Ramen: A Versatile and Nutritious Meal Solution

Ramen’s popularity among college students and those experiencing food insecurity stems from its affordability, convenience, and ease of preparation. While often associated with budget constraints, ramen offers a versatile base for nutritious and flavorful meals.

A Brief History of Ramen

Contrary to popular belief, ramen did not originate in Japan. While widely considered a quintessential Japanese dish, its roots lie in China [2]. The introduction of ramen to Japan can be traced back to the late 19th century, following the end of Japan’s self-imposed isolation. During this period, an influx of Chinese immigrants brought their culinary traditions to Japan, introducing wheat-based noodles to the Japanese palate [2].

The development of instant ramen, a global phenomenon, was driven by post-World War II food shortages in Japan. In 1958, Momofuku Ando introduced “Chicken Ramen,” the first instant noodle product, inspired by the dehydration process used in tempura frying [2]. This innovation revolutionized food accessibility and convenience.

While instant ramen gained popularity in the United States with the introduction of Nissin Foods’ Cup Noodle in 1973 [3], the 2000s witnessed a surge in the popularity of restaurant-quality ramen, establishing it as a prominent cuisine choice across the country [3].

Enhancing the Nutritional Value of Ramen

One common critique of instant ramen is its perceived lack of nutritional value. However, simple additions can transform this convenient meal into a nutritious and flavorful dish. Incorporating peanut butter, a common ingredient in Chinese, Japanese, Thai, and Taiwanese cuisines [1], introduces a significant source of protein, along with essential vitamins and minerals such as vitamin E, niacin, manganese, vitamin B6, and magnesium [4].

A basic recipe combining ramen noodles, peanut butter, and Sriracha sauce offers an affordable and accessible way to enhance both the flavor and nutritional profile of this versatile dish. This combination is particularly relevant for individuals relying on food pantries, where ramen noodles and peanut butter are often staple items.

By incorporating nutrient-rich additions and exploring diverse flavor combinations, ramen can transcend its reputation as a mere convenience food and become a satisfying and wholesome meal option.

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Peanut Butter Ramen Noodles

Let’s create an easy instant ramen dish with some protein and extra flavor.

First, locate all of your ingredients and supplies:

• 1 package of instant ramen noodles (flavor of your choice, though chicken is recommended [1])
• 2 tablespoons of peanut butter (creamy or chunky)
• 1 teaspoon of Sriracha sauce
• 1-2 cups of water
• Bowl
• Spoon (for adding/mixing peanut butter and Sriracha)
• Fork (for eating)

Once you have everything you need, commence with your creation:

1. Remove noodles and seasoning packet from package
2. Place noodles in a microwave safe bowl
3. Cover noodles with 1-2 cups of water
4. Place bowl in the microwave
5. Cook the noodles for 3-5 minutes, checking for your desired softness, but don’t overcook them! This will cause them to become too soft and cause issues with absorbing the sauce [1]
6. Carefully remove from microwave and drain ½ cup of water from the noodles
7. Mix in seasoning, peanut butter, and Sriracha
8. Grab your fork and enjoy!

If you are using creamy peanut butter, but would like a nice crunch, you can top your noodles with some chopped or crushed peanuts! [1]

I have personally also added chicken and beef (in separate instances, of course) to these noodles for extra protein and nutrients!

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Works Cited