Refreshing Summer Delight: Authentic Hiyashi Chuka Recipe

Ingredients

  • 200g Hiyashi Chuka Noodles
  • 1 Cucumber
  • 2 Eggs
  • 100g Ham
  • 2 Tomatoes
  • 50g Imitation Crab
  • 1 tablespoon Vegetable Oil
  • 4 tablespoons Soy Sauce
  • 3 tablespoons Rice Vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons Sesame Oil
  • 2 tablespoons Sugar
  • 1 tablespoon Mirin
  • 1 tablespoon Sesame Seeds
  • 2 Spring Onions
  • Salt to taste

Steps and instructions

  1. First, prepare the noodles according to the package instructions. Once cooked, rinse them under cold water and set aside.
  2. Next, make thin omelettes by beating the eggs with a pinch of salt. Heat the vegetable oil in a non-stick frying pan and add the beaten eggs. Cook until set, then flip over and cook the other side. Once cooled, cut the omelette into thin strips.
  3. Cut the cucumber, ham, tomatoes, and imitation crab into thin strips as well.
  4. For the dressing, mix together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, sugar, and mirin in a small bowl until the sugar is fully dissolved.
  5. Place the noodles in serving bowls and top with the prepared toppings: cucumber, ham, tomato, imitation crab, and egg. Drizzle the dressing over the top.
  6. Garnish with spring onions and sesame seeds before serving.

Tools for making

Recipe variations

  • Use different types of noodles such as soba noodles or udon noodles for a variation in texture.
  • Experiment with different vegetables such as bell peppers, radishes, or carrots for added color and crunch.
  • For a vegetarian or vegan option, substitute the ham and imitation crab with tofu or tempeh.
  • Add shredded chicken or shrimp for a protein boost.
  • Try different dressings such as a spicy sesame dressing or a miso-based dressing for a unique flavor.
  • Include additional toppings like avocado slices, pickled ginger, or nori seaweed for extra taste and visual appeal.
  • For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free noodles and tamari sauce instead of soy sauce.
  • Spice it up by adding chili sauce or sriracha to the dressing for a kick of heat.
  • Experiment with different herbs like cilantro or mint for a fresh flavor.
  • If you prefer a sweeter taste, add a drizzle of honey or maple syrup to the dressing.

Recipe overview

This delightful dish is Hiyashi Chuka, a Japanese cold noodle dish that is perfect for a refreshing meal during the hot summer months. It combines silky noodles with an assortment of toppings, including cucumber, ham, tomatoes, and imitation crab. The dish is tied together with a tangy and flavorful dressing made from soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. This recipe is not only delicious, but also very colorful and visually appealing, making it a perfect choice for a light lunch or dinner. Preparing this dish also offers an opportunity to practice your knife skills as the toppings are traditionally cut into thin strips. Get ready to enjoy a taste of Japanese summer with this Hiyashi Chuka recipe!

Common questions

  1. Can I use different types of noodles for Hiyashi Chuka?
    Yes, you can use different types of noodles such as soba noodles or even spaghetti if you don't have Hiyashi Chuka noodles available.
  2. Is there a vegetarian version of Hiyashi Chuka?
    Absolutely! You can omit the ham and imitation crab and add other vegetarian-friendly ingredients such as tofu, mushrooms, or marinated vegetables.
  3. Can I make the dressing ahead of time?
    Yes, you can prepare the dressing in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just make sure to give it a good stir before using.
  4. Can I add additional toppings to my Hiyashi Chuka?
    Of course! Hiyashi Chuka is quite versatile, so feel free to add your favorite toppings such as shredded chicken, shrimp, or pickled ginger.
  5. Can I adjust the sweetness of the dressing?
    Yes, you can adjust the amount of sugar in the dressing to suit your taste. Add more or less sugar according to your preference.
  6. Can I make Hiyashi Chuka in advance?
    While it's best to enjoy Hiyashi Chuka fresh, you can prepare the ingredients and dressing ahead of time. Assemble the dish just before serving to maintain the freshness and texture of the ingredients.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Mixing Bowl - A bowl for mixing the dressing ingredients.
  • Non-stick Frying Pan - Used to cook the thin omelettes.
  • Knife - For cutting the cucumber, ham, tomatoes, and imitation crab into thin strips.
  • Serving Bowls - Bowls in which to serve the Hiyashi Chuka.
  • Whisk - To mix the ingredients for the dressing.
  • Chopsticks - Helpful for mixing and eating the Hiyashi Chuka.
  • Spoon - Can be used to drizzle the dressing over the noodles.
  • Grater - Optional for grating ginger or adding garnishes.

Origin stories

Hiyashi Chuka, also known as cold ramen, is a Japanese dish that first made its appearance in the Showa era (1926–1989), providing a refreshing and cooling meal during the sweltering summer months. Its popularity boomed in the city of Sendai, where local restaurants began serving the noodle dish chilled with an assortment of vibrant toppings and a tangy dressing. From there, it spread across the country and has since become a staple summer dish in Japan. Interestingly, despite being commonly referred to as "ramen," Hiyashi Chuka doesn't involve any broth, a key component of traditional ramen dishes, which makes it quite unique!

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.