Country: Japan Region / Locale: Sendai Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

• Chilled ramen noodles – 400 g / 14 oz
• Soy sauce – 4 tbsp
• Rice vinegar – 3 tbsp
• Sugar – 2 tbsp
• Sesame oil – 2 tbsp
• Cucumber – 1, julienned
• Ham – 200 g / 7 oz, sliced
• Eggs – 2, cooked and sliced or shredded
• Cherry tomatoes – 8, halved
• Mustard – 1 tsp
• Green onions – 2, finely sliced
• Sesame seeds – 2 tbsp

Instructions

1. Boil the ramen noodles according to package instructions. Once cooked, drain, rinse with cold water, and chill in the refrigerator.
2. In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, sesame oil, and mustard until well combined to form the dressing.
3. Prepare the toppings: julienne the cucumber, slice the ham, cook the eggs into a thin omelet and slice or shred, halve the cherry tomatoes, and finely slice the green onions.
4. Arrange the chilled noodles on a serving platter. Artfully arrange cucumber, ham, eggs, cherry tomatoes, and green onions over the noodles.
5. Drizzle the dressing evenly over the entire dish.
6. Sprinkle sesame seeds over the top and serve immediately.

Substitutions

• Ham -> Grilled chicken
• Rice vinegar -> White vinegar
• Sesame oil -> Olive oil

Enhancements in the Next Evolution

• Add a hint of ginger or garlic to the dressing for extra depth.
• Include other toppings like seafood or tofu for variety.
• Use different colored bell peppers to enhance the dish’s visual appeal.