I’ve reviewed this in the past, but this one has new packaging and so gets a new number. I dunno – could have a new recipe too. Many companies are making subtle below the radar changes on their domestic product lines including lowering sodium. It’s kind of funny; people complain about the amount of sodium in instant noodles, but when presented a lower sodium product that exclaims the feature, they’ll shy away with thoughts of blandness. It just goes to show people are kind of conflicted. Okay, not kind of.
Maruchan has pushed a lot of low-cost product on the market – as mentioned in the book The Noodle Narratives (I can’t recommend reading this higher), low cost and high volume could be their motto. Price-point is a huge concern for manufacturers here in the United States and unfortunately for instant noodles, that’s given them a lot of negative stigma as to quality. Most instant noodle companies globally seek some pretty impressive QC standards and certifications which aren’t all that easily (or cheaply) attained.
In Japan, Maruchan products come in a myriad of flavors and varieties – fancy and expensive bowls with all sorts of different unique qualities. The lack of acceptance in the US market of higher end instant noodles has been a real thorn in the side of innovation it seems, although in recent years, I’ve seen a few new things coming from Maruchan in particular that are interesting, for example their Taste Of Asia Bowl range which includes a truly excellent Tom Yum variety.
Anyways, not trying to toot anyone’s horns here but thought I’d ramble on a Sunday morning. Let’s check out some roast beef ramen!
Maruchan Ramen Noodle Soup Roast Beef Flavor – United States
Detail of the packaging (click to enlarge). Contains beef. To prepare, add noodle block to 2 cups boiling water and cook for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Finally, take off heat and add sachet contents, stir for 1 minute and enjoy!
The noodle block.
A dry sachet.
A light powder base.
Finished (click to enlarge). Added spring onion, boiled beef, white onion, fried crispy garlic, Salad Cosmo mung bean sprouts, an egg, and black sesame seeds. The noodles are very soft and on the verge of mushy, however they work well and have a familiarity with them I think anyone in the United States can identify. The broth has a salt beef taste which is pretty good. Reminds me a lot of beef flavors I’ve had in Filipino varieties. 3.25 out of 5.0 stars. UPC bar code 041789002588.
Maruchan Ramen, Roast Beef, 3-Ounce Packages (Pack of 24)
Watch me cook on Instant Noodle Recipe Time!
