Zaru Ramen, a refreshing Japanese dish, is perfect for hot summer days when you crave something light yet satisfying. This dish consists of chilled ramen noodles served on a bamboo tray (zaru), accompanied by a flavorful dipping sauce called tsuyu.
Unlike traditional ramen, which is served in a hot broth, Zaru Ramen allows you to dip each bite of noodles into the sauce, enhancing the experience with its cool and refreshing taste. The dish is characterized by its simplicity, focusing on the quality and texture of the noodles and the depth of flavor in the dipping sauce, making it a beloved summer treat.
Zaru Ramen
Broth / Dressing
The dipping sauce, or tsuyu, used in Zaru Ramen is a concentrated, savory blend that combines the flavors of soy sauce, mirin, and dashi (a Japanese soup stock made from bonito flakes and kelp). This sauce is typically chilled before serving, enhancing its refreshing qualities.
The tsuyu provides a rich, umami-packed flavor that perfectly complements the cold noodles, making each bite a delightful mix of textures and tastes. Sometimes, grated ginger or wasabi is added to the sauce for an extra kick.
Zaru Ramen
Noodles
The noodles in Zaru Ramen are the star of the dish. Medium-thick ramen noodles are cooked until they are firm yet tender, then immediately rinsed in cold water to stop the cooking process and chill them.
This method preserves their chewy texture, ensuring that they provide a satisfying bite when dipped into the tsuyu. The cold temperature of the noodles contrasts wonderfully with the rich, umami flavors of the dipping sauce, making each mouthful a refreshing delight.
Zaru Ramen
Toppings
Zaru Ramen is typically served with minimal toppings to highlight the quality of the noodles and the dipping sauce. Common accompaniments include nori (seaweed) strips, finely chopped green onions, and sometimes a sprinkle of sesame seeds.
Grated daikon (radish) or wasabi can also be served on the side to mix into the dipping sauce, adding an extra layer of flavor and texture. The simplicity of the toppings allows the noodles and sauce to shine, creating a balanced and elegant dish.
A brief history of Zaru Ramen
Zaru Ramen draws inspiration from Zaru Soba, a traditional Japanese dish featuring chilled buckwheat noodles. This style of serving cold noodles with a dipping sauce has been enjoyed in Japan for centuries, especially during the hot summer months.
As ramen gained popularity, this refreshing method was adapted to suit ramen noodles, offering a new way to enjoy them in warmer weather. The simplicity and focus on high-quality ingredients in Zaru Ramen reflect the Japanese culinary philosophy of letting each component speak for itself, resulting in a dish that is both refreshing and deeply flavorful.
Zaru Ramen recipe
Ingredients For the Dipping Sauce (Tsuyu):
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 cup mirin
- 1 cup dashi (Japanese soup stock)
- 1 tablespoon sugar
Ingredients For The Toppings and Noodles:
- 4 servings of medium-thick ramen noodles
- 2 sheets nori (seaweed), cut into thin strips
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
- Grated daikon (radish) or wasabi (optional)
- Sesame seeds (optional)
- Grated ginger (optional)
Instructions:
Prepare the dressing:
- In a small saucepan, combine soy sauce, mirin, dashi, and sugar.
- Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let the sauce cool to room temperature, then chill in the refrigerator.
Prepare the Noodles:
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
- Cook the ramen noodles according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain the noodles and rinse thoroughly under cold running water to cool them completely. Drain well and set aside.
Prepare the Toppings:
- Cut the nori into thin strips.
- Finely chop the green onions.
- If using, grate the daikon and ginger, and prepare the wasabi.
Assemble the Ramen:
- Divide the chilled noodles into four servings, placing them on bamboo trays or plates.
- Serve each portion with a small bowl of chilled tsuyu dipping sauce.
Dress and Serve:
- Garnish the noodles with nori strips and green onions.
- Add optional toppings like grated daikon, wasabi, sesame seeds, or grated ginger to the dipping sauce for extra flavor.
- Dip the chilled noodles into the tsuyu sauce before eating, savoring the refreshing combination of textures and flavors.
Serve the ramen and enjoy!
