Xinjiang BBQ Spice Mix

💡 Why It Works

• This spice mix is exceptionally versatile: it works with meat, poultry, and grilled vegetables.

When I first tasted Xinjiang-style skewers in a Chinese restaurant in Singapore, and I still remember how each bite delivered a punch of juicy meat and deeply aromatic spice. It felt like the flavor came equally from the grill and the seasoning, and that balance is exactly what makes this style of BBQ so addictive. Since then, I’ve experimented with multiple versions of the famous Xinjiang spice rub, but the version I always return to is the clean, punchy northern-style blend.

This mix keeps things simple: whole cumin seeds, toasted sesame, fennel, chili, and salt. That’s it. No fillers, no sugar, and no unnecessary complexity, just a focused blend that amplifies the natural umami of grilled meat. It’s bold without being overpowering, and its simplicity makes it incredibly versatile.

It pairs great with lamb, pork, beef, and chicken, and don’t overlook how well it works with tofu and grilled vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or okra. The whole cumin seeds are non-negotiable here: crushed lightly, they release their essential oils without the harsh intensity of pre-ground cumin, adding texture and aroma that defines this mix.

This spice blend was made for skewers. Its clings perfectly to small pieces of meat, especially when grilled over open flame or coals. The high heat brings the cumin and chili to life, coating each bite with smoky, toasty flavor. The key is to cut the meat into small, uniform chunks, season generously, and grill quickly so the spice mix toasts but never burns.

Recipe

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Xinjiang BBQ Spice Mix

Xinjiang BBQ spice mix made from cumin, sesame, fennel, and chili — perfect for flame-grilled meat, bringing the intense and deep chinese flavors.

Course Spice

Cuisine Chinese

Keyword grill, spice blend

Cook Time 10 minutes minutes

Total Time 10 minutes minutes

Servings 6

Calories 180kcal

Ingredients

• 10 tsp cumin seeds whole seeds, not ground
• 5 tsp toasted sesame seeds
• 2 tsp ground fennel seeds
• 2 tsp medium-heat ground chili or use hot variety for extra kick
• 1 tsp salt

Instructions

Spice Mix

• Add the cumin seeds, toasted sesame seeds, and salt to a mortar and pestle. Crush lightly, just enough to release oils and aroma while keeping some texture.
• Mix in the ground fennel and chili powder. Stir until evenly combined.

Meat Skewers

• Cut meat(chicken, beef, or mutton) into 2×2 cm chunks and thread loosely onto skewers. Don’t overcrowd the skewers — meat should cook fast and evenly.
• Generously season with the spice mix and grill over charcoal of gas grill.
• Reapply spice during cooking for maximum flavor.