Chinese ham, often known as Jinhua ham or Yunnan ham, is a prized ingredient in Chinese cuisine. It has been a staple in Chinese kitchens for centuries, known for its rich flavor and versatility in many dishes. Unlike Western ham, which is often served as a standalone dish, Chinese ham is typically used to add depth to soups, stir-fries, and braised dishes.
In this article, we will walk you through the process of preparing and cooking Chinese ham in a variety of ways, ensuring that you can make the most out of this flavorful delicacy. Whether you are using it in a traditional Chinese recipe or experimenting with modern cooking techniques, this guide will provide you with detailed steps and tips to make your dish a success.
What is Chinese Ham?
Chinese ham is a type of cured and dry-cooked ham that is typically prepared using a process of salting, air-drying, and sometimes smoking. The most famous types of Chinese ham are Jinhua ham from Zhejiang province and Yunnan ham from the Yunnan region. These hams are known for their deep, savory, and umami-rich taste, making them an essential component in many Chinese dishes.
Types of Chinese Ham
There are several varieties of Chinese ham, each with unique characteristics:
Jinhua Ham: This is the most well-known and widely used Chinese ham. It comes from the Jinhua region in Zhejiang Province. It is salt-cured and air-dried, giving it a firm texture and deep, concentrated flavor. Jinhua ham is often used in soups, stews, and braised dishes.
Yunnan Ham: Another famous Chinese ham, it originates from the Yunnan Province. This variety has a milder, less salty flavor compared to Jinhua ham and is often used in stir-fries and as a topping for rice dishes.
Xiangyun Ham: A ham from the Xiangyun region, known for its unique and slightly sweet flavor. It is commonly used in Northern Chinese cuisine.
The 4 Most Popular Recipes Of Chinese Ham
1. Making a Ham Stock
Ingredients:
- 200 grams of Chinese ham (Jinhua or Yunnan ham)
- 1 liter of water
- 1 onion, halved
- 3-4 cloves of garlic, crushed
- 1 piece of ginger (about 2 inches), sliced
- 2-3 dried shiitake mushrooms (optional)
- 2-3 sprigs of Chinese parsley or cilantro (optional)
Instructions:
Prepare the Ham: Begin by rinsing the Chinese ham under cold water to remove any excess salt. Cut the ham into small pieces or slices, depending on your preference.
Simmer the Ingredients: In a large pot, add the ham, water, onion, garlic, ginger, and mushrooms (if using). Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 1 to 1.5 hours. This slow simmering will allow the flavors of the ham to infuse the broth.
Strain and Serve: After the simmering process, strain the broth to remove any solid ingredients. The resulting stock will be rich and flavorful, perfect for use in soups or braised dishes. You can store this stock in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days or freeze it for later use.
Tips for Making Ham Stock:
- For a clearer broth, skim off the impurities that rise to the top during the simmering process.
- Add a pinch of white pepper or Chinese five-spice powder for additional flavor depth.
2. Stir-Frying Chinese Ham
Stir-frying is one of the most common ways to cook Chinese ham. This method allows the ham to caramelize slightly, adding a sweet, savory flavor to your dish.
Ingredients:
- 150 grams of Chinese ham, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2-3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon of sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon of Chinese rice wine (Shaoxing wine)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
Prepare the Ingredients: Slice the Chinese ham thinly. Wash and slice the bell pepper and onion, and mince the garlic.
Heat the Oil: In a wok or large frying pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic and stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Cook the Ham: Add the thinly sliced Chinese ham to the wok and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, allowing the ham to slightly crisp and caramelize.
Add the Vegetables: Add the sliced bell pepper and onion to the wok and stir-fry for another 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still crisp.
Season the Dish: Add the soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and Chinese rice wine to the wok. Stir well to coat all the ingredients evenly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve: Once everything is well-cooked and coated in the sauce, remove from heat and serve immediately with steamed rice.
Tips for Stir-Frying:
- Ensure your wok or frying pan is preheated to high heat before adding the ingredients. This helps to create the signature “wok hei” (smoky flavor) that is characteristic of Chinese stir-fries.
- For added depth of flavor, you can add a splash of chicken or ham stock towards the end of cooking.
3. Braised Chinese Ham with Vegetables
Braised dishes are another excellent way to cook Chinese ham. The slow-cooking process allows the ham to release its flavors, infusing the dish with its savory, umami taste.
Ingredients:
- 200 grams of Chinese ham, cut into chunks
- 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
- 1 carrot, sliced
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 1/2 cup of Chinese cabbage, chopped
- 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon of dark soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon of sugar
- 1 cup of ham stock (or water)
- 1 teaspoon of Chinese five-spice powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Prepare the Ham and Vegetables: Cut the Chinese ham into chunks. Slice the carrot and zucchini, and chop the Chinese cabbage.
Sauté the Ham: Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the ham pieces and sauté for 3-4 minutes until they are lightly browned on all sides.
Add the Vegetables: Add the carrots, zucchini, and Chinese cabbage to the pot. Stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften slightly.
Add the Seasoning: Stir in the soy sauce, dark soy sauce, sugar, and Chinese five-spice powder. Add the ham stock (or water) and bring the mixture to a boil.
Simmer the Dish: Reduce the heat to low and let the dish simmer, covered, for 1-1.5 hours. The ham should become tender and infused with the flavors of the broth and vegetables.
Season and Serve: After the braising process is complete, taste the dish and add salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot, with steamed rice or noodles.
Tips for Braising:
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the lid in the final 20 minutes of cooking to allow the liquid to reduce.
- Braised Chinese ham can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. It tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.
4. Chinese Ham Soup
A hearty and flavorful soup is a great way to showcase the deep, savory taste of Chinese ham. This simple recipe is perfect for a comforting meal on a cold day.
Ingredients:
- 100 grams of Chinese ham (Jinhua or Yunnan ham)
- 1/2 pound of napa cabbage, chopped
- 2 dried shiitake mushrooms (optional)
- 1 tablespoon of ginger, sliced
- 1 liter of water or chicken stock
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Prepare the Ham: Rinse the ham under cold water and slice it into thin pieces.
Boil the Ingredients: In a large pot, add the ham, napa cabbage, dried shiitake mushrooms, and ginger. Pour in the water or chicken stock, and bring it to a boil.
Simmer the Soup: Once the soup begins to boil, reduce the heat and simmer for 45 minutes to 1 hour, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Season and Serve: Taste the soup and add salt and pepper as needed. Serve the soup hot, and enjoy the rich, comforting flavors.
Tips for Making Soup:
- For a more fragrant soup, add a few sprigs of Chinese parsley or cilantro before serving.
- If you prefer a clearer soup, you can skim off any impurities that float to the surface during the boiling process.
Conclusion
Chinese ham is a delicious and versatile ingredient that adds a rich, savory flavor to a wide range of dishes. Whether you’re making a simple stock, stir-fry, braised dish, or soup, the deep, umami-packed taste of Chinese ham will elevate your cooking and bring a taste of traditional Chinese cuisine to your kitchen.
By following the techniques outlined in this article, you can cook Chinese ham in several ways, each offering a unique and flavorful experience. The next time you’re in the kitchen, try incorporating Chinese ham into your dishes and explore its rich, savory possibilities!
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