Cold Summer Ramen Noodles
Discover the refreshing and tangy hiyashi chukka recipe, featuring cold ramen noodles topped with a flavorful sesame vinaigrette. This traditional Japanese dish is perfect for summer, and offers flexibility with a variety of farm-fresh toppings. Learn how to create this homestyle favorite and explore the authentic flavors of Japan.
Paging through a review copy of A Cook's Journey to Japan, a charming new cookbook filled with homestyle faves, I landed on the hiyashi chukka recipe, cold ramen noodles with sesame vinaigrette. Man, that looked good. While training in a Kyoto kitchen last month, during Japan's hot 'n humid rainy season, these refreshing, tangy noodles were always a delight served as makanai, or staff meal. Easy and fast to prepare, too. (serves 4)
Hiyashi Chukka (Cold Summer Ramen Noodles with Sesame Vinaigrette)
Serves 4
For the Dressing:
- 1/2 cup rice wine vinegar
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sugar (add more if needed)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons ground toasted sesame seeds (add more if you're a fan)
Ingredients:
- 8 ounces fresh ramen noodles
- 2 eggs, beaten
- Vegetable oil for frying
- 1/2 pound medium shrimp, boiled and peeled
- 1 cucumber, cut into matchsticks
- 1/2 yellow squash, cut into matchsticks
- 1 large tomato, cut into thin wedges (preferably beefsteak for its perfect ripeness)
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Dressing: In a mixing bowl, combine rice wine vinegar, soy sauce, sugar, sesame oil, and ground toasted sesame seeds. Whisk until smooth. Adjust the taste with additional sugar or sesame seeds if desired.
-
Cook the Noodles: Bring a large pot of water to a boil (do not add salt). Add ramen noodles and cook for about 2 minutes until toothsome. Drain and rinse under cold water.
-
Prepare the Egg: Lightly oil a skillet with vegetable oil and heat over medium. Pour enough beaten egg to create a paper-thin layer. Once set, flip, and then set aside. Repeat with remaining egg, oiling the skillet as needed. Once cooled, slice the omelets into thin threads.
-
Assemble the Dish: Place a mound of noodles in the center of each dish. Artfully arrange the shrimp, cucumber, squash, and tomato over the noodles.
-
Serve: Generously pour the sesame vinaigrette over the toppings and noodles. Enjoy your refreshing Hiyashi Chukka!
This dish is perfect for hot and humid days, offering a tangy, refreshing taste with the delightful textures of fresh vegetables, tender shrimp, and silky noodles.