Ramyeon: Discover the Korean Noodle Dish Taking the World by Storm!

Author: Joost Nusselder, author of The Essential Japanese meal planner cookbook Updated August 1, 2022

Ramyeon, it’s a Korean dish, right? But wait, it’s not really a dish. It’s more of a noodle soup.

Ramyeon is a type of instant noodle, usually made with dried noodles, a soup base sachet, and water. It’s a quick and easy meal popular among Koreans and often eaten as snack food.

Let’s look at what it is, how it’s made, and why it’s so popular. Plus, I’ll share some of my favorite ramyeon recipes.

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The Origins and Flavors of Ramyeon

Ramyeon is a type of instant noodle that originated in Korea. It is made from dried and powdered noodles that can be rehydrated by boiling them in water. The noodles are usually accompanied by a sachet of powdered soup base, which can be added to the boiling water to create a tasty broth. Ramyeon was originally intended to feed people during times of hardship, and it was developed by a Korean businessman named Jean who was inspired after discovering the equivalent Japanese product, ramen, during a visit to Japan.

Flavors and Varieties

Ramyeon comes in a variety of flavors, with the most common being beef, chicken, and seafood. In recent years, the market for ramyeon has been growing, and new flavors are being added all the time. Some of the most popular flavors include:

• Spicy chicken
• Kimchi
• Cheese
• Curry
• Jjajangmyeon (black bean sauce)

The flavors of ramyeon are noticeably spicier than those of other instant noodles, reflecting the spicy culture of Korean cuisine in general.

The Mark of Korean Culture

Ramyeon has become a staple food in Korea and is enjoyed by people of all ages. It is often eaten as a quick and easy meal, and it is also a popular snack food. Ramyeon has become a mark of Korean culture, and it is widely available in retail stores and online.

Exploring the Impressive Varieties of Ramyeon

Ramyeon is a convenient and delicious food that comes in various types and flavors. Here are some of the most popular types of ramyeon:

• Regular Ramyeon: This is the most common type of ramyeon, and it comes with a packet of soup base and dried vegetables. It’s perfect for a quick and easy meal.

• Seafood Ramyeon: This type of ramyeon is inspired by the flavors of the sea and usually contains dried seafood such as shrimp or squid. It’s a great option for seafood lovers.

• Spicy Ramyeon: If you’re a fan of spicy food, then this type of ramyeon is for you. It comes with a spicy soup base and is perfect for those who love a little heat in their food.

Impressive Ramyeon Varieties

Ramyeon also comes in some impressive varieties that are worth trying:

• Black Ramyeon: This type of ramyeon is known for its unique black color, which comes from the addition of charcoal powder. It has a slightly smoky flavor and is a must-try for ramyeon enthusiasts.

• White Ramyeon: Unlike black ramyeon, this type of ramyeon is white in color and has a creamy soup base. It’s a great option for those who prefer a milder flavor.

• Red Ramyeon: This type of ramyeon is known for its vibrant red color and spicy flavor. It’s perfect for those who love a little kick in their food.

• Soy Ramyeon: This type of ramyeon has a soy sauce-based soup and is a great option for those who prefer a savory flavor.

Adding Extras to Your Ramyeon

While ramyeon is delicious on its own, you can also add some extras to take it to the next level:

• Egg: Adding a boiled egg to your ramyeon can make it more filling and add some extra protein.

• Thinly Sliced Vegetables: Adding some thinly sliced vegetables such as carrots or mushrooms can add some extra nutrition and texture to your ramyeon.

• Cheese: Adding some shredded cheese to your ramyeon can make it more indulgent and delicious.

Overall, ramyeon is a versatile and delicious food that comes in a variety of types and flavors. Whether you prefer regular ramyeon or want to try something more impressive, there’s a ramyeon out there for everyone.

