Chilled & Spicy Sesame Soy Ramen
Chilled & Spicy Sesame Soy Ramen
Creamy, savory, and just the right amount of heat
A Taste of Japan
Tantanmen has its roots in Sichuan, China, where it began as a street food called dan dan mian—a hot noodle dish served with a spicy, oily sauce, ground meat, and preserved vegetables. When the dish made its way to Japan, it was reinterpreted to match local preferences: the broth became creamier, sesame paste was added for richness, and the spice level was often adjusted to be more balanced.
Hiyashi Tantanmen is a more recent Japanese creation, designed as a summer-friendly take on this bold-flavored dish. Instead of a hot broth, it uses chilled noodles and a cold, creamy sesame-based sauce. The result is a refreshing yet satisfying meal that keeps the signature flavors of tantanmen—spicy, nutty, and savory—while offering relief from Japan’s humid summers. It’s a great example of how Japanese cuisine continues to evolve, blending tradition with seasonal practicality.
Serves: 1
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 packs Sapporo Ichiban Original
- 3/4 cups soy milk
- 1/2 tbsp mentsuyu (noodle soup base)
- 1 tsp chili oil
- 1/2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 1/2 tsp sesame oil
- 1/4 lb ground pork
- 1/2 tbsp miso
- 1/2 tbsp doubanjiang (spicy chili bean paste)
- 2 tsp sugar
- 1/2 tbsp sake
- 1 clove grated garlic (or garlic paste)
- 1 tsp grated ginger
- Green onion for garnish
Directions
STEP
In a bowl, mix soy milk, attached soup packets, mentsuyu, chili oil, sesame seeds, and sesame oil. Chill in the fridge.
STEP
In a pan, cook the ground pork. Once mostly cooked, add miso, doubanjiang, sugar, sake, garlic, and ginger. Stir-fry for 2–3 minutes.
STEP
Boil ramen noodles for 3 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water.
STEP
Place the noodles in bowls. Top with the seasoned meat, then pour the chilled soup around the noodles.
STEP
Garnish with green onions. Enjoy it cold!
