Cold Ramen Recipe
Beat the Heat with Refreshing Hiyashi Chuka (Japanese Cold Ramen)
Summer is here, and sometimes the last thing you want to do is stand over a hot stove! If you’re craving something delicious, satisfying, and cool, look no further than Hiyashi Chuka – Japanese Cold Ramen. This vibrant dish is a delightful explosion of flavors and textures, perfect for a light lunch, a quick dinner, or even a satisfying snack.
Forget heavy, steaming bowls of ramen. Hiyashi Chuka takes the essence of ramen – the noodles, the savory sauce – and transforms it into a refreshing, chilled experience. It’s incredibly easy to make, customizable to your liking, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
What is Hiyashi Chuka?
‘Hiyashi’ means ‘chilled’ and ‘Chuka’ refers to Chinese-style noodles, reflecting the dish’s origins. While inspired by Chinese cold noodle dishes, Hiyashi Chuka has become a beloved summer staple in Japan. It’s typically served with a variety of colorful toppings, creating a visually appealing and flavorful meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes!
- Customizable: Add your favorite veggies and proteins.
- Refreshing: Perfect for hot weather.
- Flavorful: A delicious balance of savory, tangy, and umami.
Tips for the Best Hiyashi Chuka:
- Noodle Choice: While ramen noodles are traditional, you can use somen or even spaghetti in a pinch.
- Chilling is Key: Make sure the noodles are thoroughly chilled for the best texture and flavor.
- Sauce Adjustment: Taste the sauce and adjust the soy sauce to your preference. A little goes a long way!
- Topping Variety: Don’t be afraid to get creative with your toppings! Consider adding shredded chicken, kamaboko (fish cake), or even a sprinkle of chili flakes for a little heat.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I make Hiyashi Chuka ahead of time? Yes! You can cook the noodles and prepare the sauce a day in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator and assemble the dish just before serving.
- What kind of vinegar is best? Rice vinegar is traditional, but other mild vinegars like apple cider vinegar can also work.
- Is Hiyashi Chuka vegetarian/vegan? This recipe is easily adaptable! Simply omit any meat toppings and ensure your ramen noodles don’t contain egg.
- Can I use frozen vegetables? Absolutely! Just thaw and drain them before adding to the dish.
- What does ‘Chuka’ mean? ‘Chuka’ is a Japanese term referring to Chinese-style cuisine or noodles.
Get ready to enjoy a taste of summer with this delightful Hiyashi Chuka recipe! It’s a guaranteed hit that will keep you cool and satisfied all season long.
Hiyashi Chuka (Japanese Cold Ramen)
Ingredients
- 8 oz Ramen Noodles
- 2 tbsp Soy Sauce Adjust to taste
- 1 tbsp Sesame Oil
- 1 tbsp Rice Vinegar Or other mild vinegar
- 1/2 cup Cherry Tomatoes Halved or quartered
- 1/2 cup Corn Fresh or frozen
- 1/2 cup Cucumber Thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup Arugula Optional
- 2 large Eggs Soft-boiled and halved
- 1 tsp Sesame Seeds For garnish
- 1 tsp Poppy Seeds Optional, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook ramen noodles according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water. Drain well.
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sesame oil, and rice vinegar.
- In a large bowl, toss the cooled noodles with the sauce.
- Add your desired toppings: tomatoes, corn, cucumber, arugula, soft-boiled eggs, sesame seeds, and poppy seeds.
- Serve immediately or chill for later.
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