Very delicious but very high in sodium
I am a ramen lover and have tried hundreds of varieties over the years including my time in Japan the land of endless ramen varieties. Nong Shim (Korean) is a long-time favorite and among the top 3 makers on my list. Their noodles are heartier and more delicious than everybody else's mostly because they use better ingredients. The texture is firmer and more elastic even retaining their chewy mouth-feel over time unlike other noodles that quickly become mushy. If you're used to bargain basement brands like the NISSIN TOP RAMEN do yourself a favor and try a Nong Shim.
Among the higher quality ingredients that Nong Shim puts in here are ginger and shrimp extracts beef and pork bone stock and beef tallow. Beef tallow is the same stuff that makes McDonald's french fries so tasty.
Pros
+ very tasty spicy and filling
+ excellent texture to vegetable seasoning pack (dried cabbage carrots onions mushroom). I can actually taste the veggie bits.
+ 0mg cholesterol and no trans-fats
Cons
- 500 calories in 1 pack. 160 of which are fat calories
- 40% of your daily saturated fat intake
- EXTREMELY SALTY: 94% of your daily sodium intake if you drink the soup
Despite directions for boiling the noodles for 3 minutes it can be prepared with just boiling water and a bowl. I made some with hot water from the office Flavia machine (coffee and tea maker) and waited 5 minutes.
Because of the very high sodium and fat content instant ramen should not be eaten often. But in a pinch (either due to lack of time money cooking skills or all 3) ramen can provide a quick and filling meal. It is very easy to add vegetables and leftovers to it to mitigate the saltiness and provide better nutritional value. Ramen alone is just calories fat and salt and offers little nutrition. The powder packet packs a punch and half a pack or less is sufficient for full flavor and to reduce the sodium level.
Canned corn can be added (a popular topping in Japan) soft boiled egg shredded green or Chinese/Nappa cabbage or other vegetables kimchi spring onions boiled shrimp or fish fillet or whatever you like. The soup packet can also be used to make a pot of spicy soup as you would use a soup mix or bouillon cube.
Instant ramen is unhealthy because they are fried in palm oil or some other fat then dried and packaged. But if you're going to eat something bad for you might as well have it be delicious and this Nong Shim variety is among the best.
Product made in CA.More detail ...
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