Sam
Summer in Japan is not only about festivals and fireworks; it’s also a time for light, refreshing dishes that help beat the heat. If you’re looking to bring a taste of Japanese summer into your kitchen, here are 5 easy dishes you can whip up at home.
Japanese Summer Dishes
Hiyashi Chūka (Cold Ramen Salad)
Hiyashi Chūka is a chilled noodle dish that’s perfect for hot days. The dish consists of ramen noodles served cold and topped with colorful ingredients like sliced cucumber, ham, tomatoes, and a soft-boiled egg. The noodles are typically dressed with a tangy soy-vinegar sauce, making this dish as refreshing as it is delicious.
Sōmen (Cold Noodle with Dipping Sauce)
Sōmen are thin wheat noodles served cold with a dipping sauce called tsuyu, which is usually made from a blend of soy sauce, dashi, and mirin. It’s a simple dish that’s quick to prepare—just boil the noodles, rinse them in cold water, and serve with the sauce on the side. Add some chopped green onions, grated ginger, and a slice of lime for extra flavor.
Goya Champuru (Bitter Melon Stir-Fry)
A popular dish from Okinawa, Goya Champuru is a stir-fry made with goya (bitter melon), tofu, eggs, and sliced pork or spam. Despite the bitterness of the melon, this dish is well-loved for its unique flavor and nutritional benefits. It’s a hearty yet light dish that pairs well with steamed rice.
Ochazuke (Rice with Tea)
Ochazuke is a comforting dish made by pouring green tea or dashi broth over a bowl of steamed rice, then topping it with ingredients like pickled plums (umeboshi), grilled salmon, or seaweed. It’s a quick meal that’s light on the stomach and perfect for a hot day when you want something simple yet satisfying.
Yakitori (Grilled Chicken Skewers)
Yakitori is a summer favorite at festivals, but it’s also easy to make at home. Simply skewer pieces of chicken, grill them over an open flame or a stovetop grill, and brush with a sweet-savory tare sauce made from soy sauce, sake, mirin, and sugar. Serve with a squeeze of lemon and some shichimi pepper for a little kick.
These easy-to-make Japanese dishes bring the flavors of a Japanese summer right to your home kitchen. Not only are they delicious, but they also offer a refreshing and light option for those hot summer days.
