Shanghai Ham
Shanghai Ham features tender pork simmered in soy sauce, ginger, and star anise, offering rich flavors perfect for family dinners or special occasions with an Asian twist.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Sear and scald the pork by soaking it in boiling water to cover for a few minutes.
- When the water returns to a boil, drain and rinse with cold water.
- Place the pork with all ingredients in a large saucepan or Dutch oven.
- Bring to a boil, cover, and simmer until tender, about 2 hours, turning the pork occasionally.
- Remove the cover and increase the heat.
- Baste the pork until about 1 cup of liquid remains, about 15 to 20 minutes.
- Skim the fat and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor of the Shanghai Ham, consider adding a splash of rice vinegar for acidity or a touch of brown sugar for a deeper sweetness. If you don’t have star anise, cinnamon can be a suitable substitute. For a quicker cook, you might also use a pressure cooker, reducing the simmering time significantly while still achieving tenderness.
Serving Suggestions
Slice the Shanghai Ham thinly and serve it over steamed rice or alongside stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Fried Rice With Ham or can be enjoyed cold in sandwiches. Consider garnishing with fresh herbs for added flavor and presentation.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, gently warm the ham in a pan over low heat with a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out. Alternatively, you can slice and microwave the portions, covering them to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Shanghai Ham contains roughly 336 calories, with 19g protein, 63g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (95% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (44% of the Daily Value), and iron (41% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1132mg per serving (49% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different cut of pork for this recipe?
Yes, while the recipe calls for pork ham, you can use pork shoulder or butt as well. These cuts are marbled with fat, which helps keep the meat tender during cooking. Adjust the cook time based on the size of the cut if necessary.
How can I adjust the sweetness of the dish?
If you prefer a less sweet flavor, reduce the sugar to 1/4 cup or substitute with a sugar alternative like honey or agave syrup. Remember to taste as you go, since some sweeteners can be more potent than sugar.
Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! Shanghai Ham is great for meal prep as it stores well and the flavors deepen over time. Slice and portion it out for easy meals throughout the week. Just reheat as needed, and you can enjoy it in various dishes throughout the week.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).