Zhejiang Sweet Gold
Zhejiang Sweet Gold, also known as Jinhua Ham Steamed with Honey, is a traditional dish from the Zhejiang province of China. Known for its rich history and exquisite taste, this dish highlights the unique flavors of Jinhua Ham combined with the sweetness of honey. Jinhua Ham has a legacy dating back over a thousand years, known as one of the most famous hams in the world. It is esteemed in Zhejiang for adding depth and umami to various dishes. This recipe captures the essence of Zhejiang cuisine: a balance of sweet and savory that delights the palate.
Ingredients
- Jinhua Ham - 500 grams, sliced thinly
- Honey - 100 grams
- Ginger - 20 grams, thinly sliced
- Spring Onions - 30 grams, chopped
- Light Soy Sauce - 2 tablespoons
- Sesame Oil - 1 tablespoon
- Chinese Cooking Wine - 1 tablespoon
- Salt - to taste
- White Pepper - a pinch
Preparation
Preparing the Jinhua Ham
Begin by slicing the Jinhua Ham into thin slices, approximately 2 millimeters in thickness. This will ensure that the ham absorbs the sweetness of the honey and other flavors evenly during the cooking process.
Flavoring Base Setup
In a bowl, mix together the light soy sauce, sesame oil, Chinese cooking wine, and a pinch of white pepper. This mixture will serve as the flavoring base for the dish, imparting a savory profile to contrast the honey’s sweetness.
Cooking Process
Steaming the Ham
Take the sliced Jinhua Ham and in a large steaming dish, arrange them in a single layer. Drizzle the flavoring base evenly over the ham slices. Add the sliced ginger and chopped spring onions on top.
Pour the honey uniformly over the ham. Make sure every piece is lightly coated with honey, as this is key to achieving the desired sweetness.
Prepare your steaming setup. You can use a traditional bamboo steamer or a metal rack over a pot of boiling water, making sure the water level is not touching the bottom of the steaming dish. Place the dish with ham inside and cover with a lid.
Steam the ham on medium heat for about 30 minutes. Use a cooking timer to ensure perfect timing. The steaming allows the ham to soak in all the flavors while making it tender and succulent.
Final Touches
After steaming, remove the dish from the steamer. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This cooling phase helps in settling the flavors.
Add a pinch of salt if necessary, based on personal taste preferences.
Serving and Enjoyment
Serve the Zhejiang Sweet Gold hot, garnished with extra spring onions. This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or fresh noodles, absorbing the rich sauce.
The beauty of Zhejiang Sweet Gold is its balance of flavors and the tender texture of the Jinhua Ham. It can be enjoyed as part of a larger meal or as a standalone main course.
For an enhanced experience, pair it with a light-bodied white wine or a traditional Chinese tea, such as Dragon Well green tea. These beverages complement the dish's sweet and savory notes.
Enjoy the unique flavors of this historical Zhejiang dish, and savor the work of art that is Jinhua Ham with honey. It’s a true representation of the culinary prowess and cultural heritage of the Zhejiang province.