How To Make Ham Flower

In Japanese cooking, we like to make pretty decorations out of food. Dress up your bento with a ham flower by following these simple steps.

One simple way to dress up your bento lunch is by making ham flowers. All you need is one or two slices of ham and a knife!

I added a red radish in the center to make it look more like a flower and to give some accent, but it’s optional. I also used a toothpick to secure the ham, but if you pack it tightly in a bento box you don’t need to do so.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• slice ham – for the flower petals
• red radish – optional, for the center of the flower

You’ll also need a toothpick to secure these meat roses.

How To Make a Ham Flower

Here’s a brief overview of the easy steps to make a beautiful rose from a ham slice. See my recipe card below for full instructions including step-by-step photos.

1. Cut the red radish to create center parts for the ham flower.
2. Fold half a ham slice in half.
3. Make small incisions every ⅛ inch (3 mm) along the folded edge with a knife.
4. Flip over to other side and fold in half.
5. Start rolling the folded ham slice using the radish as a core.
6. When the ham is all rolled up, secure the ends with a toothpick.

How To Use Ham Flowers

Put these ham roses in your bento lunch box, on cheese boards or charcuterie boards, or tucked onto a platter of food at your next party. I hope this ham flower comes in handy to add a special little touch. It will take your meal presentation to the next level.

Some people will use cheese to make a cheese flower. If you try the cheese version, or substitute a different type of meat, let us know how it turns out!

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Ham Flower

5 from 3 votes

In Japanese cooking, we like to make pretty decorations out of food. Dress up your bento with a ham flower by following these simple steps.

Print Pin

Prep Time: 5 minutes mins

Total Time: 5 minutes mins

Servings: 2 (Ham Flowers)

Materials

  

1x2x3x

• ▢ 1 red radish
• ▢ 1 slice ham

Japanese Ingredient Substitution: If you want substitutes for Japanese condiments and ingredients, click here.

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Instructions

 

• Gather all the ingredients. You will need a toothpick.
  
• Cut the red radish to create 2 center parts for the ham flowers.
  
• Cut the ham in half, and then fold each piece in half.
  
• Make small inserts every ⅛ inch (3 mm) along the folded edge with a knife.
  
• Flip over to other side and fold in half. This way, the “petals” will look more fluffy.
  
• Place the red radish at the end of ham and start rolling using the radish as a core.
  
• When the ham is all rolled up, use a toothpick to secure ends. Repeat for the other ham.
  
• Put it in your lunch box.
  

Nutrition

Calories: 18 kcal · Carbohydrates: 1 g · Protein: 2 g · Fat: 1 g · Saturated Fat: 1 g · Polyunsaturated Fat: 1 g · Monounsaturated Fat: 1 g · Cholesterol: 4 mg · Sodium: 94 mg · Potassium: 26 mg · Fiber: 1 g · Sugar: 1 g · Vitamin A: 1 IU · Vitamin C: 1 mg · Calcium: 2 mg · Iron: 1 mg

Author: Namiko Hirasawa Chen

Course: Bento

Cuisine: Japanese

Keyword: ham

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