Japanese noodles have become a staple in our daily lives. Whether it’s for a quick meal in between classes or as a late-night snack after a demanding workweek, however, this incredibly popular noodle product is available in many assortments at every supermarket.
Also, you may find them in convenience stores as well. Numerous nations also produce their own version. This continues to gain daily purchases. However, how precisely did instant noodles grow from a little business to a billion-dollar empire? We’re going to discuss how Japanese noodles became famous. How to boil it without sticking, and more. Let’s discuss everything in detail.
An Overview of Japanese Noodles History (1945 to Now)
Let’s begin at the outset, in 1945, in a war-torn Japan following World War II. There is a man, “Momofuku Ando,” who starts it all. You already know how big of a ramen legend Ando is if you are familiar with the brief history of instant ramen.
It was amid Japan’s post-war ramen mania that he first developed the concept of easy-to-prepare ramen at home. With the goal of using it as a bread ingredient, the United States of America gave wheat flour. However, the Japanese came up with ramen noodles out of this wheat flour! People would wait in incredibly lengthy lines to purchase this ramen. They used to serve at market stands for extremely low prices.
In 1948, Ando started Nissin Foods because he thought there was potential food in the ramen market for “instant” ramen. The first instant ramen packet, a chicken ramen, was to be on the market in 1958 after extensive testing in his garden shed.
In Japan, it became very popular. However, popularity gradually declined. Ando thus thought of a new market in the United States. It was a surprise for him to learn that Americans would split the noodle block in two. They place it in a cup, fill it with boiling water, and consume the food right out of the cup. Cup noodles therefore came in 1971. Once more, it was a great success, particularly outside of Japan.
Top 12 Best Japanese Noodle Varieties You Should Know
- Soba
- Somen
- Hiyamugi
- Ramen
- Wafu Pasta
- Yakisoba
- Instant Noodles
- Tokoroten
- Harusame
- Karaage
- Shirataki
- Sanuki Udon
Japanese Instant Noodles’ International Success – 麺
Although it is evident that Japanese instant noodles first came from Japan, Japanese people do not actually consume the majority of these noodles. When it comes to servings annually, China leads the pack, and by a wide margin rich history of chinese noodles!
Japan pushes to only the fifth slot in the Top 4, which also includes Indonesia, Vietnam, and India. The majority of the countries in the Top 10 are Asian, with the United States and Brazil being the only exceptions.
The very fact that there is a World Instant Noodles Association (WINA) attests to the fact that Japanese noodles have international attention. It’s also evident that the Asian market continues to dominate greatly. Asia is home to the majority of instant noodle brands. This includes Nissin Foods, Nongshim, and Indofood.
When someone asks about instant 2x spicy noodles, everyone immediately thinks of the brands Indomie from Indonesia and MAMA from Thailand. Even South Korea has a popular instant ramen dish called “ramyun” that people love all around the world.
All of this is to suggest that, primarily, instant noodles seem to have a lasting effect on Asian audiences. Let us investigate its nature and discuss why they are so famous.
Why Are Japanese Noodles Famous?
Instant noodles are sold over 120 billion times a year for a variety of reasons. Above all, they taste delicious and are affordable and practical.
Thus, it comes as no surprise that they have such a high level of popularity. Let us dig a little more into the top three reasons why so many people like instant noodles.
1) They’re Convenient to Cook (Fast & Easy)
After bringing the block of noodles to a boil, add a couple of seasoning packets and possibly a few toppings, and you’re done fast and its easy! Moreover, it’s even simpler to use cup noodles.
- For someone who has no cooking experience, this convenience is wonderful. For a busy Japanese salaryman on his lunch break, it’s even better.
- Most Asian cultures are practically synonymous with the convenience culture, which fills every aspect of day-to-day existence. Thus, instant noodles fit in wonderfully with the rise of vending machines and convenience stores.
- You can even make instant noodles right there at many Asian convenience stores! Most Western countries are adopting this degree of convenience extremely slowly, if at all.
