Types of Ramen (Ultimate Guide to Noodles, Flavors, and Brands)
Charles Magesa
Blog Writer | Book Reviewer | Marketer | Adventure Driver | Safari Enthusiast
Did you know that a warm, steaming bowl of traditional Japanese ramen is a comfort for most ailments? According to the Japanese, ramen drives away the cold when the wind is chilly and can even ease a cold.
In this article, I bring you diverse types and flavors of ramen and the creative ways to make them healthier, tastier, and enjoyable. Please keep reading to find out more!
What Is Ramen?
Ramen, or Shina soba, is a popular Japanese noodle meal originating in China. The dishes comprise a variety of wheat-based noodles and pleasantly flavored broth.
Ramen is a product of four essential ingredients:?
Ramen is one of Japan's staple foods available at gas stations, grocery stores, and online stores. It is the meal of choice for many college students and low-income earners.?
The noodles have a long shelf life (up to two years). Thus, you can buy and store them in bulk, making them a perfect food choice in emergencies.
Is Ramen Healthy?
Ramen noodles are healthy and safe for human consumption. However, their flavoring packets contain preservatives and additives that may be unhealthy.?
A good example is Tertiary-butyl hydroquinone (TBHQ), an additive that prolongs the shelf life.
Therefore, it would be best to consider your nutritionist's advice before including it in your diet. The noodles are low in essential nutrients that your body needs.?
Moreover, they have high quantities of unhealthy non-essential nutrients.?
They include:
Even though ramen is low in essential nutrients, it remains the best mid-afternoon pick-me-up or quick and easy meal.?
The good news is that there are plenty of ways to enjoy ramen more healthily. Also, there are new ranges of healthy ramen options on the market.?
How is this possible?
The table below shows the nutritional composition of ramen.
The Most Popular Japanese Ramen Varieties
Ramen is classified depending on broth flavor. The common categories include:?
Let us explore more!
Miso (Sapporo Ramen)
Miso ramen contains fermented soybean flavor, hence the name, Miso, which means soybean in Japanese. The paste is either red or white and made from any of the following:?
Shio
Shio means salt in Japanese. This type has a light flavor and little fat and oils, with the highest salt content compared to other varieties.?
They prepare the broth mainly from chicken. However, they can also use seafood or pork.
Shoyu (Tokyo Ramen)
Did you know soy sauce is called Shoyu in Japanese? As the name suggests, this variety contains soy sauce flavor.?
Shoyu can either be dark and cloudy or clear brown. Japanese chefs don't use the soy sauce we buy at the store.?
They combine dried ingredients like mushrooms and seafood with chicken broth to make the sauce.
Tonkotsu (Hakata Ramen)
Tonkotsu ramen originated in the prefecture of Fukuoka on Kyushu Island. This category has since become popular across Japan.?
And every region, and some cities, has invented its style. Tonkotsu ramen is creamy, sticky, and complex from boiled pork bones.?
What Are the Different Flavors of Ramen?
Here is a list of some of the most popular flavors of ramen available on the market:
The Most Common Brands of Ramen
Ramen is one of the most popular snacks. Several brands are available in the market with varying nutritional value, taste, quality, and price.?
Here are some of the leading brands for your selection:
Nissin Ramen
Nissin is amongst the best ramen brands. This brand produces the famous Cup Noodles.
The Nissin brand also produces many other popular instant ramen noodles. A good example is the Demae Ramen Instant Noodle. This variety comes in various flavors, including:
Nongshim Ramen
Nongshim's Shin Ramyun brand is a popular spicy ramen brand. This type has recognizable shiny red packaging claiming it "can make a grown man cry."
These noodles are an ideal quick fix when you are hungry. Their spiciness can help clear sinuses let alone bad feelings from a long, tiresome day.?
Moreover, the chewy ramen noodles will motivate you. Nongshim prepares their broth from a beef base containing;
Samyang Foods
If you are a spice lover, you should try this Korean brand. Besides their special spicy flavors, Samyang Foods has a unique approach to ramen manufacturing.?
They own a farm where they raise dairy and beef cattle. Thus, they get their ingredients in-house, including beef and dairy products like cheese.
Paldo
Paldo is a Korean traditional ramen noodle brand. They produce instant, spicier, and punchier ramen.?
One of their best flavors is the Volcano Extremely Hot & Spicy Stir-Fried Chicken Instant Noodles.?
This flavor contains no soup, and is the perfect choice if you dislike broth.?
Sapporo Ichiban
Did you know that Ichiban in Japanese means number one? Well, now you know. Sapporo Ichiban brand offers some of the most affordable classic instant ramen noodles.?
They make their broth by combining chicken and soy sauce. This fantastic brand from Sanyo Foods also produces a favorite flavor that has over 1,500 reviews and a 4.8-star rating on Amazon.?
Myojo Ramen
Myojo is a Singaporean noodle brand that is high in Sodium but is tasty. They are also soft and springy and mostly sold in plastic bag packages.?
Also note that with the high calories a serving, they won't leave you hungry but may leave you wanting more.
Immi Ramen?
The distinguishing characteristic of this brand is low carb, 0.2 ounces (6 grams) per serving. Immi noodles come in bright, friendly packaging with unique flavors, including:
Thanks to their protein level, it is healthy, filling, and tasty enough.
A-Sha Ramen
A-sha brand is famous for its fancy Crazy Rich Ramen. Their introductory noodles had a unique shape, known as "meteor noodles." ?
领英推荐
Currently, they boast of the Spicy Mala Ramen as their favorite flavor.
