Growing up, our introduction to ramen was of course, Top Ramen, the staple of all college kids. A serving of chicken flavored ramen and a hard boiled egg was all the nutrients a broke student needed. Total cost was probably 30 cents and got you through the lean times before daddy could send you another check for food. A check that was spent on weed and mad dog 20-20.
I was introduced to proper, tasty ramen while stationed in Korea. And in Korea, there is only one worth considering - Shin Ramen. Oh, sure, there are plenty of copy cats, even to go so far as to emulate the packaging. But trust me, Shin Ramen is the best. You can even find it in many major grocery stores, at least around here.
When I was in Korea, one of my favorite things to eat, especially in the winter, was ordering a bowl of “Cheesy Egg Ramen”. Shin Ramen, with a boiled (sliced) egg and a slice of american cheese on top, with a side of white rice and kimchee. Add a glass of barley tea, and total cost was less than $2.00 american. But man oh man, was it good.
Shin Ramen is spicy. Probably too spicy for most american palates, but for me it’s snot inducing amazing. Each package comes with a small packet of diced vegetables and a second packet of spices. From there, you can add whatever you want. My favorite additions is sliced leftover beef (steak, roast, whatever) a few slices of jalapeno pepper, a slice of american cheese, and an egg. The egg can be added raw to cook while making the noodles, hard boiled and sliced, or fried. The beauty is that the spiciness of the ramen makes it a pretty blank palette to paint on.
And it’s cheap. Less than a dollar a package and worth every penny.
If you want to go a bit fancier, you get get their Black variant. Same packaging, except it contains a third packet of dried beef bone broth. It does bring out the beef flavor a lot more, and has the added benefit of toning down the heat a little. It’s actually my preferred ramen, but either are great.
Another great feature that aces out Top Ramen is that the dried noodle bundle is round, not square, and the noodles are bigger and more of them. Don’t know about you, but I haven’t seen too many square sauce pans in my lifetime. The Shin Ramen fits perfectly inside a small sauce pan.
The only drawback to enjoying this asian feast is that it is loaded with sodium. I mean, a metric shitload of sodium. Over 1,000mg worth. If you have concerns about excess salt in your diet, you might want to enjoy it in moderation. I usually will only cook up a package once every couple of weeks. In the summer I won’t even bother.
If you’re looking for a cheap and easy lunchtime (or any time) meal, give Shin Ramen a try. Big thumbs up from me.
It’s hilarious to see this because my wife introduced our oldest daughter to Manchu Ramen…maybe Top Ramen, about a week ago and she’s had to make sure she doesn’t gorge herself on it. 🤣
I have no idea why, but I've always enjoyed ramen, and I've never had the good stuff.
So, you've inspired me, next trip to the grocery I'll look around for some Shin. I think I'll have to skip your slice of American Cheese on top though!