2) Variety is Present
What began as straightforward chicken ramen has evolved into a vast flavor playground with thousands of variations. There’s probably an instant ramen variation of any flavor you can think of.
There are many flavors, i.e., bacon, tacos, con, or chicken. Every curry tastes different and looks unique. In actuality, spicy flavors greatly dominate the market. The so-called fire noodles from Samyang are among the most popular quick noodles you can try.
In addition, you can also purchase from Bulk Noodles Wholesale Suppliers at wholesale prices. Doing this will save you a lot of money. You really can’t go wrong with any flavor because there are so many options available.
However, most of the flavors are especially for an Asian palate in mind. Given that most brands are Asian, this makes sense. Almost all dishes, including tonkotsu (pork bone), mi goreng, masala, and tom yum, are available as quick noodles.
Ramen lovers also like the Kimchi flavor; however, many Asian noodle dishes now include Kimchi as the main ingredient. That’s what gives them diversity, among others!
3) Quite Good (Soba Noodles)
It may come as a surprise to some, but instant noodles are surely getting better and better. Once more, the Japanese are the innovators; they even went so far as to produce “premium” instant ramen like soba noodles.
Premium instant ramen soba noodles strives to provide a more authentic ramen experience, while most instant noodles heavily emphasize their affordability and convenience. It contains actual toppings that are also present in normal ramen, along with fresher ingredients.
These days, even several popular ramen eateries sell their own brand of premium instant ramen. So, try it if you want to know what quick ramen tastes like!
Can You Boil Oven-Ready Lasagna Noodles?
Although noodles are actually to save us time when making lasagna, can you boil oven-ready lasagna noodles? Yes, it is an instant response! Use oven-ready lasagna noodles for lasagna roll-ups or to layer them in a pasta dish; you can boil or pre-boil them. It is quite easy to prepare them and save them for later use.
What Is a Noodle Board?
One kind of stove top cover that keeps your stove safe and elegant is the noodle board. They are the newest style and really add that eye-catching look to your kitchen. The days of old-fashioned stoves are over; use a noodle board to update your kitchen.
They are available in sizes that you can also customize. However, most stoves are one size fits all. They don’t need any extra setup; they just go over your hob. Although we have seen some made of metal, they primarily consist of wood. Metal ones are not suitable as they get heat very quickly and are rather heavy. Also, this makes them difficult to store.
How To Keep Noodles from Sticking?
Bring a big pan or pot of water to a simmer after filling it halfway. Place another skillet or pot on top of the first and pour in the pasta. If you want to prevent the noodles from sticking, mix them with pasta, sauce, or olive oil. After that, cover the top pot or pan to prevent the pasta from drying out.
Can You Freeze Cooked Noodles?
You can freeze spaghetti leftovers with or without sauce. Before placing the pasta in a freezer bag, allow it to cool fully. For making Chicken Noodle Soup, you may save them for later use.
After adding the bag, press out any air and store it in the freezer until you need it. This is the easiest method to save noodles in the freezer.
Conclusion:
There’s no indication that our go-to, reliable takeaway option when we’re too lazy to prepare will be Japanese noodles. Even while the health benefits of these noodles are available in an increasing number of articles, healthier alternatives are already on the horizon.
Furthermore, instant noodles’ initial popularity was due to their health advantages. Also, sustainability is a major factor in a lot of sectors these days. It’s evident what billions of quick noodle wrappers have done. Therefore, that’s what the market should be concentrating on going forward.
It is important to recognize that the sector is growing, and the pandemic had no effect on this growth. In actuality, the opposite is true: many people do not have a stable source of income. They have been able to have a satisfying supper due to the extended shelf life and low cost of instant noodles.
They continue to be a good alternative for supper on a hectic day because of their convenience. People from all over the world are among those enjoying those mouthwatering noodles. Buy bulk Japanese noodles from Exir Ticaret right away!
