Hunan Smoked Ham Hock with Hot Black Bean Sauce

Dive into the bold and savory world of Hunan cuisine with this irresistible Smoked Ham Hock with Hot Black Bean Sauce recipe. This dish features tender smoked ham hocks simmered to perfection in a spiced, umami-packed sauce made with fermented black beans, ginger, garlic, and fiery red chili peppers. The traditional Chinese cooking technique of slow simmering infuses every bite with rich, complex flavors, while a touch of Shaoxing wine and dark soy sauce deepens the sauce's aromatic profile. Finished with a silky cornstarch glaze and a drizzle of sesame oil, this dish is the perfect harmony of smoky, spicy, and savory. Serve it alongside fluffy steamed rice or chewy noodles for a comforting, restaurant-quality meal at home. Perfect for fans of authentic Hunan flavors!

Nutriscore Rating: 58/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:120 mins

Total Time:140 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 pieces smoked ham hock
• 2 tablespoons fermented black beans
• 1 inch piece, grated ginger
• 4 cloves, minced garlic
• 2 pieces, finely chopped red chili peppers (Thai or similar)
• 3 stalks, finely sliced scallions
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
• 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 3 cups chicken or pork stock
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 2 tablespoons neutral cooking oil (e.g., vegetable oil)

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the smoked ham hocks under cold water to remove any excess salt or impurities. Pat them dry with paper towels.

Step 2

Heat a large pot over medium heat and add the neutral cooking oil.

Step 3

Add the grated ginger, minced garlic, and chopped red chili peppers to the pot. Sauté for about 1 minute until aromatic.

Step 4

Rinse the fermented black beans under cold water, then mash them with the back of a spoon or mortar and pestle. Add the mashed black beans to the pot and stir-fry for another minute.

Step 5

Deglaze the pot with the Shaoxing wine, letting it cook off for 30 seconds.

Step 6

Add the soy sauce, dark soy sauce, sugar, and chicken or pork stock to the pot. Stir to combine.

Step 7

Carefully nestle the ham hocks into the pot, ensuring they are mostly submerged in the liquid. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, turning the hocks occasionally, until the meat is tender and almost falling off the bone.

Step 8

Once the hocks are tender, remove them from the pot and set aside.

Step 9

In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Gradually add it to the pot while stirring to thicken the sauce. Let the sauce simmer for another 2-3 minutes.

Step 10

Return the ham hocks to the pot and coat them thoroughly in the thickened sauce. Drizzle with sesame oil and stir gently.

Step 11

Garnish with sliced scallions and serve immediately with steamed rice or noodles on the side.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1916.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2676.8

Total Fat 191.6g	0%
Saturated Fat 57.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 5.9g
Cholesterol 635.0mg	0%
Sodium 15568.1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 43.9g	0%
Dietary Fiber 7.5g	0%
Total Sugars 8.0g
Protein 188.2g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 260.2mg	0%
Iron 15.2mg	0%
Potassium 3360.8mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 65.0%

Protein: 28.4%

Carbs: 6.6%