Step 1 of 5

Brown the mince hard

Heat the oil in a wide pan over medium-high heat until it shimmers and add the lamb in two batches, leaving each one undisturbed for a couple of minutes before breaking it up. Lift each batch out once it is browned and no longer pink.

— Two batches. All of it at once drops the pan temperature, the meat releases its water and you get gray mince in a puddle.