Master the Art of Cooking Ramyeon with These Simple Steps

To make a decent bowl of ramyeon, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 1 package of ramyeon noodles (any brand will do)
• 2 cups of water
• 1 cup of chicken or vegetable stock
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp of gochugaru (Korean red pepper flakes)
• 1 tsp of miso paste (optional)

Here’s how to prepare the ingredients:

1. Crack the egg into a small bowl and beat it with a fork.
2. Cut the egg into thin slices and set it aside.
3. Boil 2 cups of water in a medium-sized pot.
4. Add 1 cup of chicken or vegetable stock to the boiling water and stir.
5. Add 1 tsp of gochugaru and 1 tsp of miso paste to the mixture and stir.

Cooking the Ramyeon

Now that you have prepared the ingredients, it’s time to cook the ramyeon:

1. Add the ramyeon noodles to the pot and let it cook for 2-3 minutes.
2. Stir the noodles occasionally to prevent them from sticking together.
3. Once the noodles are cooked, remove the pot from the heat and let it cool for a minute.
4. Add the beaten egg to the pot and stir it gently.
5. Let the ramyeon sit for a minute to allow the egg to cook.

Instant Pot Ramyeon

If you want to make ramyeon in an Instant Pot, follow these steps:

1. Place the ramyeon noodles, water, and stock in the Instant Pot.
2. Set the Instant Pot to “Manual” and cook for 3 minutes on low pressure.
3. Release the pressure manually and open the lid.
4. Add the beaten egg and stir gently.
5. Let the ramyeon sit for a minute to allow the egg to cook.
6. Serve and enjoy!

Ultimately, ramyeon is a popular staple in Korean cuisine and is known for its different varieties and flavors. With this recipe, you can make a decent bowl of ramyeon right in your own kitchen in just a few minutes.

What Sets Ramyeon Apart from Ramen?

• Ramen originated in Japan, while ramyeon is a Korean version of instant noodles.
• Ramen is typically made with wheat noodles, while ramyeon uses a variety of ingredients such as potato starch, sweet potato starch, and even soy.
• Ramen is known for its long, thin noodles, while ramyeon noodles are typically thicker and chewier.
• Ramen is often served in a pork or chicken broth, while ramyeon is commonly served in a spicy seafood broth.

Preparation and Consumption

• Ramen is generally considered a more complex dish to prepare, often requiring marinated pork or other meats and vegetables.
• Ramyeon is a quick and convenient dish that is widely available in supermarkets and convenience stores.
• Ramen is typically eaten in a restaurant setting, while ramyeon is often consumed at home or on-the-go.
• Ramen is usually eaten with chopsticks, while ramyeon can be eaten with a fork or spoon.

Choosing Between Ramen and Ramyeon

• Ramen is a great option for those looking for a more complex and hearty dish, while ramyeon is ideal for those who want a quick and easy meal.
• Ramen is a popular dish around the world and has a long history, while ramyeon is a newer type of instant noodle that is gaining popularity.
• Ramen is generally considered a hard dish to make at home, while ramyeon is simple to prepare by boiling the noodles in water and adding the desired ingredients.
• Ramen is commonly associated with Japan, while ramyeon is a staple food in Korea.

In conclusion, while ramen and ramyeon share some similarities, they are different in terms of history, preparation, and ingredients. Whether you’re in the mood for a complex and hearty dish or a quick and convenient meal, both ramen and ramyeon have something to offer.

Conclusion

Ramyeon is a Korean noodle dish that’s quick and easy to make. It’s usually made with dried noodles and a soup base that’s usually made with either chicken or beef, and it’s usually accompanied with dried vegetables.

So, don’t be afraid to try something new. Ramyeon might just be the thing you’re looking for.

Check out our new cookbook

Bitemybun's family recipes with complete meal planner and recipe guide.

Try it out for free with Kindle Unlimited:

Read for free

Joost Nusselder, the founder of Bite My Bun is a content marketer, dad and loves trying out new food with Japanese food at the heart of his passion, and together with his team he's been creating in-depth blog articles since 2016 to help loyal readers with recipes and cooking tips.