Chilled Hiyashi Chuka Cold Ramen with Ham, Egg and Cucumber

Whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, sesame oil, sesame seeds and grated ginger until the sugar dissolves, then chill the dressing in the refrigerator.

Serves 4

Ingredients

• 12 oz fresh ramen or thin Chinese egg noodles
• 2 large eggs, beaten with a pinch of salt
• 4 slices deli ham, cut into thin strips
• 1 large cucumber, julienned
• 2 cups shredded lettuce or cabbage
• 8 cherry tomatoes, halved
• 4 imitation crab sticks, shredded (optional)
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger

Instructions

1. Whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, sesame oil, sesame seeds and grated ginger until the sugar dissolves, then chill the dressing in the refrigerator.
2. Make a thin omelet: pour the beaten egg into a lightly oiled nonstick pan over medium heat, swirl into a flat sheet, cook until just set, then roll and slice into thin ribbons.
3. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the noodles according to the package until just tender, being careful not to overcook.
4. Drain the noodles and rinse thoroughly under cold running water, tossing with your hands until completely cold; drain well and pat off excess water.
5. Divide the chilled noodles among four shallow bowls, tossing each portion with a spoonful of the dressing so the strands stay separate.
6. Arrange the ham, cucumber, lettuce, tomatoes, egg ribbons and crab in neat colorful sections fanned over the noodles.
7. Pour the remaining chilled dressing over each bowl at the table and toss just before eating.
8. Hiyashi chuka appears in Japan the moment the weather turns humid, its arrival on menus signaling summer as reliably as cicadas. The dish is a celebration of contrast — cold springy noodles, crisp raw vegetables and a tangy-sweet sesame dressing — and its rainbow arrangement reflects the Japanese eye for seasonal beauty that makes even a quick no-cook lunch feel considered.

Nutrition (estimated, per serving)

• Calories: 410 kcal
• Protein: 19g
• Fat: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 58g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 11g
• Sodium: 980mg