Chinese ham, also known as "Jinhua ham", is a traditional delicacy that has been enjoyed in China for centuries. Originating from the city of Jinhua in Zhejiang province, this cured and smoked ham is a staple in Chinese cuisine and is highly regarded for its rich flavor and tender texture. In this article, we will explore the history and cultural significance of this beloved dish and provide you with a delicious and easy-to-follow Chinese ham recipe. So, let's dive in and discover the secrets of making this mouth-watering delicacy!
Main Ingredients: Chinese Cabbage, Chicken Stock, Chinese Rice Wine
This simple and flavorful Chinese cabbage stir-fry is the perfect accompaniment to your beer can chicken. The combination of tender cabbage and savory ham is sure to please your taste buds. Plus, it's a great way to incorporate some veggies into your meal.
2of 20
Chinese Zucchini Pancakes
Main Ingredients: Fermented Bean Curd, Sichuan Peppercorn, Five Spice
Who said pancakes were just for breakfast? These Chinese zucchini pancakes are a delicious side dish for your beer can chicken. The crispy exterior and tender interior make for the perfect texture. Serve with some soy sauce or your favorite dipping sauce for an extra burst of flavor.
No beer can chicken meal is complete without some Chinese fried rice. This classic dish is a staple in Chinese cuisine and pairs perfectly with the rich and juicy flavors of the chicken. Add in some diced veggies, protein, and a splash of soy sauce for a delicious and well-rounded meal.
Looking for a side dish that's a little lighter? This Chinese creamed cabbage is a great option. The creamy sauce is made with a combination of chicken broth, soy sauce, and heavy cream, giving it a rich and savory flavor. Serve it alongside your beer can chicken for a well-balanced meal.
5of 20
Spiced Chinese Noodle Stir Fry
Main Ingredients: Noodles, Low Sodium Soy Sauce, Sugar, Fish Sauce
If you're craving some noodles with your beer can chicken, this spiced Chinese noodle stir fry is the perfect solution. The combination of spices, veggies, and noodles creates a flavorful and satisfying dish. Don't forget to add in some diced chicken for some added protein.
6of 20
The Hirshon Superior Chinese Stock – 上湯
Main Ingredients: Chicken Parts, Pork, Ham, Chicken Feet, Fresh Ginger
Want to take your beer can chicken to the next level? The Hirshon superior Chinese stock is a must-try. This rich and flavorful broth is made with a combination of pork, chicken, and Chinese herbs. Use it to baste your chicken while it's cooking for an extra boost of flavor.
7of 20
Quick and Easy Char Siew (Chinese Barbecue Pork)
Main Ingredients: Ham, Hoisin Sauce, Honey, Brown Sugar, Sesame Oil, Five
If you're looking for a different protein option to pair with your beer can chicken, give this quick and easy char siew a try. This Chinese barbecue pork is sweet, sticky, and packed with flavor. Serve it alongside your chicken for a delicious and well-rounded meal.
8of 20
Easy Chinese Chicken Fried Rice (Gluten Free Option)
Main Ingredients: Sesame Oil, Olive Oil, Boneless Skinless Chicken Thigh
For those with gluten sensitivities, this easy Chinese chicken fried rice is a great option. Made with gluten-free soy sauce, this dish is just as flavorful and delicious as the traditional version. Plus, it's a great way to use up any leftover chicken from your beer can chicken meal.
9of 20
Chinese-style Spaghetti Salad (凉拌意面)
Main Ingredients: Spaghetti, Ham, Red Bell Pepper, Courgette, Eggs
Looking for a unique and refreshing side dish for your beer can chicken? This Chinese-style spaghetti salad is a great option. The combination of spaghetti, veggies, and a tangy dressing makes for a light and flavorful dish that pairs well with the rich flavors of the chicken.
10of 20
Shanghai Rice with Green Cabbage and Chinese Ham
Main Ingredients: White Rice, Green Cabbage, Ham, Cooking Oil, Sugar
This Shanghai rice with green cabbage and Chinese ham is a great option for a one-pan meal. The combination of rice, veggies, and ham makes for a hearty and flavorful dish that can be served alongside your beer can chicken. Plus, it's a great way to use up any leftover ham you may have.
11of 20
Chinese Ham Bone Rice Soup (Congee)
Main Ingredients: Ham Bone, Long Grain White Rice, Water, Salt, White
If you have a leftover ham bone from your beer can chicken meal, don't throw it away! Use it to make this delicious Chinese ham bone rice soup, also known as congee. This warm and comforting soup is perfect for a chilly evening and will make use of every part of your chicken.
12of 20
Chinese Ham and Egg Fried Rice
Main Ingredients: Short Grain Rice, Honey, Frozen Peas, Large Eggs
Looking for a quick and easy way to use up leftover ham and chicken? This Chinese ham and egg fried rice is the perfect solution. The combination of scrambled eggs, ham, and rice creates a satisfying and flavorful dish that can be paired with your beer can chicken for a well-rounded meal.
13of 20
Yakimeshi
Main Ingredients: Brown Onion, Ham, Shrimp, Green Onions, Oil, Steamed
This Japanese-style fried rice is a great alternative to traditional Chinese fried rice. The combination of soy sauce, veggies, and protein (in this case, your beer can chicken) creates a flavorful and satisfying dish. Serve it as a side or add some extra protein for a hearty main course.
14of 20
Pineapple Fried Rice
Main Ingredients: Shrimp, Onion, Carrot, Ham, Cooked Rice, Peas
If you're looking to add some sweetness to your beer can chicken meal, give this pineapple fried rice a try. The combination of juicy pineapple, tender chicken, and fragrant rice creates a delicious and unique dish that's sure to be a hit with your taste buds.
