Cookbook:Instant Noodles

Instant Noodles
Category	Noodles

Cookbook | Recipes | Ingredients | Equipment | Techniques | Cookbook Disambiguation Pages | Ingredients

Instant noodles are a prepackaged, shelf-stable food typically consisting of a precooked and dried block of noodles along with accompanying flavorings and/or toppings.

Characteristics

A vast array of instant noodles can be found, with variations in shape, color, and flavor.

Noodles

The noodles are typically wheat-based, although rice- and buckwheat-based varieties also exist. The dough may contain an alkaline solution called kansui, which increases the chewy texture of the noodles. Other additives such as starches or gums may also be included. After shaping, the noodles are steamed as a form of pre-cooking, and they are then either fried or air-dried to dehydrate and preserve them.

Flavoring

The flavorings can generally be classified as powders, liquids/oils, and granules, depending on the ingredients and degree of dehydration. Basic seasonings include salt, soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, and dehydrated stock or meat/vegetable extracts. Various other spices and seasonings are included to further develop the flavor of the final product.

Other

Depending on the variety, instant noodles may come with dehydrated toppings to be reconstituted along with the noodles. These may include dried meat, seafood, and/or vegetables.

Selection and storage

Instant noodles are designed to be shelf stable, and they have a very long lifetime (months to years) at room temperature when kept in their original packaging. Eventually, the noodles may stale or go rancid.

Preparation

Most instant noodles are designed to be reconstituted by boiling or soaking in hot water for a short period, but the specifics depend on the type. Some quick-cooking varieties come in a paper or styrofoam cup, and only need a brief soak in boiling water. With others, the noodles must be boiled or microwaved in water for slightly longer. Depending on the brand, the seasonings and/or toppings may either be pre-combined with the noodles or separately packaged into small packets.

Use

The precooked nature of instant noodles shortens the cooking process, making instant noodles a popular convenience food. They are often prepared as specified by the manufacturer directions, but many recipes exist that use instant noodles as an ingredient in a more complex final dish. An incomplete list of options follows:

• Noodles may be cooked separately and incorporated into another dish;
• Water may be adjusted to change the final texture;
• Fresh toppings, such as vegetables, proteins, and additional condiments may be added;
• Dried noodles may be crushed and eaten as-is or used much like breadcrumbs;
• The seasoning packet may be added to other dishes for a flavor boost;
• A separate cooking liquid such as broth or milk may be used instead of water.

Gallery

• 
  A package of Shin instant noodles, showing the noodle block, flavor packet, and dehydrated toppings.
• 
  Cup-style instant noodles
• 
  Instant noodles prepared in a pot
• 
  Stir-fried noodle dish prepared using instant noodles
• 
  Selection of instant noodles at a market

Recipes

Instant noodle recipes

Cookbook:Chicken Cabbage Salad

Cookbook:Mushroom Soup (Gabi Supa)

Cookbook:Nigerian Fried Noodles

Cookbook:Quick Tomato Noodle Soup