Cumin
孜然· zi ran
Taste & Role
It is the defining seasoning for Xinjiang-style lamb skewers (chuan'r), where it is typically combined with chili flakes and salt. It also seasons dry-fried beef, cumin lamb stir-fries, roasted meats, and hand-pulled noodle dishes. Sprinkled on during or after cooking, it delivers an unmistakable smoky, savory depth.
What it is
Cumin powder is a ground spice made from the dried seeds of the cumin plant, a member of the parsley family. While cumin is used across many world cuisines, it holds special importance in Chinese cooking as the signature spice of Xinjiang cuisine in the country's northwest. Chinese cumin powder is often slightly coarser and more intensely aromatic than standard Western versions.
Nutrition
per 100 g- Calories
- 500 kcal
- Protein
- 0 g
- Total fat
- 0 g
- Carbs
- 50 g
- Fiber
- 0 g
- Sodium
- 0 mg
USDA FoodData Central (closest standard match)
Substitutes
No registered substitutes — this one is usually easy to find.
Recipes using it
Loading recipes…