Recipe Hiyashi Chuka

Hiyashi Chuka, a refreshing cold noodle dish, is a perfect meal for hot summer days. Originating from Japan, it combines chilled ramen noodles with a variety of fresh toppings and a tangy dressing, creating a delightful balance of flavors and textures. This article will guide you through the ingredients needed, step-by-step preparation, useful tips, variations, and nutritional information.

Ingredients

For the Noodles:

• 200g ramen noodles

For the Toppings:

• 1 cucumber, julienned
• 1 carrot, julienned
• 2 eggs, beaten and cooked into a thin omelette, then sliced
• 100g ham or cooked chicken, sliced
• 1 tomato, sliced
• 1 sheet nori (seaweed), cut into thin strips
• Sesame seeds

For the Dressing:

• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon mustard (optional)
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger

Preparation

Step 1: Prepare the Noodles

1. Cook the ramen noodles according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process and remove excess starch.
2. Drain the noodles thoroughly and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Toppings

1. Julienne the cucumber and carrot.
2. Beat the eggs and cook them in a non-stick pan to make a thin omelette. Once cooked, let it cool and then slice into thin strips.
3. Slice the ham or cooked chicken into thin strips.
4. Slice the tomato and cut the nori sheet into thin strips.

Step 3: Prepare the Dressing

1. In a bowl, mix together soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, sesame oil, mustard (if using), and grated ginger.
2. Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved and the dressing is well combined.

Step 4: Assemble the Dish

1. Place the chilled noodles on a plate or in a bowl.
2. Arrange the toppings (cucumber, carrot, omelette strips, ham or chicken, tomato, and nori) attractively on top of the noodles.
3. Drizzle the dressing over the entire dish.
4. Sprinkle with sesame seeds.

Tips

• Chilling the Noodles: Ensure the noodles are well chilled by rinsing them in cold water and placing them in the refrigerator for a few minutes.
• Dressing Variations: Experiment with the dressing by adding a touch of wasabi or using a citrus-based ponzu sauce for a different flavor profile.
• Vegetarian Option: Replace ham or chicken with tofu or additional vegetables for a vegetarian version.
• Serving: Serve immediately after assembling to keep the ingredients fresh and crisp.

Variations

• Seafood Hiyashi Chuka: Add cooked shrimp, crab meat, or squid for a seafood twist.
• Spicy Hiyashi Chuka: Incorporate some chili oil or Sriracha into the dressing for a spicy kick.
• Miso Dressing: Swap the soy sauce dressing with a miso-based dressing for a richer flavor.

Calorie Information

• Noodles (200g): Approximately 280 calories
• Cucumber (1): Approximately 16 calories
• Carrot (1): Approximately 25 calories
• Eggs (2): Approximately 140 calories
• Ham (100g): Approximately 150 calories
• Tomato (1): Approximately 22 calories
• Dressing: Approximately 150 calories

Total: Approximately 783 calories per serving

Conclusion

Hiyashi Chuka is a versatile and refreshing dish that can be easily adapted to suit various tastes and dietary preferences. Its colorful presentation and tangy flavor make it a delightful meal, especially during the warmer months. By following the steps and tips provided, you can enjoy this Japanese summer classic at home, impressing your family and friends with your culinary skills. Enjoy your homemade Hiyashi Chuka!