√ 9 Refreshing Hiyashi Chuka Recipes for Summer

Beat the summer heat with these 9 refreshing hiyashi chuka recipes. Hiyashi chuka, also known as Japanese cold ramen, is the perfect summer meal. These chilled noodle dishes are packed with flavor and offer a variety of toppings, from crisp vegetables to savory meats. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy weeknight dinner or a show-stopping dish for your next summer gathering, these hiyashi chuka recipes will keep you cool and satisfied all season long. Explore the different variations and discover your new favorite cold ramen recipe!

Refreshing Hiyashi Chuka (Cold Japanese Ramen)

This recipe guides you through making a delicious and refreshing Hiyashi Chuka, also known as cold Japanese ramen. Perfect for a hot day, this dish combines chilled noodles with a flavorful sauce and a variety of colorful toppings.

Ingredients

Noodles:

140 grams Hong Kong Style Noodles

Toppings:

1 Japanese Cucumber
4 slices Ham
100 grams Bean Sprouts
1 Egg
4 Prawns
2 Crab Sticks
4 Cherry Tomatoes

Sauce:

4 tbsp Konbu Tsuyu (Konbu Kelp Soy Sauce)
2 tbsp Rice Vinegar
2 tbsp Water
2 tsp Sugar
1 tsp Sesame Oil

Egg Crepe Batter:

½ tbsp Potato Starch
½ tbsp Water

Instructions

Prepare the Sauce:

Combine all sauce ingredients in a bowl and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Prepare the Toppings:

Egg Crepe: Whisk the egg with potato starch and water. Heat a lightly oiled pan and cook the egg mixture in thin layers, flipping once solidified. Cut the cooked crepe into thin strips.
Vegetables and Ham: Thinly slice the cucumber and ham. Shred the crab sticks into narrow strips.
Bean Sprouts: Blanch the bean sprouts in boiling water and then rinse under cold water. Squeeze out excess water.
Prawns: Devein and peel the prawns, then boil until cooked through.

Prepare the Noodles:

Cook the noodles according to package directions (approximately 40 seconds). Drain, rinse under cold water, and set aside.

Assemble the Hiyashi Chuka:

Place the chilled noodles in a bowl or plate.
Arrange the prepared toppings (egg crepe, cucumber, ham, crab stick, bean sprouts, prawns, and cherry tomatoes) over the noodles.
Pour the chilled sauce over the noodles and toppings just before serving.

Easy Cold Ramen Noodles

This recipe provides a simple and refreshing way to enjoy cold ramen. With a flavorful dipping sauce and customizable toppings, it’s a perfect quick meal for hot days.

Ingredients

Dipping Sauce:

100 ml Mentsuyu (3x concentrate)
200 ml Water (ratio of 1 part mentsuyu to 2 parts water)
1 tbsp Sesame Oil
10 cm (if tubed) Grated Ginger

Noodles & Toppings:

2 servings Fresh Ramen Noodles
Ground White Sesame Seeds
Nori (Dried Seaweed Sheet)
Optional: Julienned vegetables or Green Onions

Instructions

Prepare the Dipping Sauce:

Combine the mentsuyu, water, sesame oil, and grated ginger in a pot.
Heat the mixture over medium heat until almost boiling. Do not let it boil.
Remove from heat and set aside.

Prepare the Noodles:

Cook the fresh ramen noodles according to package directions.
Rinse the cooked noodles thoroughly under cold running water to cool them down.
Drain the noodles well.

Assemble and Serve:

Divide the noodles into serving bowls.
Sprinkle with ground white sesame seeds and top with a sheet of nori.
Serve immediately with the prepared dipping sauce. Feel free to add optional toppings like julienned vegetables or green onions.

Quick & Refreshing Chilled Somen Noodle Salad

This recipe offers a simple and satisfying way to enjoy a light yet flavorful chilled noodle salad featuring somen noodles. Perfect for a hot day, this dish comes together in minutes with just a few ingredients and is easily customizable to your liking.

Ingredients

1 bunch Somen noodles
100 ml Mentsuyu (diluted)
100 ml Cold milk
A few drops Ra-yu (or sesame oil)
Optional: Thinly sliced cucumber
Optional: Boiled egg
Optional: Nori seaweed

Instructions

Cook the somen noodles according to package directions until tender.
While the noodles are cooking, prepare the soup base. In a bowl, whisk together the mentsuyu, cold milk, and ra-yu (or sesame oil).
Once the noodles are cooked, drain them and rinse thoroughly under cold running water to stop the cooking process and chill them down.
Add the chilled noodles to the prepared soup.
Garnish with your desired toppings, such as thinly sliced cucumber, a boiled egg, and/or nori seaweed.

