instead of being stir-fried or braised, as is common in Chinese cuisine. We alse have the original recipe for Cassia Lamb, so you can check it out.

• 500g (1.1 lb) lamb shoulder, thinly sliced 500g (1.1 lb) lamb shoulder, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder 1 teaspoon chili powder
• Juice of 1 lime Juice of 1 lime
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• 8 small flour tortillas 8 small flour tortillas
• Toppings: salsa, guacamole, chopped cilantro, diced onions, lime wedges Toppings: salsa, guacamole, chopped cilantro, diced onions, lime wedges

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1884 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 25g, 8g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 25g, 2g
• Protein: 35g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, ground cumin, chili powder, lime juice, salt, and pepper.
2. 2.
   Add the sliced lamb to the marinade and toss until well coated. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, or refrigerate overnight for enhanced flavor.
3. 3.
   Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the marinated lamb. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the lamb is browned and cooked to your desired level of doneness.
4. 4.
   Warm the flour tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave.
5. 5.
   Assemble the tacos by placing a portion of the cooked lamb onto each tortilla. Top with salsa, guacamole, chopped cilantro, diced onions, and a squeeze of lime juice.
6. 6.
   Serve the Mexican Lamb Tacos immediately and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Lamb — For the best results, choose lean lamb shoulder and slice it thinly against the grain to ensure tenderness.
• Cumin — Toasting the cumin seeds before grinding them will enhance their flavor. Simply heat a dry skillet over medium heat, add the cumin seeds, and toast for a few minutes until fragrant. Then grind them into a powder using a mortar and pestle or a spice grinder.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra kick of heat, add some sliced jalapenos or hot sauce to your tacos.
• If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of chili powder in the marinade.
• Don't overcook the lamb to maintain its tenderness. Cook it just until it reaches your desired level of doneness.
• Experiment with different toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, or pickled onions to customize your tacos.
• If you're short on time, you can use pre-made salsa and guacamole for convenience.

Serving advice

Serve the Mexican Lamb Tacos with a side of Mexican rice and refried beans for a complete and satisfying meal. Garnish with extra cilantro and lime wedges for added freshness.

Presentation advice

Arrange the tacos on a platter, garnish with a sprinkle of chopped cilantro, and serve with colorful bowls of salsa and guacamole on the side. The vibrant colors and fresh ingredients will make the dish visually appealing.