15of 20
Chinese Banquet Fried Rice
Main Ingredients: Cooked Rice, Vegetable Oil, Eggs, Chopped Carrot
For a more elevated fried rice dish, try this Chinese banquet fried rice. Made with a variety of meats, veggies, and eggs, this dish is packed with flavor and makes for a perfect side dish to your beer can chicken. Plus, it's a great way to use up any leftover meats you may have.
16of 20
Beggar’s Chicken
Main Ingredients: Whole Chicken, Water, Kosher Salt, 5 Spice Powder
This traditional Chinese dish is a must-try for any beer can chicken lover. Beggar's chicken is made by wrapping a whole chicken in lotus leaves and clay, then baking it until the clay hardens. The result is a juicy and flavorful chicken that's perfect for a special occasion.
If you're looking for a unique side dish to pair with your beer can chicken, these Chinese fried rice cakes are a great option. Made with rice flour, these cakes are crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside. Serve them alongside your chicken for an interesting and delicious combination of textures.
For a spicy and tangy soup to pair with your beer can chicken, try this Chinese hot and sour soup. Made with a combination of mushrooms, tofu, and spices, this soup is packed with flavor and will add some heat to your meal. Serve it as a starter or alongside your chicken as a side dish.
If you're feeling adventurous and want to try making your own dumplings, give this recipe for Xiao Long Bao a try. These Chinese soup dumplings are filled with a flavorful broth and meat filling, making them the perfect accompaniment to your beer can chicken.
For a simple and classic side dish to pair with your beer can chicken, try this Chinese egg fried rice. Made with a combination of eggs, rice, and soy sauce, this dish is quick and easy to make and will add some extra protein to your meal. Add in some veggies for a well-rounded and healthy dish.
The History and Cultural Significance of Chinese Ham
The roots of Chinese ham can be traced back to the Eastern Han Dynasty (25-220 AD), where it was first documented in ancient Chinese texts. Since then, it has become a symbol of wealth and status in Chinese culture, often served at important events and celebrations such as weddings and New Year's feasts. The process of making Chinese ham is a meticulous and time-consuming one, with the hams being cured and smoked for at least six months to develop their distinct flavor and aroma. This traditional method has been passed down from generation to generation, making Chinese ham not just a dish, but a cultural heritage.
The Ingredients and Preparation of Chinese Ham
The main ingredient in Chinese ham is, of course, the pork leg, which is typically sourced from a specific breed of pigs native to Jinhua. The hams are then rubbed with a mixture of salt, sugar, and spices and left to cure for several weeks. Afterward, they are hung and smoked over burning hardwood for several days, giving them their unique smoky flavor. The end result is a ham that is reddish-brown in color, with a slightly sweet and savory taste.
The Versatility of Chinese Ham
Chinese ham can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. It can be thinly sliced and eaten as a snack, added to stir-fries and soups for added flavor, or used as a topping for noodles and rice dishes. It is also a popular ingredient in traditional Chinese dishes such as steamed buns and dumplings, adding a delicious depth of flavor to these dishes.
Try This Easy Chinese Ham Recipe
Now that you know the history and cultural significance of Chinese ham, it's time to try making it yourself with this easy recipe.
Ingredients:
- 1 pork leg (around 6-7 pounds)
- 1 cup of salt
- 1/2 cup of sugar
- 1 tablespoon of Chinese five-spice powder
- 1 tablespoon of white peppercorns
- 1 tablespoon of Sichuan peppercorns
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 2 star anise
- 1/2 cup of Chinese rice wine
- Water
- 2 cups of wood chips (preferably applewood or cherrywood)
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, mix together the salt, sugar, five-spice powder, white peppercorns, Sichuan peppercorns, cinnamon stick, and star anise.
2. Rub the mixture all over the pork leg, making sure to cover all sides.
3. Place the pork leg in a large plastic bag and let it marinate in the refrigerator for 2-3 weeks, turning the leg over every few days.
4. After 2-3 weeks, remove the pork leg from the bag and rinse off the marinade.
5. In a large pot, bring enough water to cover the pork leg to a boil. Add the rice wine and the pork leg and let it simmer for 2-3 hours, skimming off any impurities that rise to the surface.
6. After 2-3 hours, remove the pork leg from the pot and let it cool.
7. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F.
8. In a roasting pan, place the pork leg and add the wood chips on top of it.
9. Cover the pan with aluminum foil and let it roast in the oven for 2-3 hours.
10. After 2-3 hours, remove the foil and let the pork leg roast for an additional 30 minutes to an hour, until it is fully cooked and golden brown.
11. Let the pork leg cool before slicing and serving.
Conclusion
Chinese ham is a beloved dish that represents the rich cultural heritage and traditions of China. Its unique flavor and versatility make it a must-try for anyone looking to explore Chinese cuisine. So, gather the ingredients and give this easy Chinese ham recipe a try – you won't be disappointed!
![[Homemade] Chinese banquet made for the in-laws : food](https://external-preview.redd.it/648Yz7ZhpmBw5UI97ZS-1TqtOKtb7ZYZ5LgFvBiYheE.jpg?auto=webp&s=546afc993ba2fcc4d12da7f866fde05ca990b545)
/hot-and-sour-soup-88830008-589374945f9b5874eeefed36.jpg)
![[Homemade] Xiao Long Bao (soup dumplings) : food](https://external-preview.redd.it/gBcuI9eiJ05IDaK5eHTBAx4JgmZBUHX0usVyJ3EWkkU.jpg?auto=webp&s=0d7c4488534a76d70b28bba683c912deb6a37f60)