Daisho Ramen
Daisho ramen is purely vegan, and the founder was inspired to promote vegetable consumption. The broth is umami flavored and comprises sesame oil and garlic.
This brand contains a high amount of Sodium, 0.07 ounces (2,000 mg). However, one reviewer on Amazon recommended cutting it down by adding twice the amount of boiling water required.?
Lotus Foods Ramen
If you are a gluten-free eater or fighting Celiac disease, the Lotus Foods brand covers you. They produce gluten-free instant rice noodles that contain no additives or oil.?
Thus, they are a healthier choice. But they have fewer flavors for your selection; they include:?
MAMA Ramen
Mama brand offers many spicy noodles. Their ramen comes in unique Thai flavors, such as:
The brand also has more unique flavors, including:
Mike's Mighty Good Ramen
Instead of the traditional fried noodles in instant ramen, Mike's Mighty Good utilizes:
They make it from scratch in a California-based solar-powered facility, making it eco-friendly.
This ramen brand comes in handy cup packaging for ease of preparation. Mike's Mighty Good ramen is a perfect choice if you love meat but are health-conscious.?
Their flavors include:
McDougall's
If you are a vegan or on a diet fighting a chronic condition, Mc Dougall's ramen is the right choice. Dr. McDougall made this ramen to promote healthy living, free of GMOs or added oils.?
This brand is one of the most nutritious and economical noodles. For instance, preparing it is easy; you only need boiling water.
Annie Chun's Ramen
Annie Chun's ramen is one of the easiest to prepare; it takes less than five minutes. Moreover, this brand contains lower amounts of sodium and fat than most brands.?
Thus, it is an ideal choice if you are health-conscious.
Creative Ways to Make Ramen Noodles Healthier and Tastier
Did you know you can improve the taste of your ramen and make it healthier?
Many delicious and creative add-ons can help boost the nutritional value of the noodles to meet your dietary needs.
Here are some of the best ways to make your ramen more nutritious and delicious.
Add More Vegetables for Extra Vitamins
Ramen noodles always need more nutrients. So, adding some colorful veggies to your bowl is essential in maximizing your vitamin intake.
Choose any vegetable of your liking representing each rainbow color.
Consider iron-rich vegetables like kale or spinach. Green vegetables are rich in phytochemicals that help fight cancer.?
Moreover, purple vegetables such as red cabbage and eggplant contain anthocyanin. Anthocyanin helps prevent cell damage and improves lung and heart health.?
Red capsicum or red cherry tomatoes also provide potent antioxidants that help keep the heart healthy.
Choose Healthy Toppings
If you are trying to lose weight, choose healthy toppings like vegetables, lean meat, or tofu. Ramen often has toppings of eggs, cheese, and pork, which may add more calories and fat to your meal.
Consider adding fiber to your daily ramen since they are usually relatively low in fiber. Fiber benefits us in so many ways, especially our digestive system.?
Moreover, fiber helps keep your gut bacteria healthy, reducing bloating and constipation. Also, it promotes fat loss by helping you feel fuller for longer.?
You can add fiber to your ramen by choosing whole-grain noodles or fiber-rich foods.
Avoid Deep-Fried Ramen
Did you know that fried ramen has more fat, approximately 0.7 ounces (20g) per serving, than non-fried ramen? Some ramen noodles are deep fried, making them high in calories and unhealthy.?
Consider the baked option that includes a low-fat diet and is springier in texture, making them delicious and guilt-free.
Consider Adding Steamed Veggies?
Instead of using boiled, stir-fried, or raw veggies, consider steaming your vegetables. Steaming helps maintain their nutrient content, flavor, and color.?
What does this mean for your ramen? A more healthy and tasty meal!?
You can steam so many vegetables of your choice. However, broccoli and carrots are recommended.?
These two are nutritious, super yummy, firm, and won't mush easily, which is crucial in a ramen dish.
Add Proteins?
Consider healthifying ramen by incorporating protein, veggies, and dairy in various portions. Try adding something from all parts of the healthy pyramid.
For instance, to get your daily calcium dose, sprinkle your ramen with the following:
Adding a boiled sliced egg or can of tuna can also help boost your protein intake. Tofu is another excellent ramen add-on; it has many nutritional benefits, including:
Baked tofu can also add a unique taste and texture to your ramen for a genuinely satisfying dish.
Make Your Seasoning
Most Ramen noodles come packed with flavor and toppings sachets for boosting taste. If these are insufficient and you need more seasoning, consider adding more flavors to your satisfaction.?
Since ramen noodles are smooth and silky, you may add crispy or crunchy toppings. These include:?
Make Healthy Sauces and Pastes
Most famous ramen noodle pairing sauces contain additives that are rich in Sodium. They include:
Consider adding sweet vegetables instead of these unhealthy sauces for a tasty topping. Sweeten your ramen noodles using sliced snow peas.
Alternatively, you can mix it with butternut squash or sliced cabbage. If you prefer paste or sauce, add fresh spices and herbs and mix your unique concoction.?
Herbs like coriander leaves, basil, and mint add sweetness and freshness. Chopped chili, garlic, sesame oil, shrimp paste, and ginger can intensify the flavor and add heat.?
Also, consider finishing with a lime squeeze to enhance flavor and taste.
Final Thoughts
Although ramen is known to be low in essential nutrients, it is a favorite snack for many. This popular Japanese dish comes in various brands and flavors for your choice.
As you can see, there are many ways to improve the nutritional value of noodles if they are your preferred meal. This guide will help you add nutrients and flavor and enjoy your favorite ramen noodles!
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