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Ham

In Chinese cuisine, these vegetable-in-rich-broth dishes, labeled shangtang (上汤), are popular both at home and in restaurants.

Vegetables• [Simmering]

Broccoli in rich broth (上汤西兰花)

When simmered in stock until broken down, taro releases its starch to make the soup rich and creamy—very much like thick potato soups most people in the West are familiar with, but without the use of heavy cream, sour cream, milk, or cheese. The addition of bok choy and ham turns the soup into a one-dish meal.

Soups and stews• Vegetables• [Simmering]

Thick taro soup with bok choy and ham (青菜火腿芋艿羹)

A beloved Yunnan rice dish with potatoes and ham.

Rice, noodles, and grains• [Simmering]

Yunnan rice with potatoes (云南洋芋焖饭)

In Shanghai and its surrounding region, steaming whole fish with ham, bamboo shoots, and shiitake mushrooms creates an exquisite dish fit for a banquet.

Fish and shelfish• [Steaming]

Shanghai-style steamed fish with ham, bamboo shoots, and shiitake mushrooms

One of my favorite ways of cooking winter melon is to make a braise with ham. In this dish, I use a melon baller to create winter melon balls instead of cutting the melon into slices as traditionally done.

Vegetables• [Simmering]

Braised winter melon with ham

This delicate, elegant dish hails from Jiangsu Province, which has one of the most refined and sophisticated regional cuisines in China.

Fish and shelfish• [Steaming]

Steamed fish rolls with bamboo shoots, ham, and shiitake mushrooms (三丝鱼卷)

It’s easy to understand why Yangzhou fried rice has become the most famous fried rice in the world if you have tasted a well-made one with generous amounts of shrimp, ham, and mushrooms.

Rice, noodles, and grains• [Stir-frying]

Yangzhou fried rice (扬州炒饭)