Japanese Cold Noodle Salad (Hiyashi Chuka)

Prep: 15 mins

Cook: 20 mins

Difficulty: Easy

Servings: 3 Servings

To me, at this moment in time, hiyashi chuka just makes sense. Not only is the Japanese chilled noodle salad absolutely refreshing – a must during these sweltering days of summer – but it also features the sweetest, crispest vegetables available at the market right now: tomatoes, corn, cucumbers. Plus a light and tangy sauce that takes no time to whip up.

Ingredients

6 ounces dried chuka soba/ramen
2 eggs
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon sugar
Vegetable oil
1 tomato, sliced (or halved cherry tomatoes)
1/2 cup cooked corn kernels
1/2 cup julienned cucumber (preferably Japanese or Persian)
1/4 sheet nori seaweed, cut into strips
Some other possible toppings: bean sprouts (blanched), carrots (blanched), chicken, crab, green onions, ham, lettuce, micro greens, pickled ginger, shrimp, wakame seaweed
3 tablespoons soy sauce
3 tablespoons rice vinegar
2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
1 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon ginger juice (squeezed from freshly grated ginger)
1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds
Toasted sesame seeds
Karashi hot mustard (optional)

Instructions

Bring a pot of water to a boil and add the noodles. Cook for 2 minutes or according to package directions. Drain. Plunge noodles into a bowl of ice water to cool completely. Drain again.
You will be cooking between 1-4 round omelettes and cutting them into strips. The thinner the better, but the thickness and number of omelettes you can make will depend on the size and type of skillet you use – you'll get about 3-4 omelettes from a non-stick skillet and 1-2 in a regular skillet.
Whisk together the eggs, salt, and sugar. Heat some oil in a skillet over medium heat. Pour some of the egg mixture into the skillet and cook until set on both sides. Repeat as many times as needed with the remaining egg mixture. Cool the omelette(s) and slice into very thin strips.
Whisk together ingredients for sauce. Set aside.
Divide the noodles between two plates or bowls. Arrange eggs and other toppings and garnish with sesame seeds. Serve with hot mustard on the side, if desired. Just before eating, drizzle with sauce to taste and toss.