The Best Summer Ramen Recipes

When the temperature rises, a steaming bowl of ramen might not be your first choice. But ramen can be adapted for warmer weather with lighter, refreshing ingredients that make it perfect for summer days! In this article, we’ll explore various summer ramen recipes that are cool, invigorating, and incredibly delicious. From cold noodles to seasonal vegetables to portable ramen jars that are perfect for a grab-and-go lunch, these recipes will help you enjoy ramen all summer long.

Cold Ramen (Hiyashi Chuka)

What is Hiyashi Chuka? Hiyashi Chuka is a Japanese cold ramen dish that is particularly popular during the hot summer months. It features chilled ramen noodles topped with a variety of colorful ingredients and dressed in a tangy sauce.

Recipe: Classic Hiyashi Chuka

Ingredients:

• • 200g ramen noodles
  • 1 cucumber, julienned
  • 2 tomatoes, sliced
  • 100g ham or tofu, sliced
  • 2 eggs, cooked and sliced
  • 1 carrot, julienned
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon mustard

Instructions:

• Cook the ramen noodles according to the package instructions, then rinse under cold water and drain.
• Arrange the noodles on a plate and top with cucumber, tomatoes, ham or tofu, eggs, and carrot.
• In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, sugar, and mustard to make the dressing.
• Drizzle the dressing over the noodles and toppings.
• Serve immediately, garnished with sesame seeds if desired.

Light and Refreshing Broths

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Chilled Tomato Ramen

Ingredients:

• • 4 ripe tomatoes
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Fresh basil leaves
  • Chilled ramen noodles

Instructions:

• Blend the tomatoes until smooth.
• In a pot, heat olive oil and sauté garlic until fragrant.
• Add the blended tomatoes and vegetable broth, then simmer for 10 minutes.
• Chill the broth in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
• Serve the chilled broth with ramen noodles, garnished with fresh basil leaves.

Citrus-Miso Ramen

Ingredients:

• • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 2 tablespoons white miso paste
  • 1 lemon, juiced
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • Fresh herbs (cilantro, mint)
  • Chilled ramen noodles

Instructions:

• In a pot, mix vegetable broth, miso paste, lemon juice, and soy sauce. Heat until miso paste dissolves.
• Chill the broth in the refrigerator.
• Serve the chilled broth with ramen noodles, garnished with fresh herbs.

Seasonal Vegetables and Fruits

Summer Ramen Noodle Salad

Ingredients:

• • 1 ear of corn, grilled and cut off the cob
  • 1 zucchini, spiralized
  • 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • Chilled ramen noodles
  • Soy sauce dressing

Instructions:

• Arrange the chilled noodles on a plate.
• Top with grilled corn, zucchini, bell pepper, and cherry tomatoes.
• Drizzle with soy sauce dressing and serve.

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Fruity Ramen Twists

Mango and Avocado Ramen Salad

Ingredients:

• • • 1 mango, sliced
    • 1 avocado, sliced
    • Chilled ramen noodles
    • Light miso dressing

Instructions:

• Arrange chilled noodles on a plate.
• Top with mango and avocado slices.
• Drizzle with light miso dressing and serve.

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Protein Options for Summer

Grilled Tofu or Tempeh

Ingredients:

• • 200g tofu or tempeh
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar

Instructions:

• Marinate tofu or tempeh in soy sauce, sesame oil, and rice vinegar for 30 minutes.
• Grill until golden brown.
• Slice and add to chilled ramen bowls.

Cold Marinated Mushrooms

Ingredients:

• • 200g mushrooms, sliced
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar

Instructions:

• Marinate mushrooms in soy sauce and rice vinegar for 30 minutes.
• Serve as a topping for chilled ramen.

Creative and Fun Toppings

Pickled Vegetables

Quick Pickled Cucumbers:

Ingredients:

• • • 1 cucumber, thinly sliced
    • 1 cup rice vinegar
    • 1 tablespoon sugar
    • 1 teaspoon salt

Instructions:

• Mix rice vinegar, sugar, and salt until dissolved.
• Add cucumber slices and let sit for at least 30 minutes.
• Use as a topping for ramen.

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Herbs and Microgreens

Fresh Herb Mix:

Ingredients:

• Fresh mint, cilantro, and basil

Instructions:

• Roughly chop herbs.
• Sprinkle over chilled ramen for a fresh, aromatic touch.

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Noodles and Alternatives

Traditional Ramen Noodles

• Use your favorite type of ramen noodles and cook as directed. Rinse with cold water and drain well for chilled dishes.

Zoodles (Zucchini Noodles)

Instructions:

• Spiralize zucchini to make noodles.
• Use as a low-carb alternative to traditional ramen noodles.

Soba Noodles

• Soba noodles are a great option for cold ramen dishes. Cook according to package instructions, rinse with cold water, and drain well.

Quick and Easy Recipes for Summer Ramen

Instant Cold Ramen Salad

Ingredients:

• • Instant ramen noodles
  • Fresh vegetables (cucumber, carrot, bell pepper)
  • Soy sauce dressing

Instructions:

• Cook instant ramen noodles, rinse with cold water, and drain.
• Top with fresh vegetables and drizzle with soy sauce dressing.

Mason Jar Ramen Salads

Ingredients:

• • Cooked and chilled ramen noodles
  • Fresh vegetables (julienned carrots, bell peppers, cucumber)
  • Protein (tofu, tempeh)
  • Dressing of choice

Instructions:

• Layer ingredients in a mason jar starting with dressing, then vegetables, protein, and noodles.
• Seal and refrigerate until ready to eat. Shake well before serving.

Conclusion

Ramen doesn’t have to be a winter-only dish. With these summer ramen recipes, you can enjoy cool, refreshing bowls all season long. From cold noodles and light broths to fresh vegetables and creative toppings, there’s a summer ramen for everyone. Try these recipes and share your favorite summer ramen creations in the comments below. Enjoy!