Grilled Lamb Tenderloin Skewers
Grilled Lamb Tenderloin Skewers, often known as 'Yang Rou Chuan' (羊肉串), are a beloved street food originating from the Xinjiang region of China, celebrated for their tender, juicy bite. The dish typically features small cubes of lamb tenderloin threaded onto bamboo or metal skewers, generously seasoned with a signature blend of cumin, chili flakes, salt, and sometimes sesame seeds before being grilled over charcoal.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This dish is a high-protein, low-carbohydrate option, with the lamb providing a rich source of essential nutrients like iron, zinc, and B vitamins. A typical serving of about four skewers (roughly 150 grams of cooked meat) contains approximately 300-350 calories.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 320 kcal |
| Protein | 34 g |
| Carbs | 1 g |
| Fat | 19 g |
| Fiber | 0 g |
| Sugar | 0 g |
| Sodium | 480 mg |
| Iron | 3.5 mg |
| Zinc | 6.2 mg |
| Vitamin B12 | 2.8 mcg |
| Niacin (B3) | 8.5 mg |
| Phosphorus | 280 mg |
| Selenium | 32 mcg |
| Potassium | 420 mg |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.5 mg |
Per 4 skewers (about 150 g cooked lamb) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
Culturally, these skewers are the heart of late-night social gatherings and night markets across China, symbolizing communal dining and vibrant street food culture. Nutritionally, lamb tenderloin is a lean cut, making these skewers a surprisingly protein-dense yet relatively lower-fat choice compared to other grilled meats.
