Chinese Vegetarian Ham Recipe Easy and Delicious Guide

Chinese vegetarian ham, often known as “su ham” or “vegetarian ham,” is a delightful plant-based alternative to traditional Chinese cured ham. This recipe captures the essence of the beloved savory and smoky flavors while keeping it entirely vegetarian and vegan-friendly.

Made primarily from wheat gluten (seitan), mushrooms, and a blend of aromatic Chinese spices, this ham substitute is perfect for festive meals, dim sum, or enhancing your favorite stir-fries. Whether you’re vegetarian, vegan, or simply curious to try something new, this homemade Chinese vegetarian ham is a must-try culinary adventure.

Preparing this ham from scratch allows you to control the ingredients, avoid preservatives, and enjoy a rich texture that mimics the real thing. It’s chewy, flavorful, and incredibly versatile.

Plus, it pairs wonderfully with many traditional Chinese dishes or even as a protein-packed snack on its own. Ready to dive into this flavorful journey?

Let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Chinese vegetarian ham recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy the authentic taste of Chinese cured ham without any animal products. It boasts a rich umami profile thanks to shiitake mushrooms and fermented ingredients, while the wheat gluten gives it that firm, chewy texture reminiscent of real ham.

One of the best parts is its versatility. You can slice it thin for sandwiches, cube it for stir-fries, or steam it to serve alongside rice and vegetables.

It is perfect for holiday feasts or everyday meals, making vegetarian cooking both exciting and satisfying.

Moreover, this recipe is budget-friendly and uses ingredients that are widely available in Asian markets or online. It’s a rewarding project that fills your kitchen with amazing aromas and yields a delicious product you’ll want to make again and again.

Ingredients

• 1 cup vital wheat gluten
• 1/4 cup chickpea flour
• 1/2 cup cooked shiitake mushrooms, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup vegetable broth
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
• 1 tbsp dark soy sauce (for color and depth)
• 1 tsp Chinese five-spice powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika (for smoky flavor)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp maple syrup or brown sugar
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1/2 tsp ground white pepper
• 1 sheet dried seaweed (nori), finely shredded (optional for extra umami)
• 1 tbsp cornstarch (to bind)

Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Steamer or large pot with steaming rack
• Cheesecloth or clean kitchen towel
• Rolling pin or your hands for kneading
• Sharp knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Large saucepan or wok
• Optional: food processor (for finely chopping mushrooms)

Instructions

1. Prepare the mushrooms: If using dried shiitake mushrooms, soak them in warm water for 20 minutes until soft. Drain and chop finely or pulse in a food processor for a finer texture.
2. Combine dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the vital wheat gluten, chickpea flour, Chinese five-spice powder, smoked paprika, cornstarch, and ground white pepper.
3. Mix wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the vegetable broth, soy sauce, dark soy sauce, hoisin sauce, maple syrup, sesame oil, and minced garlic. Stir well to blend.
4. Combine wet and dry: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir with a spoon until a dough starts to form.
5. Add mushrooms and seaweed: Fold in the chopped shiitake mushrooms and shredded nori (if using) into the dough.
6. Knead the dough: Use your hands to knead the dough for about 5-8 minutes until it becomes elastic and slightly springy. If it’s too dry, add a splash of vegetable broth; if too wet, sprinkle more vital wheat gluten.
7. Shape the ham: Form the dough into a log shape approximately 8 inches long and 3 inches in diameter. Wrap tightly with cheesecloth or a clean kitchen towel, twisting the ends to secure.
8. Steam the ham: Place the wrapped log in a steamer over boiling water. Steam for 1 hour, turning the log every 20 minutes to ensure even cooking.
9. Cool and unwrap: Remove the ham from the steamer and allow it to cool completely before unwrapping. This helps it firm up and makes slicing easier.
10. Slice and use: Slice the vegetarian ham thinly or dice as desired. You can enjoy it immediately or pan-fry lightly to enhance the flavor and texture.

Tips & Variations

For a richer flavor, marinate the cooked vegetarian ham slices in soy sauce, sesame oil, and a little rice wine vinegar for 30 minutes before using in recipes.

• Add nuts or seeds: Incorporate finely chopped walnuts or sunflower seeds into the dough for extra crunch and nutrition.
• Use different mushrooms: Substitute shiitake with oyster or cremini mushrooms for a different umami profile.
• Spice it up: Add chili flakes or five-spice powder variations to tailor the flavor to your preference.
• Smoking option: For an authentic smoky aroma, lightly smoke the steamed ham using a stovetop smoker or smoked paprika.
• Freeze for later: This vegetarian ham freezes well. Slice before freezing for convenient use in future meals.

Nutrition Facts

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and can vary based on exact ingredient brands and quantities used.

Serving Suggestions

This Chinese vegetarian ham is incredibly versatile in the kitchen. Here are some ways to enjoy it:

• Dim sum style: Slice thinly and steam with buns or add to dumpling fillings for a smoky, savory touch.
• Stir-fry: Cube and stir-fry with vegetables like bok choy, bell peppers, and snap peas for a quick, protein-rich meal.
• Soups: Add slices to hot and sour soup or vegetable broth-based soups for added texture and flavor.
• Sandwiches and wraps: Use thin slices in vegetarian banh mi or wraps with pickled vegetables and fresh herbs.
• Fried rice or noodles: Dice and toss into fried rice or chow mein for a delightful umami boost.

For more creative vegetarian dishes, check out our Thelma Sanders Squash Recipe and Pickled Cherry Pepper Recipe. Both pair wonderfully with this vegetarian ham.

Conclusion

Making Chinese vegetarian ham at home is a rewarding culinary project that brings the authentic flavors and textures of traditional cured ham into a vegan-friendly form. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create a savory, smoky, and versatile protein that enhances a wide variety of dishes.

Whether for a festive occasion or a weeknight meal, this recipe is sure to impress both vegetarians and meat-eaters alike.

Experimenting with different spice blends and mushroom varieties can help tailor the ham to your personal taste, making it a unique staple in your kitchen. If you’re interested in more hearty and comforting recipes, don’t miss our Bariatric Meatloaf Recipe, which offers a different kind of wholesome goodness.

Happy cooking and enjoy this delicious journey into Chinese vegetarian cuisine!

{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Chinese Vegetarian Ham”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A flavorful and savory vegetarian alternative to traditional Chinese ham, made with gluten and mushrooms. Perfect for stir-fries, soups, or as a protein-rich snack.”, “prepTime”: “PT20M”, “cookTime”: “PT40M”, “totalTime”: “PT60M”, “recipeYield”: “6 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“1 cup vital wheat gluten”, “1/4 cup chickpea flour”, “1/4 cup finely chopped shiitake mushrooms”, “1/4 cup vegetable broth”, “2 tablespoons soy sauce”, “1 tablespoon hoisin sauce”, “1 teaspoon five-spice powder”, “1/2 teaspoon garlic powder”, “1 tablespoon sesame oil”, “1 tablespoon maple syrup”, “1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika”, “Cheesecloth for wrapping”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “In a bowl, mix vital wheat gluten and chickpea flour.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “In another bowl, combine vegetable broth, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, maple syrup, five-spice, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Pour wet ingredients into dry and knead until dough forms.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Mix in chopped shiitake mushrooms evenly.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Shape dough into a log and wrap tightly in cheesecloth.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Steam the wrapped dough for 40 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Let cool before unwrapping and slicing.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Use in stir-fries, soups, or as desired.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “150 kcal”, “proteinContent”: “18 g”, “fatContent”: “4 g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “10 g”}}