Jinhua Ham Stir-fry
Background and History
Jinhua Ham, a gem of Chinese culinary tradition, originates from Jinhua, Zhejiang province. With a history dating back over a thousand years, Jinhua Ham has become synonymous with premium Chinese ham, known for its distinct flavor and refined quality. The curing process, heavily influenced by the geographical conditions and traditional techniques, has made Jinhua Ham a favored ingredient in many regional dishes. This stir-fry recipe embodies the rich tradition, infusing the umami flavor of the ham into a quick and delightful dish.
Ingredients
- Jinhua Ham - 200g, thinly sliced
- Vegetable oil - 2 tablespoons
- Garlic - 3 cloves, minced
- Ginger - 1 tablespoon, julienned
- Green onions - 2 stalks, chopped
- Soy sauce - 2 tablespoons
- Sugar - 1 teaspoon
- Cooking wine - 1 tablespoon
- Red bell pepper - 1, sliced
- Snow peas - 100g, trimmed
- Salt - to taste
- Pepper - to taste
Preparation
Preparing the Ingredients
Start by gathering all your ingredients. Rinse the Jinhua Ham under cold water to remove excess salt. Pat it dry with paper towels and thinly slice it. Next, wash the red bell pepper and snow peas, ensuring they are clean. Slice the bell pepper and trim the ends of the snow peas. Mince the garlic, julienne the ginger, and chop the green onions. Measure out soy sauce, sugar, and cooking wine in a small bowl for the sauce.
Cooking Process
Searing the Jinhua Ham
Heat a large wok over medium-high heat and add the vegetable oil. Swirl it around to coat the wok. Add the sliced Jinhua Ham and stir-fry for about 2 minutes until the edges caramelize slightly. Remove the ham from the wok and set it aside.
Stir-frying the Aromatics
In the same wok, with the remaining oil, add the garlic and ginger. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn them.
Cooking the Vegetables
Add the sliced red bell pepper and snow peas to the wok. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes or until they start to become tender yet crisp.
Combining All Ingredients
Return the Jinhua Ham to the wok and pour in the sauce made of soy sauce, sugar, and cooking wine. Stir well to combine all ingredients, ensuring the sauce coats everything evenly.
Final Touches
Add the chopped green onions and season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir-fry for another minute. Remove from heat.
How to Enjoy the Meal
Serve the Jinhua Ham Stir-fry immediately. It pairs wonderfully with steamed white rice or a simple bowl of noodles. Enjoy this dish with warm company and a side of tea. Renowned for its versatility, this stir-fry also makes an excellent component in a shared platter of Chinese dishes.
Monitor the cooking time to ensure each ingredient's texture and flavor is preserved. The contrast in textures and the savory punch from the ham make this an unforgettable culinary experience.