Enjoy this refreshing and easy somen noodle salad!

Easy Chilled Ramen: A Perfect Summer Dish

This recipe provides a simple and refreshing take on ramen, ideal for hot summer days. It features a flavorful, chilled broth and easy-to-find toppings. This dish is perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Yields: 1 serving

Noodles

Chinese-style noodles (1 serving)

Toppings

Tomato (1, sliced)
Soft-set egg (1)
Green onions (1)
Pepper or coarsely ground black pepper

Soup

Water (400 ml)
Chicken soup stock (1 tbsp)
Oyster sauce (1 tsp)
Soy sauce (2 1/2 tbsp)
Sugar (1 tsp)
Salt (2 pinches)
Sesame oil (1 tsp)
Grated ginger (1 clove)
Grated garlic (1 clove)
Vinegar (1 tsp)
Doubanjiang (1 tsp, optional for spice)

Instructions

Make the soup: In a pot, boil the water and add the chicken stock, oyster sauce, soy sauce, sugar, and salt.
Chill the broth: Once the seasonings have dissolved, remove from heat and stir in the sesame oil, ginger, garlic, vinegar, and optional doubanjiang. Chill the soup thoroughly in the refrigerator. (Optional: add white sesame seeds.)
Prepare the noodles: Cook the Chinese-style noodles according to package directions. Rinse under cold water to remove excess starch.
Assemble the dish: Combine the chilled noodles and soup in a serving bowl. Arrange the sliced tomato, soft-set egg, and green onions on top.
Finish: Sprinkle with pepper (or black pepper) and extra green onions.

Refreshing Cold Ramen with Savory Pork Dipping Sauce

Enjoy a delicious and easy-to-make Cold Ramen dish featuring fresh ramen noodles served with a flavorful pork belly dipping sauce. This recipe is perfect for a light yet satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Yields: 2 servings

Noodles

2 servings Chinese noodles (fresh ramen noodles)

Dipping Sauce

70 grams sliced pork belly
1/2 bag bean sprouts
1/2 bunch Chinese chives
Mixed mushrooms (to taste)
500 ml water
2 tsp Weipa (Chinese five-spice)
3 tbsp soy sauce
1 tsp mirin
1 pinch pepper
Green onions or scallions (to taste)
Ra-yu (chili oil) (to taste)

Instructions

Prep Ingredients: Cut the pork belly, Chinese chives, and mushrooms into bite-sized pieces. Trim the roots from the bean sprouts if desired.
Make the Dipping Sauce: In a pot, combine the water and Weipa. Bring to a boil. Add the pork belly, soy sauce, mirin, and pepper. Return to a boil, then remove from heat.
Cook the Noodles: Cook the fresh ramen noodles according to package directions until tender. Rinse thoroughly under cold water to remove excess starch and cool the noodles. Drain well.
Combine and Simmer: Gently reheat the pork dipping sauce. Add the bean sprouts, Chinese chives, and mixed mushrooms. Simmer briefly until the vegetables are slightly softened.
Serve: Arrange the cold ramen noodles on plates or bowls. Serve alongside the warm pork dipping sauce. Garnish with chopped green onions or scallions and ra-yu, as desired.

Easy Cold Sesame Noodles

This recipe provides a simple and refreshing take on cold ramen, perfect for a quick and flavorful meal. With just a few pantry staples, you can create a delicious dish of cold sesame noodles in minutes. This recipe focuses on vermicelli noodles, but feel free to substitute your favorite type of noodle.

Ingredients

⅓ cup Water
3 tbsp Rice vinegar
2 tbsp Soy sauce
3 tbsp Sugar
1 tsp Sesame oil
1 package Vermicelli noodles

Instructions

Cook the vermicelli noodles according to package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the noodles down. Set aside.
Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the water, rice vinegar, soy sauce, sugar, and sesame oil until the sugar is fully dissolved.
Combine: Add the cooked and cooled noodles to the sauce and toss well to ensure they are evenly coated.
Serve: Serve immediately or chill for later.

