What is Ramyun?
What is Ramyun?
Ramyun 라면 refers to Korean instant noodles. It can also be referred to as Korean Ramen as this spelling of the word may be more familiar to English-speaking audiences.
Although often used interchangeably, it’s important to note that simply saying Ramen may actually mean Japanese noodles (hidden gem Tokyo ramen bars) in broth made from fresh noodles and ingredients. Don’t forget to say “instant” and add “Korean” to clarify communication.
In Korea, if you say Ramyun (or spell it Ramyeon) it’ll always be talking about instant noodles. To complete the confusion, you would specifically say Japanese ramen if you mean to talk about the fresh noodle variety.
Why is Korean ramyun so popular?
Instant noodles are cheap to make and cheap to buy, making it an easy choice for broke students and those with limited food budgets.
Not only that, they’re quick and easy to make and packed with flavour (they taste so damn good!) making it the top choice for those tight on time or cooking skills.
Saving time and money, while lighting up tastebuds with deliciousness is why ramyun is so popular and the reason Koreans will always have some variety stocked in the house.
Add to that, it’s an instantly hot food which can be incredibly comforting on a cold day (or rainy day or lonely day) and it’s a no-brainer.
How unhealthy is Instant Ramen?
This is main reason why, although cheap, easy and delicious, Koreans don’t eat ramyun on the daily.
Ramyun is a highly processed food. The point is to make a long-lasting, shelf stable product (think perfect zombie apocalypse food to add to a bunker) and to achieve that they use production methods that prioritize shelf life over any health aspect.
Noodles are partially cooked and deep-fried to get rid of any moisture (lasts longer on store shelves). The soup packets are powdered spices with flavour additives (chemicals and preservatives) that hit your brain pleasure centres without any substantial nutrients like fibre or protein and this places it firmly in the junk food category.
Although manufacturers may state it does contain micronutirents like iron, manganese and folate, it’s safe to say ramyun isn’t eaten as part of anyone’s healthy diet, except maybe this guy but he’s the exception!
Some companies have attempted to make healthier options by air-drying noodles (rather than deep-frying in oil) or fortifying the flour used for the noodles or the seasoning. Nongshim (maker of Shin Ramyun) made one called Shin Light.
But in my humble opinion, it just doesn’t taste as good, ha!
How to Enjoy a Healthier Ramyun
1. Boil water as usual
2. Cook noodles as indicated.
3. Drain and rinse noodles.
4. Add suggested amount of water and boil again (add some fresh veg!).
5. Add seasoning packet and add rinsed noodles.
6. Don’t drink broth
Here’s The Korean Vegan doing “healthy” ramyun.
How to Enjoy a Decadent Ramyun
1. Boil water as usual.
2. Add seasoning packet, butter and a bit of garlic.
3. Add noodles and cook for time indicated.
4. Add toppings and garnish like gim (crumble some dried seasoned seaweed), soft-boiled egg and kimchi. And how about cheese!
5. After eating the noodles with plenty of broth, add rice to remainder and eat that bowl clean.
Preparing ramyun the healthy way will make it taste fractionally less good. However, it may make you feel better about eating it. Eating it the decadent way will leave you bloated with sodium but at the same time leave you feeling full to the max.
Or enjoy Korean ramyun in moderation, as with any junk food, and eat it the way you like!
Wanna eat some ramyun?
Originating with a K-flick One Fine Spring Day, “라면 먹고 갈래?” in 2001, it has become the Korean equivalent to “Wanna Netflix and chill?”.
Help me pronounce it!
Rah-Myun Mucko Gallay?
See? I’m here for you, with all the Korean goodies lol.
Top Korean Ramyun List
Shin Ramyun (The Classic)
Buldak (Fire Chicken) Ramyun (The Fire Challenge one)
Gomtang Ramyun (The Non-Spicy one)
Neoguri Ramyun (The Raccoon Logo one)
Korean Army Stew Ramyun (The Instant Budae Jjigae one)
Chappagetti (The Instant Jjajangmyun one)
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