Chicken ham, which is called “torihamu” in Japanese, is a versatile food that can be made tender and tasty without any special tools. This can be made at home by anyone because it only takes 3 ingredients and 2 ways to do it. It tastes great on its own, in salads and sandwiches, and especially with ramen instead of pork chashu. You can add protein and nutrients to a meal with this tasty chicken ham. It’s also great for people who are on a low-carb or low-calorie diet.
As more people adopt plant-based diets or look to reduce red meat consumption, the popularity of chicken ham continues to grow. This product offers the taste and texture of traditional ham while using poultry as its base. But what exactly is chicken ham made of?
In this article, we’ll explore how chicken ham is produced, its ingredients and nutritional profile, and how it stacks up against pork ham. Whether you’re an omnivore, vegetarian, or just health-conscious, understanding the origins of this inventive meat can help inform your diet.
The Making of Chicken Ham: A Step-By-Step Process
While recipes vary between brands, most chicken ham follows a similar creation process Here are the basic steps
Step 1) Skinless, boneless chicken breasts are the main ingredient They provide the mild flavor and tender texture.
Step 2) The breasts are cut into smaller chunks or thinly sliced This makes the meat easier to shape
Step 3) The raw chicken is then processed and mushed into a paste-like consistency. Binding agents like eggs or starches may be added to help it stick together.
Step 4) The chicken mixture is pressed into a ham-like mold and cooked. This could involve baking, steaming, or another moist heat method to set the proteins.
Step 5) For added visual appeal, the exterior may be coated with spices, herbs, or paprika to resemble traditional ham.
Step 6) Finally, the chicken ham is cooled, sliced, and packaged for sale. It can be served cold like deli slices.
So while not a true ham from pig meat, chicken ham aims to emulate the familiar ham appearance and taste through clever food science techniques.
The Main Ingredients That Go Into Chicken Ham
Since it’s made from poultry rather than pork, chicken ham has a rather short and simple ingredient list. Here are the main components:
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Skinless, boneless chicken breasts – This is the bulk of the product, providing protein and structure. Chicken thigh or leg meat may also be used.
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Water – Important for binding and moisture. Up to 8% water content is allowed.
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Salt – For flavor and preservation. Typically around 2% of total weight.
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Phosphates – Improves moisture retention and binds the proteins. Up to 0.5% of product.
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Nitrites – Preservatives that inhibit bacteria growth and maintain color.
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Soy or milk proteins – Often added as binders and texture enhancers.
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Starch – Wheat, potato, or rice starches help with binding and moisture.
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Spices and flavorings – Small amounts of garlic, onion, smoke flavors, etc may be included for taste.
As you can see, chicken ham consists mostly of simple, natural ingredients. The lack of pork provides a lighter nutrition profile compared to traditional ham.
How the Nutrition of Chicken Ham Compares to Pork Ham
When replacing regular ham with the chicken variety, it’s useful to compare their nutritional profiles. Here’s an overview:
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Calories – Chicken ham is lower, with about 1/3 fewer calories than pork ham per serving.
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Fat – Much less fat overall, and minimal saturated fat. Chicken ham contains around 2-4g per serving.
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Sodium – Tends to be comparable to a low-sodium pork ham, around 400-700mg per serving.
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Protein – Slightly less than pork, but still provides 10-15g protein per serving.
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Iron – Lower amounts than pork ham, but still a good source especially for non-meat eaters.
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Nitrates – Similar low levels to many pork hams due to processing methods.
So in terms of nutrition, chicken ham offers a diet-friendly swap for regular ham. It skips the high saturated fat and calories while providing ample protein.
How to Use Chicken Ham in Your Cooking
The light flavor and deli-style slices make chicken ham an extremely versatile ingredient. Here are some of the many ways it can be enjoyed:
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In sandwiches and wraps instead of regular ham lunchmeat.
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Diced up in salads for added protein.
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Rolled up with cheese and pickle in ham roll-ups.
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Added to omelets, frittatas, and breakfast scrambles.