Tip: For added flavor, consider topping with sesame seeds, chopped green onions, or a sprinkle of chili flakes.

Refreshing Cold Pork, Wakame, and Cucumber Ramen

This recipe provides a simple and delicious way to enjoy a refreshing cold ramen dish. Featuring tender pork, crunchy cucumber, savory wakame seaweed, and a vibrant sauce, it’s perfect for a light meal.

Ingredients

Yields: 1 Serving

Noodles

Ramen Noodles OR Chinese Egg Noodles (1 serving)

Pork & Vegetables

Pork (80g), thinly sliced and cut into bite-size pieces
Cucumber (5cm), thinly sliced
Onion (1/8), thinly sliced
Dried Cut Wakame (1 tablespoon)

Sauce

Soy Sauce (1 tablespoon)
Rice Vinegar (1 tablespoon)
Sugar (1/2 tablespoon)
Water (1/2 tablespoon)
Sesame Oil (1 teaspoon)
Crispy Chilli Oil OR Chilli Sauce (1 teaspoon)
Toasted Sesame Seeds (1 teaspoon)

Instructions

Prepare the Wakame: Soak the dried wakame in cold water until softened.
Prepare the Vegetables: Thinly slice the cucumber and onion. A vegetable slicer is recommended for best results.
Make the Sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine all the sauce ingredients.
Cook the Pork and Noodles: Cut the thinly sliced pork into bite-size pieces. Cook the ramen noodles (or Chinese egg noodles) and pork in boiling water until cooked through. Drain, rinse under cold water to cool, and drain thoroughly.
Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked pork to the sauce and mix well. Drain the softened wakame, squeeze out excess water, and add it to the sauce. Add the sliced cucumber and onion, and mix everything together.
Assemble and Serve: Place the cooled ramen noodles in a serving bowl. Pour the pork and vegetable mixture with the sauce over the noodles. Enjoy!

Refreshing Cold Ramen with Savory Pork Dipping Sauce

This recipe offers a delicious and easy-to-prepare cold ramen dish, perfect for a light meal or a hot day. The key to this dish is the rich and flavorful pork dipping sauce that complements the chilled noodles and crisp vegetables.

Ingredients

Yields: 1 serving

Noodles & Toppings:

1 serving Ramen Noodles *OR Chinese Egg Noodles
Assorted Vegetables (e.g., Lettuce, Carrot, Cucumber, Daikon Radish, Radish Sprouts)
1/4 sheet Toasted Nori, cut into thin strips
Finely Chopped Spring Onion
Toasted Sesame Seeds

Pork Dipping Sauce:

100g thinly sliced Pork, cut into small pieces
1 small clove Garlic, grated
1 teaspoon Sesame Oil
1/2 cup Chicken Stock *OR 1/2 cup boiling Water + 1/2 teaspoon Asian Chicken Bouillon Powder
1 tablespoon Soy Sauce
1/2 tablespoon Oyster Sauce
1/2 tablespoon Dark Miso
1/2 teaspoon Sugar
Chilli Powder, Chilli Flakes, OR Rāyu (Chilli Oil) *optional

Instructions

Prepare the Dipping Sauce: Blanch the thinly sliced pork in rapidly boiling water for a minute, then drain. Return the pork to the saucepan. Add all other sauce ingredients, bring to a boil, and then allow to cool. Note: Adjust the amount of soy sauce to your preference, depending on the saltiness of the stock.
Prepare the Vegetables: For easier eating with noodles, thinly slice or julienne your chosen vegetables.
Cook the Noodles: Cook the ramen or Chinese egg noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain the noodles, rinse under cold water to cool them down, and drain thoroughly again.
Assemble and Serve: Place the drained cold noodles on a plate. Arrange the prepared vegetables over the noodles and top with toasted nori strips. Add the chopped spring onion and sesame seeds to the cooled dipping sauce. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Refreshing Cold Ramen Noodle Salad

This easy-to-make Cold Ramen Noodle Salad is a perfect light meal for a hot day. With a tangy and savory sauce, it’s packed with fresh vegetables and customizable to your liking.

