Silk Road China Tours

• By admin
• In SilkRoadKnowledge
• 2025-03-02

Hu-style Lamb Stew with Flatbread

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The Historical Origins of Hu-style Lamb Stew with FlatbreadSJjSilk Road Adventure & Private Tours - Silk Road China Tours

For thousands of years, Dunhuang has been a crucial town on the ancient Silk Road. The people living here and the ethnic minorities from the Western Regions were referred to as "Hu people." The collision and fusion of Han and Hu cultures naturally influenced the local culinary traditions, giving rise to unique, regionally distinctive dishes. Hu-style lamb stew with flatbread is named after the dietary habits of the Hu people. "Hu" refers to the Hu people, "lamb" is the main ingredient, and "stewed flatbread" is a distinctive Dunhuang staple. Thus, the dish got its name.SJjSilk Road Adventure & Private Tours - Silk Road China Tours

In recent years, Hu-style lamb stew with flatbread has become a common sight in Dunhuang's streets, night markets, various hotels, and even barbecue restaurants. It has now become a quintessential representative of Dunhuang's culinary culture and a popular local snack.SJjSilk Road Adventure & Private Tours - Silk Road China Tours

In Dunhuang, stewed flatbread is a dish served to guests. If you visit your girlfriend's home and her father serves you a plate of stewed flatbread, it means your relationship is officially recognized.SJjSilk Road Adventure & Private Tours - Silk Road China Tours

In Dunhuang, there are variations like chicken stewed flatbread and pork rib stewed flatbread, but lamb stewed flatbread is the top choice. The cooking methods are similar, with the main difference being the choice of ingredients.SJjSilk Road Adventure & Private Tours - Silk Road China Tours

How to Make Hu-style Lamb Stew with Flatbread?SJjSilk Road Adventure & Private Tours - Silk Road China Tours

Preparing the LambSJjSilk Road Adventure & Private Tours - Silk Road China Tours

Choose fresh lamb ribs. The cooking method is similar to braised lamb ribs. Cut the ribs into sections, marinate them with cooking wine, light soy sauce, salt, and ginger, and refrigerate for over 12 hours.SJjSilk Road Adventure & Private Tours - Silk Road China Tours

When selecting spices, it's best not to use too many. Common choices include scallions, ginger, garlic, onions, Sichuan peppercorns, star anise, and dried chili peppers. A small amount of simple spices is enough, as too many can overpower the natural flavor of the lamb.SJjSilk Road Adventure & Private Tours - Silk Road China Tours

Heat oil in a wok, sauté scallions, ginger, garlic, onions, dried chili peppers, and spices until fragrant. Add the marinated lamb ribs and stir-fry. Add light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, and oyster sauce, and continue stir-frying until the lamb turns golden. Add enough boiling water to cover the lamb, then simmer on low heat for 30 minutes.SJjSilk Road Adventure & Private Tours - Silk Road China Tours

Add as much water as possible, as it will be used to stew the flatbread in multiple batches. Set aside some of the broth for later use.SJjSilk Road Adventure & Private Tours - Silk Road China Tours

Making the FlatbreadSJjSilk Road Adventure & Private Tours - Silk Road China Tours

The "flatbread" here is not the usual kind but rather thin sheets of dough, more accurately described as wrappers.SJjSilk Road Adventure & Private Tours - Silk Road China Tours

In fact, the seemingly plain flatbread is the essence of this dish. It is chewy, flavorful, thin but not mushy, and absorbs the rich aroma of the lamb and the savory broth, making diners forget they are eating ordinary dough.SJjSilk Road Adventure & Private Tours - Silk Road China Tours

Making the flatbread requires precision. Mix flour with warm water and salt to form a dough. Brush a layer of cooking oil over it, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rest for 30 minutes. Divide the dough into evenly sized portions and roll them into thin sheets.SJjSilk Road Adventure & Private Tours - Silk Road China Tours

Place the sheets over the stewed lamb and let them simmer for 2-3 minutes. During this process, ladle some of the lamb broth over the flatbread. Repeat until all the flatbread is cooked.SJjSilk Road Adventure & Private Tours - Silk Road China Tours

Final PresentationSJjSilk Road Adventure & Private Tours - Silk Road China Tours

Once all the flatbread is ready, cut it into strips or small pieces and add them to the pot with the stewed lamb. Reduce the broth until it thickens, then serve. Sprinkle with chopped scallions before eating.SJjSilk Road Adventure & Private Tours - Silk Road China Tours

When served, the lamb is tender and flavorful, offering a true taste of the desert-style lamb ribs. However, the flatbread steals the show with its chewy texture, absorbing the aroma of the spices and the richness of the lamb. It has almost no gaminess, leaving a fresh and savory impression. This dish perfectly encapsulates the essence of Dunhuang's lamb and wheat-based cuisine.SJjSilk Road Adventure & Private Tours - Silk Road China Tours