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Honey Garlic Lamb with Pickled Cucumber Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 3.9 from 77 reviews
  • Author: Diane
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Asian-inspired

Description

This Honey Garlic Lamb with Pickled Cucumber recipe delivers a flavorful and quick meal that combines tender, caramelized lamb with a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce. Paired with tangy pickled cucumbers and fluffy rice, it’s a perfect balance of flavors and textures for an easy weeknight dinner.


Ingredients

Scale

Honey Garlic Lamb

  • 2 tablespoons butter (dairy-free optional)
  • 1 extra-large brown onion, sliced
  • 4 lamb rump steaks, cut into 2cm diced pieces
  • Sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
  • 4 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 3 tablespoons runny honey
  • 8 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 3 green onions, cut into 2cm lengths
  • 2 tablespoons sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds

Pickled Cucumber

  • 2 Lebanese cucumbers
  • ¼ cup rice wine vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons caster sugar (superfine sugar)
  • 1 teaspoon chili flakes

Additional

  • 1 packet family-size microwave rice (or stovetop rice)
  • Lime wedges, for serving
  • Extra green onions, for garnish (optional)


Instructions

  1. Prepare Pickled Cucumbers: Combine the cucumbers sliced into rounds with rice wine vinegar, soy sauce, salt, caster sugar, and chili flakes in a bowl. Cover and refrigerate for at least 10 minutes, stirring halfway through to evenly distribute the flavors.
  2. Season Lamb: Season the diced lamb pieces with sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste, ensuring even coating.
  3. Sauté Onions: Melt the butter in a large pan or wok over medium heat. Add the sliced brown onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  4. Sear Lamb: Increase heat to medium-high and add the seasoned lamb to the pan. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned on all sides.
  5. Simmer with Sauce: Reduce heat to medium and add soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, ground ginger, and green onions to the pan. Stir well to coat the lamb and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the lamb is cooked through and the sauce has thickened slightly.
  6. Finish Lamb: Turn off the heat, then drizzle the sesame oil over the lamb and sprinkle with sesame seeds. Mix gently to combine.
  7. Cook Rice: Prepare the microwave rice following package instructions or cook stovetop rice as desired.
  8. Assemble Bowls: Divide the cooked rice evenly among four serving bowls. Top with the honey garlic lamb and sauce.
  9. Garnish and Serve: Squeeze fresh lime juice over each bowl and garnish with extra green onions if desired. Serve immediately alongside the pickled cucumbers.

Notes

  • The butter can be substituted with dairy-free margarine to keep the dish dairy-free.
  • For best flavor, use fresh Lebanese cucumbers for pickling.
  • If you prefer a spicier kick, increase the chili flakes in the pickling mixture.
  • Microwave rice offers convenience, but freshly cooked stovetop rice can enhance texture.
  • Stir the pickled cucumbers a couple of times during refrigeration to ensure even pickling.
  • Leftover honey garlic lamb can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.