Ingredients

Serves 2

Noodles: 2 servings Ramen Noodles OR Chinese Egg Noodles
Vegetables: Cucumber, Lettuce, Tomato
Protein: 2 Eggs (cooked into a thin omelet), Roast Pork OR Ham
Sauce:
- 4 tablespoons Soy Sauce
- 4 tablespoons Rice Vinegar
- 2 tablespoons Sugar
- 2 tablespoons Cold Water
- 1/2 tablespoon Sesame Oil
Optional: Hot Mustard (Japanese Mustard recommended)

Instructions

Prepare the Ingredients: Slice the cucumber, lettuce, tomato, and chosen protein into thin strips for easy mixing and eating. For the sauce, combine all the sauce ingredients in a small bowl and whisk well.
Cook the Noodles: Cook the ramen or egg noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain the noodles and rinse thoroughly under cold water. Drain again well to remove excess water.
Assemble the Salad: Place the cold noodles in a deep plate or bowl. Arrange the prepared toppings over the noodles. Pour the sauce generously over the salad.
Serve: Serve immediately and enjoy with a dollop of hot mustard, if desired.

Other Topping Suggestions

Feel free to customize your salad with other delicious toppings, such as thinly sliced carrots, bell peppers, cooked seafood, chicken, or wakame seaweed.

History of Hiyashi Chuka

Hiyashi Chuka, literally translating to “chilled Chinese noodles,” is a beloved Japanese summer dish. Despite its name, it’s not a direct import from Chinese cuisine. Rather, it’s a unique Japanese creation inspired by Chinese flavors and ingredients.

Its exact origins are a bit murky, with several restaurants claiming to be the originators. However, it’s generally agreed that Hiyashi Chuka emerged sometime in the early to mid-20th century, likely during the Taisho (1912-1926) or early Showa (1926-1989) periods. The rising popularity of ramen around this time likely played a significant role in its development.

One popular theory attributes the invention of Hiyashi Chuka to a restaurant in Sendai called Ryutei. Another theory points to a Chinese restaurant in Tokyo’s Ginza district. Regardless of its precise birthplace, Hiyashi Chuka quickly spread throughout Japan, becoming a summertime staple thanks to its refreshing and flavorful nature.

Originally, Hiyashi Chuka was likely a simpler dish, perhaps just chilled ramen noodles topped with a few basic ingredients. Over time, it evolved to incorporate a wider variety of toppings, often featuring vibrant, colorful vegetables, ham or char siu pork, and a tangy, flavorful sauce.

Today, Hiyashi Chuka remains a quintessential summer dish in Japan, offering a welcome respite from the heat and humidity. Its versatility allows for countless variations, making it a beloved meal for both home cooks and restaurant chefs alike.

Nutritional Content and Benefits of Hiyashi Chuka

Hiyashi Chuka offers a good balance of nutrients, making it a healthy and refreshing summer meal. The dish is typically low in fat and calories, especially when using lean protein like chicken breast or shrimp. It’s also a good source of complex carbohydrates from the ramen noodles, providing sustained energy.

The variety of toppings contributes to Hiyashi Chuka’s nutritional value. Vegetables like cucumbers, tomatoes, and shredded carrots add vitamins, minerals, and fiber. The addition of ham or other cured meats provides protein, but opting for leaner options can help manage sodium intake. Eggs offer a good source of protein and essential nutrients.

The chilled noodles and toppings make Hiyashi Chuka particularly appealing in hot weather. It’s a hydrating dish, and the light, flavorful sauce doesn’t feel heavy. The customizable nature of Hiyashi Chuka also means you can adjust the ingredients to your dietary needs and preferences. For example, using whole wheat ramen noodles can boost fiber content.

Overall, Hiyashi Chuka is a nutritious and satisfying meal that is perfect for a light summer lunch or dinner. It offers a delicious way to enjoy a balanced meal while staying cool during the warmer months.

Tips for Choosing Quality Ramen Noodles

Since hiyashi chuka is a cold ramen dish, the noodle quality is paramount. You want noodles that hold their texture and don’t become mushy when chilled. Look beyond the familiar instant ramen packets.

Seek out dried ramen noodles specifically labeled for hiyashi chuka or those described as having a firm or chewy texture. These are often found in Asian grocery stores. Check the ingredients list; look for noodles made primarily from wheat flour and kansui (alkaline water).

Pay attention to the noodle shape. While thin, straight noodles are common, thicker, wavy, or even crinkled noodles can offer a more interesting bite and hold the sauce better. Experiment to find your preference.

Don’t be afraid to explore different brands. Reading online reviews or asking for recommendations can help you discover high-quality ramen noodles that elevate your hiyashi chuka.