As the summer months approach and the weather warms up, lighter meals become more appealing. One such dish that perfectly fits the bill is Hiyashi Chuka Udon. This cold noodle dish is popular in Japan, combining the chewy texture of udon noodles with fresh, vibrant toppings and a tangy, savory dressing. While Hiyashi Chuka is traditionally made with ramen noodles, this recipe uses udon for a more substantial and satisfying base. If you’re curious about more Japanese-inspired recipes, check out Remy Recipes for additional ideas like their Perfect Peach Cobbler Recipe or their Easy Banana Brownies.
Why the Hiyashi Chuka Udon Recipe is Ideal for Summer
During hot weather, heavy meals can feel too filling, but cold noodle dishes like this are refreshing and light. In Japan, dishes like Hiyashi Chuka Udon become staples of summer menus because they cool you down while still offering a hearty, nutritious meal. Whether you’re enjoying it for lunch or a light dinner, this dish provides a perfect balance of flavors and textures.
Beyond just being delicious, cold noodle dishes are also highly adaptable. You can swap out the ingredients to suit your taste, making it a versatile option for summer cooking.
Ingredients Needed for the Hiyashi Chuka Udon Recipe
Here’s what you need to make this delicious Hiyashi Chuka Udon Recipe:
Udon Noodles
- 2 servings of udon noodles (fresh or dried)
Toppings
- 1 egg, beaten and cooked into a thin crepe, then sliced into strips
- 100 grams of shrimp, boiled and cooled
- 4 slices of ham, julienned
- 1 cucumber, julienned
- 1 tomato, sliced into wedges
- 2 imitation crab sticks, shredded
- Optional garnishes: sesame seeds, scallions, and mustard
Dressing
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 teaspoon chili oil (rayu), for a bit of spice
- Optional: 1 tablespoon sesame paste for a creamier texture
This recipe is flexible, so feel free to substitute ingredients based on what you have available. For instance, you could use tofu instead of shrimp for a vegetarian option or double up on seafood for a richer flavor.
Cooking the Noodles
For this Hiyashi Chuka Udon Recipe, the noodles need to be tender but still have a bit of chew. Here’s how to achieve that:
- Boil the noodles: Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add the udon noodles and cook them according to the package instructions. Fresh udon usually takes around 5 minutes, while dried noodles may take 8-10 minutes.
- Cool the noodles: Once cooked, drain the noodles in a colander and rinse them under cold running water. This stops the cooking process and removes excess starch.
- Chill the noodles: To make the dish more refreshing, place the drained noodles in a bowl of ice water for a few minutes. Drain them well before assembling the dish.
Preparing the Toppings
Toppings are what make this dish colorful and flavorful. Here’s how to prepare them:
- Egg crepe: Beat the egg and cook it in a non-stick skillet to form a thin crepe. Let it cool, then slice it into strips.
- Shrimp: Boil the shrimp in lightly salted water until they turn pink. Drain and let them cool.
- Vegetables: First, julienne the cucumber, and then slice the tomato into wedges. This preparation method provides a fresh, crisp contrast to the chewy noodles, enhancing the overall texture of the dish.
- Ham and crab sticks: Slice the ham and shred the crab sticks for added protein and flavor.
Feel free to get creative with your toppings; for example, you can add ingredients like avocado or boiled eggs. These additions provide extra texture and flavor, enhancing your dish even further.
Making the Dressing
The dressing for this Hiyashi Chuka Udon Recipe is a mix of tangy, sweet, and nutty flavors. Here’s how to make it:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, sugar, and water until the sugar dissolves.
- Add chili oil (rayu) for a spicy kick. For a richer texture, mix in a tablespoon of sesame paste.
- Taste and adjust the flavors by adding more vinegar for tang or more sugar for sweetness.
The dressing can be made ahead of time, which is convenient for meal prep. In addition, it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. This allows you to save time on busy days while still enjoying a delicious meal.
Assembling the Dish
Now for the fun part: putting everything together.
- Start with the noodles: Place the chilled udon noodles in a bowl.
- Add the toppings: Arrange the egg strips, shrimp, ham, cucumber, tomato, and crab sticks neatly on top.
- Drizzle the dressing: Pour the dressing over the noodles and toppings, or serve it on the side for personal preference.
- Garnish: Sprinkle sesame seeds and scallions for extra flavor. A dollop of mustard can also be added for some heat.
Tips for Perfect Hiyashi Chuka Udon
To ensure your Hiyashi Chuka Udon Recipe turns out perfectly, follow these tips:
- Don’t overcook the noodles: Overcooked noodles lose their chewy texture. Be sure to follow the recommended cooking time.
- Chill everything well: The dish is best served cold, so make sure to chill the noodles, shrimp, and toppings before serving.
- Customize the dressing: The dressing is the heart of the dish, so feel free to adjust it to your liking. If you prefer more acidity, add extra vinegar; for a sweeter taste, increase the sugar.
Variations of the Recipe
One of the best things about this Hiyashi Chuka Udon Recipe is its flexibility. You can customize it in many ways:
- Vegetarian Version: Swap out the shrimp and ham for tofu or extra vegetables like mushrooms and avocado.
- Seafood Lover’s Version: Add more seafood, such as scallops, crab, or squid, for a luxurious take on the dish.
- Spicy Version: Increase the amount of chili oil or add grated ginger for a kick of heat.
- Modern Twist: Experiment with non-traditional ingredients like roasted peppers or kale for a fresh, contemporary spin.
The Health Benefits of Cold Noodles
Not only is this dish delicious, but it’s also nutritious. The udon noodles provide a good source of carbohydrates, while the toppings offer a mix of vitamins and proteins. Shrimp, for example, is a low-calorie protein packed with nutrients like selenium and vitamin B12. Vegetables like cucumbers and tomatoes provide hydration and are rich in antioxidants.
If you’re interested in more health-conscious recipes, check out our guide on healthy Japanese cuisine.
FAQs About the Hiyashi Chuka Udon Recipe
- What’s the difference between Hiyashi Chuka and Hiyashi Udon?
Hiyashi Chuka traditionally uses ramen noodles, while Hiyashi Udon uses thick, chewy udon noodles. The difference lies in the texture of the noodles, but both dishes share similar toppings and dressings. - Can I make a vegetarian version?
Yes, simply omit the ham and shrimp and add tofu or mushrooms instead. - How long can I store it?
It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can store the noodles and toppings separately for up to one day. Keep the dressing in a separate container to avoid soggy noodles. - What alternative toppings can I use?
You can get creative with toppings! Try adding boiled eggs, seaweed, avocado, or even roasted vegetables for a twist.
Conclusion: Why You’ll Love This Hiyashi Chuka Udon Recipe
In conclusion, this Hiyashi Chuka Udon Recipe is a light, refreshing, and versatile dish perfect for the warmer months. The chewy udon noodles, paired with fresh vegetables and a tangy sesame-soy dressing, make for a satisfying meal that can be easily customized to suit your preferences.
Looking for more cold noodle recipes? Check out our guide to Japanese noodle dishes or explore this classic Hiyashi Chuka Noodles recipe on AllRecipes, which uses ramen noodles for a slightly different take on the dish.