Hiyashi Chuka Cold Ramen Recipe

I absolutely adore this chilled ramen recipe because it brings together all my favorite textures and flavors in one vibrant bowl, making every bite a delightful surprise. Plus, the combination of savory dressing and fresh, crisp toppings is exactly the kind of refreshing comfort food I crave on a warm day—it’s like eating happiness with chopsticks!

I adore putting together a revitalizing bowl of Hiyashi Chuka, a delicious cold ramen dish that’s splendid for sweltering summer days. I start with fresh ramen noodles and combine them with the requisite ingredients: ham and cucumber, fried egg, cherry tomatoes, and a soy sauce-based dressing that tastes like summer itself.

I garnish it with toasted sesame seeds and nori, providing that oh-so-satisfying umami crunch that makes you want to eat this dish for the next 10 days straight.

Ingredients

– Ramen Noodles: A staple of carbohydrates, providing energy and a satisfying base.

– Cooked Ham: Rich in protein, adds savory flavor and a hearty texture.

– Cucumber: Hydrating and crisp; offers vitamins and a refreshing crunch.

– Eggs: Protein-packed and versatile, enhancing the dish’s nutritional profile.

– Soy Sauce: Salty and umami-rich, it deepens the dish’s flavor.

– Rice Vinegar: Adds tanginess and a bright, acidic note.

– Sesame Oil: Fragrant with a nutty depth, enriching the flavor.

– Sesame Seeds: Crunchy topping; good source of healthy fats.

– Nori: Adds umami; source of vitamins and minerals.

Ingredient Quantities

• 200g fresh ramen noodles
• 100g cooked ham, julienned
• 1 small cucumber, julienned
• 2 eggs
• 4 cherry tomatoes, halved
• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1 tsp mustard (optional)
• 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
• 1 sheet nori, cut into thin strips
• 1 green onion, thinly sliced
• A pinch of salt
• Vegetable oil for cooking eggs

Instructions

1. Begin by preparing the ramen noodles following the directions on the package. Once they are cooked, drain the noodles and rinse them under cool water. After rinsing, set them aside to allow them to cool somewhat before you use them.

2. Whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, sesame oil, and mustard (if using) in a small bowl to make the dressing. Set it aside.

3. Warm a small quantity of vegetable oil in a non-stick frying pan over medium heat. Combine the eggs with a bit of salt and pour into the frying pan, spreading them to form a very thin omelet. Once it has set on the bottom but is still slightly runny on top, flip the omelet and cook until it has set on the other side and is no longer runny. Remove the omelet from the pan and allow it to cool slightly before slicing it into very thin strips.

4. The toppings are prepared by cutting the cooked ham and cucumber into thin strips. The cherry tomatoes are cut in half.

5. To serve, place the cold noodles on individual plates. Douse them in your desired amount of dressing and proceed to eat.

6. Arrange the ham, cucumber strips, egg, and cherry tomatoes neatly on top of the noodles.

7. Add the toasted sesame seeds to the finished dish. They will provide even more flavor than the dish already has, not to mention extra crunch. After all, this is a dish that should not only taste great but also provide different textures to please the palate.

8. Thin strips of nori and sliced green onion make a lovely garnish.

9. Drizzle the leftover dressing all over the dish, spreading it evenly.

10. Immediately serve this, mixing all the components together first, for a chilled ramen dish that is so refreshing it should probably come with a thank-you note in the same way that every iced coffee ought to be thanked. What makes it so? Well, aside from the say-it-out-loud word “cold” and the word “noodles” (which both obviously contribute), there’s also what’s going on in and around the bowl. Yo! It Is Chilled Ramen. Why It Is Refreshing: (1) It’s cold. (2) Cold and noodle are a heavenly textural contrast. (3) The broth is savory and vibrant.

Equipment Needed

1. Saucepan or pot for cooking noodles
2. Colander or strainer for draining noodles
3. Small bowl for preparing dressing
4. Whisk for mixing dressing
5. Non-stick frying pan for cooking omelet
6. Spatula for flipping omelet
7. Knife for slicing ingredients
8. Cutting board for preparing ingredients
9. Plates for serving the dish

FAQ

• What noodles should I use for Hiyashi Chuka?The texture of fresh ramen noodles makes them perfect, but if you need to, you can use other kinds of noodles, like fresh egg noodles.
• Can I make this dish vegetarian?Certainly, replace the ham with tofu or other vegetables such as shiitake mushrooms for a meatless version.
• How do I cook the eggs for this recipe?Add a dash of salt to the eggs, then beat them. With a small amount of vegetable oil, make a very thin omelet. Let it cool completely, then slice it into very thin strips.
• Is the mustard necessary?The mustard is an optional ingredient and gives the dish a slight kick. You can adjust it or leave it out altogether based on your taste preference.
• Can I prepare the ingredients in advance?You can indeed julienne the veggies and make the dressing a couple of hours ahead of time. For the best texture, cook and cool the noodles right before serving.
• What is the best way to serve Hiyashi Chuka?Chill it, especially in hot weather, since this is a refreshing and light dish that is perfect for summer.
• How can I enhance the flavor of the dressing?An even zestier dressing can be made by adding grated ginger or a splash of mirin.

Substitutions and Variations

Ramen noodles, fresh: For something with a different flavor and texture, try using soba or udon noodles.
Cooked chicken: Use cooked tofu or ham for a different protein option.
Zucchini or daikon can be used for a unique twist on the option to use cucumber.
Soy sauce. You can use either tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free alternative.
Rice vinegar. Substitutes: White wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar.

Pro Tips

1. Chill the Noodles Properly After rinsing the cooked ramen noodles under cold water, toss them with a bit of sesame oil to prevent sticking and then place them in the fridge for a few minutes. This helps enhance the refreshing aspect of the dish.

2. Add Fresh Herbs For added flavor and freshness, consider garnishing the dish with fresh herbs like cilantro or Thai basil in addition to the green onion. This will elevate the dish’s aroma and taste.

3. Enhance the Dressing If you’d like a more complex dressing, add a splash of mirin or a pinch of grated ginger to the soy sauce mixture. This will add depth and a touch of sweetness.

4. Perfect the Omelet Technique Ensure the pan is evenly heated and adequately oiled before adding the eggs to create a smooth, even-layered omelet. This will help in achieving thin, uniform, non-stick egg strips.

5. Customize Protein Options For a different take on protein, consider using smoked salmon, grilled chicken, or tofu instead of ham. This allows for more flavor variation and accommodates different dietary preferences.