Maruchan ramen can be bought in a cup or a packet. The instant noodle dish is extremely popular among busy professionals and students. Many people want to prepare the dish as fast as possible, but they are not sure about one question – can you microwave Maruchan ramen? Find out everything you need to know in our article.
No, you shouldn’t microwave the Maruchan ramen cup or the contents of the packet. There is even a warning “do not microwave” on the packet and the cup.
Can You Microwave Maruchan Ramen Cup or the Sachet?
The packaging warns against microwaving both the sachet and the cup. The materials the sachet and the cup are made of are not safe to put in the microwave. They can’t sustain the high temperatures, as they would cause the cup and sachet to melt or warp.
Even if you pour water into the cup, the styrofoam cannot sustain the high temperatures, and it will likely warp or melt, resulting in a splattered mess in the kitchen.
What is more, the materials release harmful chemicals when exposed to heat. These chemicals can form cancer-causing agents. Therefore, you should always follow the warning on the packaging and avoid putting Maruchan ramen in microwaves.
What Is the Maruchan Ramen Cup Made Of?
The material used for making the cup is styrofoam. This type of foam is a convenient material for manufacturing instant ramen cups because it doesn’t absorb smells or flavors, and it is extremely light. Styrofoam is a great insulator which means that the ramen noodles will be hot and delicious for longer.
The US Food and Drug Administration has approved the use of styrofoam for food packaging as long as it is not exposed to excessive temperatures. When you heat the cup in the microwave, the released chemicals will make their way into our beverages and food, causing health issues. You won’t feel the effects immediately, but over time one can develop serious illnesses.
Is There Some Ramen Packaging That Is Microwave Safe?
Most ramen cups are not microwave-safe, and Maruchan ramen cups and packets have warnings written in a visible place on the packet. However, some polystyrene and styrofoam containers are allowed for use in the microwave. They are specifically designed to withstand heat, and they should contain an appropriate label indicating you are free to put them in a microwave.
If you see a label on the cup that says that it is safe for the microwave, you can prepare it that way. But, if there is no label or a warning, don’t put it in the microwave. You don’t want to end up with a melted cup or sachet, and ramen noodles splattered all over the microwave walls.
Step-By-Step Guide to Making Maruchan Ramen Using a Microwave
Yes, you cannot put a Maruchan ramen cup in the microwave, but there is another way how your microwave can help you prepare the dish. The best way you can do this is by taking the noodles out of the cup and putting them in another bowl or safe container. The dangerous chemicals will be avoided, and you can speed up the process of making ramen. Here is a table with our instructions.
| Step 1 – Transfer noodles | Break the noodles into smaller pieces before placing them in another bowl. It will be easier to cook evenly. Choose a bowl that is either ceramic or glass. |
| Step 2 – Add seasoning and water | Once you have the noodles in the bowl, pour water and fully submerge all the noodles. Next, add ramen seasoning and mix everything with a chopstick. |
| Step 3 – Microwave for 4 to 5 minutes | Place the bowl inside the microwave and set it on high. You should leave it inside for 4 to 5 minutes. If your microwave is not powerful enough, consider leaving it longer. |
| Step 4 – Stir the noodles | You can pause the microwave a couple of times if you want to stir the noodles. This will help the seasoning be evenly distributed. |
| Step 5 – Leave the bowl inside for 1 minute more | After microwaving the ramen, leave it to cool a bit for one minute. When you are ready to take it out, use mittens or a potholder. |
| Step 6 – Enjoy Maruchan ramen | Transfer the dish to a plate or another bowl and enjoy your dish. |
What Is the Nutritional Value of Instant Maruchan Ramen Cup?
There are a lot of different ingredients in the Maruchan ramen, such as enriched wheat flour, dehydrated vegetables (carrots, green peas, garlic, onion, corn,) powdered cooked chicken, and spices.
Even though instant noodles can be comfort food for any type of occasion, they shouldn’t be consumed on a daily basis. The nutritional value is not high, and there is a high concentration of sodium. Still, it surely is a quick meal that is great for satisfying hunger in some situations.
Find out more details about the nutritional value for one serving in the list below:
- Calories – 290,
- Total fat – 12g
- Saturated Fat – 6g,
- Trans Fat – 0g,
- Cholesterol – 0mg,
- Sodium – 1180mg,
- Total Carbohydrate – 39g,
- Potassium – 160 mg,
- Protein – 6g.
Use the Alternative Way When Heating Maruchan Ramen Cup or Sachet
For safety and health reasons, don’t attempt to heat or cook Maruchan ramen instant noodles in the microwave. The cup and the sachet with noodles are not designed for sustaining high temperatures, and the harmful chemicals will most likely leak into the food if heated.
But, if you are adamant about using a microwave, another way is possible. Simply transfer the contents into a bowl (ceramic or glass) and microwave the ramen for 3 to 5 minutes. It is a quick yet safer method for preparing instant ramen and enjoying the delicious dish in a matter of minutes.