The heat of summer is just around the corner, with many states already experiencing high temperatures and extreme humidity. While it can be tempting to forego cooking altogether when the thermostat climbs, there are many dishes you can make at home that will not only satisfy your cravings for something fresh, but can actually help cool you off.
Cold noodle dishes are wildly popular in Asia because they are light, refreshing, and full of flavor. Fortunately, with just a few simple ingredients from our Asian grocery store, they are also easy to make at home. At International Fresh Market, we have all the items you need to make dishes like Thai peanut noodles, Korean naengmyeon, and Japanese soba, including authentic noodles, sauces, and ingredients. Check out our recap of these top chilled noodle dishes and start planning your own at-home menu!
Why Cold Noodles Are Popular in Summer
Cold noodles might seem like an unusual choice to many American palates, but around the world, they are a popular cultural pick. Not only are cold noodles refreshing, providing a cool choice during hot months, but these dishes can often be prepared very quickly, meaning you don’t have to spend a lot of time in the kitchen. Finally, many cold noodle dishes are hydrating, containing water-rich ingredients that are both delicious and easy to digest.
Why Are Cold Noodle Dishes So Refreshing?
Cold noodle dishes can be served either chilled or at room temperature, making them ideal for serving a crowd. They are often light and easy on the stomach, especially when compared to hot soups, or heavy meals like pasta bakes or casseroles. Cold noodle dishes are perfect for the summer season, as they typically feature crisp vegetables and bright sauces that are flavor-forward.
Cold noodle dishes are incredibly easy to customize with toppings and proteins. Almost any type of protein or vegetable can be included, and if there’s an ingredient you don’t care for, it’s easy to leave out.
Thai Peanut Noodles
The creamiest, dreamiest way to enjoy cold noodles, Thai peanut noodles are popular all across Asia. Don’t let the creamy sauce fool you, this recipe is easy to whip up in just a few minutes.
What Are Thai Peanut Noodles?
All you need to make Thai peanut noodles are some simple pantry staples and a few fresh vegetables:
- Rice noodles
- Peanut butter or peanut sauce
- Lime juice
- Soy sauce
- Garlic and chili
Traditionally, Thai peanut noodles are topped with shreded carrots, cucumber, cilantro, and crushed peanuts. You can omit any of these toppings based on your preference.
How to Make Thai Peanut Noodles
To make Thai peanut noodles, cook and chill the noodles while you make the sauce. Mix the peanut sauce ingredients together, tasting as you go. Toss the noodles with the sauce, adding vegetables and toppings as the final step. Serve the noodles cold! This dish is deliciously creamy, savory, tangy, and very slightly spicy thanks to the addition of the chili.
Korean Naengmyeon
A traditional Korean cold noodle dish, Korean naengmyeon features a unique texture thanks to the inclusion of buckwheat noodles. Refreshing and tangy, this dish is perfect for the hot summer months.
What Is Naengmyeon?
This traditional cold noodle dish hails from Korea and features thin buckwheat noodles served in icy broth or spicy sauce. It is especially popular in summer because of the radishes and cucumbers, but feel free to customize this dish to your preferences and that of your guests. To make Korean naengmyeon, you’ll need:
- Buckwheat noodles
- Chilled beef broth or spicy gochujang sauce
- Cucumber
- Pickled radish
- Boiled egg
Why People Love It
This popular dish is not only refreshing on days when the heat makes you sluggish, but it has a delightfully chewy texture. There’s a balance of savory, tangy, and cooling flavors and a nice ombination of vegetables and egg. To make this dish, cook the buckwheat noodles until tender and rinse thoroughly n cold water. Add the chilled broth or sauce and top with vegetables and a boiled egg.
Japanese Cold Soba Noodles
A comfort food in Japan, cold soba noodles are can be served alone or as a side dish to a larger protein. Low in calories and high in nutrients, Japanese cold soba noodles are sure to appeal to everyone in your family.
What Are Cold Soba Noodles?
Japanese cold soba only takes a few basic ingredients. You’ll need:
- Soba noodles
- Dipping sauce (tsuyu)
- Green onions
- Nori strips
- Wasabi
It takes about 15 minutes from start to finish to make cold soba, so you don’t have to worry about spending a lot of time in the kitchen.
How Cold Soba Is Served
When serving cold soba, serve the noodles separate from the dipping sauce so guests have a chance to customize their bowl. The simple, light, and clean flavors work well in summer, creating a meal that is light but satisfying. Cold soba works equally well as a lunch or a quick dinner option.
Tips for Making Cold Noodle Dishes at Home
You don’t have to be an amazing cook or spend hours in the kitchen to make delicious cold noodle dishes at home. Keep these simple tips in mind and you’ll be well on your way to making these refreshing summertime favorites.
Tips for Better Cold Noodles
Always be sure to rinse noodles well before cooking and chill all ingredients before serving. Ensure that flavors are balanced by taste-testing the salty, spicy, sweet, and tangy elements of the dish, and add crunch with fresh vegetables and herbs. Finally, don’t overdress the noodles with sauce so that the natural flavors of the vegetables and herbs shine through.
Visit Our Asian Grocery Store for Fresh Picks
Cold noodle dishes are not only versatile and easy to make, but delighfully refreshing as well. This summer, explore different Asian styles and discover new global flavors at home. At International Fresh Market, we have all the authentic noodles, sauces, and toppings you need to make all these dishes and more. Visit our Asian grocery store for more or to start picking up every item on your grocery list!
