What Is a Ramen Noodle?
Before we begin, let’s define what a ramen noodle is.
Ramen noodles are made from high-protein wheat flour and salt. Then, the addition of kansui, a component of alkalized water that gives the noodles the ideal chew and allows the ramen broth to cling to them as you slurp, allows the dish to be finished.
Kansui is what distinguishes ramen from other bowls of noodles like udon. Confoundingly, kansui also gives ramen noodles that slightly yellow hue that makes them resemble the Chinese egg noodles you might find in chow mein or stir-fries.
When you’re in need of noodles, be sure to look in the freezer sections for frozen ramen noodles with kansui. The packaging should make this clear in English, or if you want to test your Japanese reading skills, look for or.
4 Reasons Why You Should Go Frozen
We’ve created a list of benefits based on our experience, with a dash of science, for using frozen ramen noodles to make a better ramen bowl. Itadakimasu!.
How are ramen noodles different from other fresh pasta?
Ramen noodles include an ingredient called kansui, or alkaline water. Ramen noodles’ resilient springiness is due to the transformation of wheat proteins by this mineralized water. Additionally, it produces the ramen’s slick mouthfeel, which is ideal for slurping.
FAQ
How do you cook instant frozen ramen?
Take your noodles out of the freezer and cook them in boiling water (on a rolling boil) for one to three minutes, depending on the thickness, once you’ve got your broth and toppings ready.
How do you defrost ramen noodles?
If the noodles you purchase from the store are still frozen for some reason, you will get better results if you defrost them in the refrigerator overnight or in the microwave for 30 seconds, then gently tease them apart and fluff them before cooking.
How do you make frozen ramen noodles better?
Supplement the Seasoning Pack Try one of these add-ins. To give your instant ramen a nutty flavor and the broth a richer mouthfeel, whisk in sesame paste or peanut butter. Alternately, you could prepare miso ramen soup by adding some miso to your broth. Add a dollop of gochujang for some Korean spice.
What can I do with frozen ramen noodles?
In essence, cook frozen noodles in water that is rapidly boiling for 2 minutes, or until they are “al dente.” Place soup base into a bowl and add hot water. The noodles are served in the hot soup with toppings.
