Hiyashi Chuka Noodles Recipe

Ramen noodles: These are the base of the dish, providing a chewy texture that pairs well with the cold toppings.

Cucumber: Adds a refreshing crunch and lightness to the dish.

Ham: Provides a savory and slightly salty flavor that complements the other ingredients.

Eggs: Boiled and sliced, they add protein and a creamy texture.

Tomatoes: Offer a juicy and slightly acidic element to balance the flavors.

Sesame seeds: Toasted for a nutty flavor and added crunch.

Soy sauce: A key component of the dressing, adding umami and saltiness.

Rice vinegar: Provides a tangy and slightly sweet flavor to the dressing.

Sugar: Balances the acidity of the vinegar and the saltiness of the soy sauce.

Sesame oil: Adds a rich, nutty flavor to the dressing.

Mustard: Optional, but adds a bit of heat and complexity to the dressing.

When preparing ramen noodles, ensure they are cooked al dente to maintain a firm texture. After cooking, rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process and remove excess starch, which helps prevent the noodles from becoming sticky.

• fresh or dried ramen noodles - Substitute with soba noodles: Soba noodles have a similar texture and can be served cold, making them a good alternative for hiyashi chuka.

• julienned cucumber - Substitute with julienned zucchini: Zucchini has a similar crunch and mild flavor, making it a suitable replacement for cucumber.

• sliced ham - Substitute with sliced turkey: Turkey has a similar texture and can be used as a leaner alternative to ham.

• boiled and sliced eggs - Substitute with tofu slices: Tofu provides a similar protein content and can be used for a vegetarian option.

• sliced tomatoes - Substitute with sliced bell peppers: Bell peppers add a different but complementary flavor and a similar texture to the dish.

• toasted sesame seeds - Substitute with crushed peanuts: Crushed peanuts offer a similar nutty flavor and crunchy texture.

• soy sauce - Substitute with tamari: Tamari is a gluten-free alternative that provides a similar umami flavor.

• rice vinegar - Substitute with apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar has a similar acidity and can be used as a replacement in the dressing.

• sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey adds sweetness and can be used as a natural alternative to sugar.

• sesame oil - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil provides a different but still rich flavor that can work well in the dressing.

• mustard - Substitute with wasabi: Wasabi offers a similar spicy kick and can be used as an alternative for those who enjoy a bit more heat.

• To keep your Hiyashi Chuka noodles fresh, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Make sure the noodles and toppings are separated from the dressing to prevent them from becoming soggy.

• For the noodles, place them in a separate container and drizzle a small amount of sesame oil to keep them from sticking together.

• Store the cucumber, ham, eggs, and tomatoes in individual containers or compartments to maintain their freshness and texture.

• The dressing can be stored in a small jar or bottle with a tight-fitting lid. Shake well before using.

• When ready to serve, combine the noodles and toppings, then pour the dressing over and toss gently.

• If you wish to freeze the noodles, cook them slightly under the recommended time to prevent them from becoming mushy when reheated. Rinse under cold water and drain thoroughly.

• Place the noodles in a freezer-safe bag or container, and drizzle with a little sesame oil to prevent clumping. Label with the date and freeze.

• The toppings such as cucumber and tomatoes do not freeze well due to their high water content. However, ham and boiled eggs can be frozen separately if desired.

• To freeze the dressing, pour it into an ice cube tray and freeze until solid. Transfer the frozen cubes to a freezer bag for easy portioning.

• When ready to enjoy, thaw the noodles and dressing in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat the noodles in boiling water for a few seconds, then drain and rinse under cold water.

• Assemble the Hiyashi Chuka as usual, combining the noodles, toppings, and dressing for a refreshing meal.

• If you have leftover Hiyashi Chuka noodles, the best way to reheat them while maintaining their refreshing taste is to avoid traditional reheating methods like microwaving or stovetop heating. Instead, follow these steps:

  1. Refresh the Noodles:

     • Place the leftover ramen noodles in a colander.
     • Rinse them under cold water to loosen them up and remove any congealed dressing.
     • Drain thoroughly.

  2. Reassemble the Dish:

     • If the toppings like cucumber, ham, eggs, and tomatoes have been mixed with the noodles, separate them as much as possible.
     • Slice fresh toppings if needed to replace any that have become soggy or unappetizing.

  3. Prepare Fresh Dressing:

     • Mix a fresh batch of the dressing using soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, sesame oil, and optional mustard.
     • This ensures the flavors are vibrant and not diluted.

  4. Reassemble and Serve:

     • Place the refreshed noodles on a plate.
     • Add the separated or fresh toppings: julienned cucumber, sliced ham, boiled eggs, sliced tomatoes, and toasted sesame seeds.
     • Pour the fresh dressing over the noodles and toppings.
     • Toss gently to combine and serve immediately.

  5. Optional Quick Chill:

     • If you prefer the noodles extra cold, place the assembled dish in the refrigerator for about 10-15 minutes before serving. This will enhance the refreshing quality of the Hiyashi Chuka.

By following these steps, you can enjoy your Hiyashi Chuka noodles with the same delightful taste and texture as when they were freshly made.

• Pot: used for cooking the ramen noodles according to the package instructions.

• Colander: essential for draining the cooked noodles and rinsing them under cold water.

• Mixing bowl: needed to combine soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, sesame oil, and mustard to make the dressing.

• Whisk: helps in mixing the dressing ingredients thoroughly.

• Cutting board: used for slicing the cucumber, ham, eggs, and tomatoes.

• Knife: necessary for julienning the cucumber and slicing the ham, eggs, and tomatoes.

• Serving plate: for arranging the noodles and toppings before serving.

• Measuring spoons: ensures accurate measurement of soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, sesame oil, and mustard.

• Toaster or skillet: optional, for toasting the sesame seeds if they are not pre-toasted.

• Tongs or chopsticks: useful for tossing the noodles and toppings gently with the dressing.

Pre-cook the noodles: Cook the ramen noodles in advance and store them in the fridge. This way, you can skip the boiling step when you're ready to assemble the dish.

Use pre-sliced ingredients: Purchase pre-sliced ham and julienned cucumber to save time on preparation.

Make the dressing ahead: Mix the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, sesame oil, and mustard (if using) in advance and store it in the fridge. This allows you to quickly pour it over the dish when needed.

Batch boil eggs: Boil multiple eggs at once and keep them in the fridge for quick use in various recipes, including this one.