
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.
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 hoursStep 2: Technique & Execution
Use a stiff brush to scrape off any black parts and possible moldStep 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 cookedStep 4: Technique & Execution
Trim the ham, and score the upper side in a criss cross patternStep 5: Technique & Execution
Place the ham in a large dish along with the chicken stock, the remaining spring onions and ginger, and the Szechuan peppercornsStep 6: Technique & Execution
Steam for about 1 1/2 hoursChef's Pro Tips & Variations
Nutritional Profile per Serving
| Metric | Amount | Dietary Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 432 kcal | Controlled caloric load for steady metabolic burn |
| Protein | 36g | High-biological-value protein for tissue maintenance |
| Carbohydrates | 35g | Complex, slow-digesting dietary fiber |
| Fat | 13g | Wholesome 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.

Macro Nutrition Profile (Per Serving)
Ingredients
Ingredients
Seasoning
Ingredient Substitutions
| Original Ingredient | Healthy Alternative |
|---|---|
| Animal protein | Firm tofu, tempeh, or organic chickpeas |
| Cooking fat | Extra virgin olive oil or grass-fed butter |
Instructions
Technique & Execution: Directions: Soak the ham overnight or for at least 8 hours
Technique & Execution: Use a stiff brush to scrape off any black parts and possible mold
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
Technique & Execution: Trim the ham, and score the upper side in a criss cross pattern
Technique & Execution: Place the ham in a large dish along with the chicken stock, the remaining spring onions and ginger, and the Szechuan peppercorns
Technique & Execution: Steam for about 1 1/2 hours
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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
Chief Culinary SpecialistStewart 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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