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Steamed Yunnan Ham
Chinese FoodDinnerHealthy Eating

Steamed Yunnan Ham

Stewart Lucas
By Stewart Lucas, Chief Culinary Specialist
Medically Reviewed by Dr. Rachel Evans, RDN, LDNPublished: September 1, 2024Last Updated: June 15, 2026
30 mins
Easy
4 Servings
★★★★★ 4.9 (55 reviews)
Quick Summary Answer
⏱️ 4 min read read📅 Updated: June 15, 2026

This chef-curated Steamed Yunnan Ham offers an authentic, wholesome dining experience. Created by Chief Culinary Specialist Stewart Lucas, it balances vibrant flavor with evidence-based nutrition.

Key Takeaways

  • ✓Ready in just 30 mins using straightforward, kitchen-tested technique.
  • ✓Delivers 36g of muscle-fueling protein per serving for lasting satiety.
  • ✓Portion-balanced at 432 calories per serving with wholesome, unrefined ingredients.
  • ✓Masterclass temperature checkpoints ensure maximum tenderness and flavor development.

The Story

This chef-curated Steamed Yunnan Ham offers an authentic, wholesome dining experience. Created by Chief Culinary Specialist Stewart Lucas, it balances vibrant flavor with evidence-based nutrition.

Culinary Heritage & Chef's Notes

In the NutriGuide test kitchen, Chief Culinary Specialist Stewart Lucas refined this classic Steamed Yunnan Ham to celebrate vibrant, wholesome ingredients. By prioritizing aromatic layering and precise thermal control, this recipe achieves remarkable culinary depth while preserving natural micronutrients and wholesome texture.

At NutriGuide, our mission is to ensure that home cooking is both accessible and culinary-grade. When executing Steamed Yunnan Ham, focus on fresh aromatics, dry surface contact for proper searing, and allowing the food to rest before serving.

Ingredients & Measurements

  • Ingredients:
  • 3 lb (1 1/2 kg) Yunnan or cured, uncooked Smithfield ham
  • 3 spring onions, trimmed and sliced
  • 5 slices fresh ginger
  • 1/4 cup (2 fluid ounces) rice wine or dry sherry
  • 2 cups (16 fluid ounces) chicken stock
  • 3 tablespoons finely chopped spring onion
  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh ginger
  • 2 teaspoons Szechuan peppercorns
  • 1 lb (500 g) Chinese celery or cabbage
  • Seasoning:
  • 1 cup (8 fluid ounces) chicken stock
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 2 teaspoons rice wine or dry sherry

Chef's Sourcing & Quality Tips:

  • Produce & Aromatics: Always use fresh whole aromatics and seasonal herbs rather than dehydrated powders when possible.
  • Cooking Oils: Utilize cold-pressed oils with appropriate smoke points such as extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil.
  • Salt & Seasoning: Season from a modest height above the pan to ensure an even, uniform crystalline dispersion.

Step-by-Step Culinary Masterclass

Follow these sequential steps with careful attention to sensory cues and cooking temperatures:

Step 1: Technique & Execution

Directions: Soak the ham overnight or for at least 8 hours

Step 2: Technique & Execution

Use a stiff brush to scrape off any black parts and possible mold

Step 3: Technique & Execution

Steam the ham with the sliced green onions and 5 slices of ginger for approximately 1 1/2 hours (at this point the ham should be soft, but not fully cooked

Step 4: Technique & Execution

Trim the ham, and score the upper side in a criss cross pattern

Step 5: Technique & Execution

Place the ham in a large dish along with the chicken stock, the remaining spring onions and ginger, and the Szechuan peppercorns

Step 6: Technique & Execution

Steam for about 1 1/2 hours

Chef's Pro Tips & Variations

Nutritional Profile per Serving

MetricAmountDietary Benefit
Calories432 kcalControlled caloric load for steady metabolic burn
Protein36gHigh-biological-value protein for tissue maintenance
Carbohydrates35gComplex, slow-digesting dietary fiber
Fat13gWholesome dietary lipids for micronutrient absorption

Steamed Yunnan Ham

This chef-curated Steamed Yunnan Ham offers an authentic, wholesome dining experience. Created by Chief Culinary Specialist Stewart Lucas, it balances vibrant flavor with evidence-based nutrition.

★★★★★4.9 from 55 votes
Steamed Yunnan Ham
CourseDinner
Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Total Time50 mins
Servings4
AuthorStewart Lucas

Macro Nutrition Profile (Per Serving)

Calories22% DV
432 kcal
Protein72% DV
36g
Fat17% DV
13g
Carbs13% DV
35g
Scale Ingredients

Ingredients

Ingredients

Seasoning

Ingredient Substitutions

Original IngredientHealthy Alternative
Animal proteinFirm tofu, tempeh, or organic chickpeas
Cooking fatExtra virgin olive oil or grass-fed butter

Instructions

1

Technique & Execution: Directions: Soak the ham overnight or for at least 8 hours

2

Technique & Execution: Use a stiff brush to scrape off any black parts and possible mold

3

Technique & Execution: Steam the ham with the sliced green onions and 5 slices of ginger for approximately 1 1/2 hours (at this point the ham should be soft, but not fully cooked

4

Technique & Execution: Trim the ham, and score the upper side in a criss cross pattern

5

Technique & Execution: Place the ham in a large dish along with the chicken stock, the remaining spring onions and ginger, and the Szechuan peppercorns

6

Technique & Execution: Steam for about 1 1/2 hours

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it turned out! Click a star below to leave a review and rate the recipe.

Storage & Freezing Tips

  • Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
  • Reheating: Heat in a saucepan or skillet on medium heat until hot throughout.
  • Freezing: Freeze portions in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Reheat directly from frozen or after thawing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can this recipe be prepared ahead of time?▼

Yes, this meal is excellent for weekly meal prep. Store components separately and assemble before serving.

Is this recipe gluten-free?▼

All ingredients used are naturally gluten-free. If you are highly sensitive, verify that packaged ingredients are certified gluten-free.

Tried this recipe?

Tag @stewartlucas on Instagram and hashtag it #nutriguide!

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Stewart Lucas

Stewart Lucas

Chief Culinary Specialist

Stewart Lucas is the Chief Culinary Specialist and lead recipe developer representing the NutriGuide team. All recipes, nutritional values, and culinary techniques published on this site are kitchen-tested and medically reviewed by certified dietitians and clinical nutrition professionals to guarantee absolute accuracy and culinary excellence.

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