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As a pizza topping in place of sausage or pepperoni.
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In ham and bean soups.
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Cubed in fried rice or egg noodles.
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As a stuffing for chicken breasts or pork chops.
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In quiches, egg bakes, and stratas.
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Chopped over pasta salads.
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In ham and cheese pockets or turnovers.
With its neutral flavor, chicken ham can fit right in to any dish that traditionally calls for ham. Feel free to get creative with this versatile ingredient!
Should You Make the Switch from Pork Ham?
At the end of the day, the choice between pork ham and chicken ham comes down to your personal dietary needs and preferences. Here are some factors to consider:
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For those avoiding red meat or pork specifically, chicken ham offers a convenient substitute.
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If you’re looking for lower fat and sodium, chicken ham may fit the bill better.
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Chicken ham works for many vegetarian or vegan diets, unlike pork products.
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The milder taste of chicken ham may appeal more to some palates.
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Pork ham provides more protein per serving compared to the chicken version.
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Traditional ham has a richer, more savory flavor profile.
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Pork ham tends to have a more fibrous, muscle meat texture when eating.
So weigh your own nutritional needs and taste factors when deciding between these two products. Chicken ham makes an accessible alternative to plain old pork for a variety of reasons.
Next time you’re shopping the deli counter or meat case, consider grabbing some chicken ham to test the flavor of this clever creation for yourself. With an ingredient list that’s short and simple but a taste profile surprisingly close to pork ham, this poultry product is worth a try!
What is Torihamu Chicken Ham?
Torihamu is the Japanese word for Chicken Ham. It became popular a while ago in Japan when the high protein, low carb diet boomed. The main ingredient is chicken breasts without skin that have been butterfly-cut and tightly wrapped in cling wrap. They are then cooked in a sous vide machine. But not everyone has a sous vide. There are two other ways to do it, though. The second best is a rice cooker, which usually has a “keep warm” setting that will work the same way as a sous vide. The chicken breast can be wrapped up, put in the rice cooker, and left alone until it’s done. It’s that easy! The other alternative is to cook it in a pot. This is just as easy but a little more finicky as the temperature won’t stay consistent. Read on for a more detailed explanation of these 2 methods!.
How to Make Chicken Ham: 2 Easy Methods
The chicken breast is now flat and ready to roll. To season it, put a teaspoon of salt and a half-teaspoon of sugar on each side and rub them in. You can make the chicken taste better by adding herbs and spices like thyme, sage, or rosemary, as well as onion powder or garlic powder.
Place some cling wrap on a work surface and roll and wrap the chicken breast tightly. At the same time, shape it into a ham.
Put it in a ziplock bag. Place the ziplock bag into a bowl of water to seal the ziplock without any air pocket.
Homemade pressed chicken ham
FAQ
Is Chicken Ham chicken or pork?
What part of the chicken is ham?
What’s the difference between Chicken Ham and ham?
Is Chicken Ham halal?
What is chicken ham?
Chicken ham is a type of ham made from skinless chicken breasts that are cured and cooked to create a lean and healthy alternative to traditional pork ham. It is a popular choice for those who are looking for a low-fat and high-protein option for their meals.
How is chicken ham made?
Chicken ham is made using a similar process as traditional ham, including curing and smoking. However, instead of using pork, skinless chicken breasts are used. The chicken breasts are carefully prepared by being butterfly cut and tightly wrapped before being cooked in a sous vide or other cooking method.
What are the ingredients in chicken ham?
The three main ingredients used in making chicken ham are chicken breast, salt, and sugar. The recipe also calls for saltpetre, pimento grains, white wine, ascorbic acid, and water. Saltpetre is a curing agent that helps to preserve the meat and gives it a pink color.
What is the difference between chicken ham and regular ham?
Chicken ham is made from chicken meat, while regular ham is made from pork. The taste and texture of chicken ham are similar to regular ham, but it is a healthier alternative for those who do not consume pork. How is chicken ham made? Chicken ham is made by curing and smoking chicken meat.