A Chinese-inspired roast lamb with Pixian doubanjiang glaze, Sichuan peppercorn at two layers, and a Shaoxing-Chinkiang pan sauce. Dry-brined overnight, marinated through the day, seared and roasted before dinner.
The overnight dry brine seasons the meat and draws surface moisture, setting up a better sear. Keep the salt light. The doubanjiang and dark soy in the paste carry significant salt already. The cumin is a Xinjiang-influenced touch that bridges well with the Sichuan doubanjiang and peppercorn. To go purely Sichuan in flavor, drop the cumin and increase the five-spice to 3/4 tsp. Sichuan peppercorn works at two layers: ground into the paste for deep background mala integration, and freshly toasted and ground for an electric finishing hit. Use a reliable instant-read thermometer. The window between medium-rare and overcooked is narrow on a rack this size.