You are seriously missing out if you have never eaten ramen noodles. You will understand exactly what we are talking about if you have ever eaten ramen noodles. The snack of ramen noodles is delectable, cozy, satisfying, and savory.
If you enjoy eating ramen noodles, you may have occasionally questioned whether you could consume the noodles right from the package, in their uncooked state.
Let’s face it, while we’ve been waiting for the water to boil and our ramen noodles to cook, we’ve all given this some serious thought.
Many people enjoy eating ramen noodles as a snack, but can you eat ramen noodles raw? Is it unhealthy to eat raw ramen?
To answer these questions, let’s investigate in this article!
What Is Ramen?
The name “ramen” refers to an Asian soup meal containing noodles, occasionally with vegetables and/or meat. Instant noodles, which are offered in a precooked, dried block along with a seasoning sachet for an instant, fast snack, are frequently referred to as ramen or ramen noodles.
Nissin Foods introduced instant noodles as Chikin Ramen and began selling them in Japan. Nowadays, there are innumerable companies marketing instant noodles all over the world.
Wheat noodles are used to make the majority of instant ramen noodles; they are dried and shaped into blocks that may be boiled and soaked in boiling water before being seasoned and consumed. These slabs of noodles can, however, be consumed dry and uncooked.
How Is Ramen Made?
There are so many of us who are experts at making ramen that we don’t even need to read the directions on the package.
Yet how many of us have really pondered the production of ramen noodles? You might be startled to find that when you pull the ramen noodles out of the packet, they are already cooked.
The majority of instant ramen noodle brands are precooked and dried so they can be transported all over the world in packages, ready for you to boil them back to life. Even though there are several variations of instant ramen noodles, they are all essentially prepared in the same way.
Moreover, the constituents in most ramen noodles are the same. They include wheat, water, flour, and seasoning salt. In addition, a substance known as kansui is used to make ramen noodles.
To assist reduce the acidity in the noodles and improve the outcomes when they are cooked, this is added to the mixture when the dough is being prepared.
Before being cut into the noodles they become, the noodle dough is first kneaded, rolled, and pressed into thin, long noodle-like pieces. Manufacturers prepare the noodles by cutting the dough and steaming it before pre-cooking them.
The noodles are then dehydrated in order to make them survive much longer since steam generates a lot of moisture, which would not help the noodles last well for the packing and distribution process.
Most producers will fry the noodles while they dry them or employ a variety of additional methods to keep them preserved and prepared for customer consumption.
Instant ramen noodles were pre-cooked; they merely needed to be hydrated and the dehydration process to be stopped, which is why they cook quickly in hot water.
Afterwards, you may add your seasoning packet or other ingredients, such as cooked pork, poultry, or vegetables, to personalize your ramen noodles.
Raw vs. Cooked Noodles
What distinguishes raw from cooked ramen noodles, then? Which is safer, one or the other?
The noodles are essentially being rehydrated when they are cooked. The dried noodles are being given hot water, which restores their softness and malleability. The noodles are not altered by this procedure; it only makes them more palatable.
Raw noodles, on the other hand, are undercooked and dehydrated. They have an unpleasant texture to consume since they are rather stiff and rough.
It doesn’t take much effort to chew some uncooked noodles from companies like MAMA and Nissin since they are thin and light. Noodles from Buldak and other premium ramen brands are thicker and stiffer, making them considerably more difficult to consume uncooked.
Can You Eat Ramen Raw?
Many of us have likely heard this advice from our parents or grandparents: never eat instant noodles “raw”; you will get diarrhea or perhaps die.
Maybe exaggerating the concept that it will be lethal, but you get the point.
While I was in the army and through my basic military training, the instructors insisted that we heat our instant noodles before consuming them. He threatened to discipline anyone who disobeyed the order.
That reinforced my belief that eating uncooked quick noodles is unhealthy and will have negative effects.
But, the truth is that you can eat it raw even if it has a strange flavor.
Because instant noodles are virtually already cooked before packing, eating them without boiling them is merely a different method to consume them.
Some said that eating it raw would cause them to have diarrhea, but don’t we all occasionally experience this after eating a plate of laksa?
Is it unhealthy to eat raw ramen?
Ramen noodles are a well-liked snack that is popular not just among college students but with individuals all across the world. Ramen noodles may be eaten either raw or cooked; there is no difference in terms of health benefits between the two.
This is due to the fact that ramen noodles that are uncooked and straight out of the package are already cooked; they have simply been dehydrated, which is why you need to boil them to revive them. As they are only dried noodles, eating them uncooked is therefore neither harmful or dangerous in any way; rather, it is more akin to eating potato chips.
Also, eating a lot of ramen, whether it is raw or cooked, is not good for you because it is high in salt, calories, and carbs.
Ramen noodles lack substantial nutritional value on their own in this regard, which is why many people combine them with some vegetables, a boiled egg, or even some meat.
Finally, you may add some fiery sauces and seasonings to your ramen to make a more tasty, well-rounded dinner that you can savor.
Ramen noodles may be eaten as a snack either cooked or uncooked, but you’ll notice that you’ll start to become hungry later.
How to eat instant ramen noodles Properly
You can try a few options if you’re seeking for a method to enjoy the convenience of instant noodles without all the possible hazards.
Crispy noodles snack
Raw noodles can be replaced with crispy noodles. The only thing that has been done to them is to deep-fry cooked, dehydrated noodles until they are crunchy and crispy. You may enjoy instant noodles’ convenience and deliciousness without running any danger.
This variation was made available for purchase in convenience shops by several snack manufacturers in Japan. It could be offered in the snack area if you have time to visit a neighborhood Asian market.
Microwave noodles
Like ordinary instant noodles, microwaveable instant noodles are pre-cooked and dehydrated. All you have to do to prepare them in the microwave for a few minutes is to add hot water. You can always microwave your noodles if you don’t want to spend the time boiling them.
Noodles may be made crispy in the microwave by crumpling them in the bowl, adding oil, and heating on high for 30 to 1 minute. They will have the taste you want if you subsequently season them with things like chile oil or garlic.
Just cook them
Instant ramen noodles are designed to make cooking more accessible and practical. Simply add the water, let it boil for three to four minutes, and you’re ready to eat. You may always add some cooked eggs, vegetables, and meats to them if you become tired of eating them simple.
A wonderful soup-like ramen that’s ideal for any occasion may be made by including fresh ingredients like green onions, garlic, ginger, and mushrooms.
For any noodles or pasta recipes that are required, instant ramen noodles can be used in their place. You can prepare a wonderful, healthy lunch for the whole family with just a few basic items!
Conclusion
In conclusion, the answer to whether eating raw ramen is unhealthy or not is up to personal preference. While it has been seen that there are certain health risks associated with consuming raw ramen due to its high sodium content and potential MSG sensitivities, the research surrounding this topic is contradictory at best. For those looking for an alternative, buying a low-sodium ramen may be a beneficial option as it would provide fewer potential health concerns. Ultimately though, if you find yourself wanting to indulge in some tasty raw ramen every now and then, it’s likely not going to pose any serious threats to your overall wellbeing by itself. As always though, it’s important to practice moderation and enjoy everything in moderation! Additionally, just be sure to consult your doctor should any concerns arise after indulging in anything that could potentially affect your health.