Smoked Ham With Hot Black Bean Sauce
A hearty smoked ham dish simmered with flavorful black bean sauce, garlic, and spices. Perfect for comfort food lovers and those seeking bold, savory flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place ham hocks in a pot, cover with water, and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 1 hour or until tender.
- Heat another pan with vegetable oil.
- When oil is hot, add fermented black beans and chopped garlic, mash and crush them well together.
- Stir in sliced green pepper, soy sauce, hot red pepper, and chicken broth.
- Stir until blended.
- Add cooked ham hocks, chopped green onions, and salt.
- Serve hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For a deeper flavor, consider adding a splash of rice vinegar or a teaspoon of sugar to balance the heat from the hot red pepper. If you can't find fermented black beans, you can substitute them with black bean paste, which will also add umami. Make sure to adjust the salt accordingly as some pastes can be saltier.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with steamed rice or a side of sautéed vegetables for a complete meal. Consider serving it alongside a fresh green salad or some pickled vegetables to add a refreshing crunch. For a heartier option, you could serve it with cornbread or even alongside a dish like Ginger Chicken With Pea Pods.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the ham and sauce on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to keep it moist. You can also reheat it in the microwave, covered, for a few minutes until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Smoked Ham With Hot Black Bean Sauce contains roughly 946 calories, with 50g protein, 148g carbohydrates, and 20g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (134% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (131% of the Daily Value), and protein (101% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 704mg per serving (31% 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 type of meat instead of ham hocks?
Yes, you can substitute smoked turkey legs or even thick slices of smoked pork shoulder for a similar flavor profile. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly based on the cut you choose.
What can I do if the sauce is too spicy?
If the sauce turns out too spicy, add a bit of sugar or honey to help balance the heat. You can also incorporate more chicken broth or coconut milk to dilute the spiciness while maintaining the dish's flavor.
How do I know when the ham hocks are fully cooked?
The ham hocks are fully cooked when the meat is tender and easily pulls away from the bone. This typically takes about an hour of simmering, but you can cook them longer if you prefer a softer texture.
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).