Momofuku Ando invented instant ramen (2016) • Hacker News Board

Re: Momofuku Ando invented instant ramen (2016)

#61

Post by mjb » Fri, Jul 21, 2023, 2:32 PM UTC

agurk wrote: post #41

netsharc wrote: post #39

Earlier quoted context omitted.

> you don't need to make your own noodles Shower thought: spaghetti is like ramen, but straight.

A notable difference between spaghetti and ramen is the addition of an alkali to ramen which has a profound effect on the texture. Ramen fit into the group of Alkaline Noodles[0]. So more different than just the shape. [0] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alkaline_noodles

You can (sort of) turn thin dried spaghetti into ramen by presoaking it in a strong solution of sodium carbonate.

Re: Momofuku Ando invented instant ramen (2016)

#62

Post by spacemadness » Fri, Jul 21, 2023, 2:44 PM UTC

swyx wrote: post #18

i'm very grateful for this guy, but I also probably eat too many instant noodles. is there any research/recommendation on what level of instant noodle consumption starts being unhealthy (ofc everything is a gradient)?

I wouldn’t even start with the noodles as the main culprit but the spice packets that come with them. But even aside from that, if you aren’t adding anything to the soup, like vegetables, it’s sort of like asking “when does surviving off potato/tortilla chips become unhealthy?”

Re: Momofuku Ando invented instant ramen (2016)

#63

Post by ryzvonusef » Fri, Jul 21, 2023, 2:51 PM UTC

cubefox wrote: post #14

Something many people don't know about instant noodles: You don't need to cook them. You can just soak them in cold water until they are done. They just take a little longer (15 minutes). This is great for power outages or for homeless people without ability to cook. It also saves energy.

I understand they'd be edible, but surely the point of noodles is to have something...warm?

Re: Momofuku Ando invented instant ramen (2016)

#64

Post by ryzvonusef » Fri, Jul 21, 2023, 2:52 PM UTC

nooby12345 wrote: post #6

As some one from the Indian subcontinent, I would juat say "Maggie Maggie Maggie !!"

Meanwhile across the border we are all about Knorr. Not sure why Maggi faltered, we used to have them but they somehow couldn't compete.

Re: Momofuku Ando invented instant ramen (2016)

#65

Post by ThrowawayR2 » Fri, Jul 21, 2023, 2:57 PM UTC

Magi604 wrote: post #2

Time to share my ultimate home instant noodle "recipe" - 1 pack spicy noodle (whatever brand you like) - 1 can mushroom soup - 2x eggs - Meats (I've used bacon, hotdogs, smokies, pork slices, whatever is available) - 1 slice sandwich "cheese style product" - Frozen veggies Use 1 can of mushroom soup and 1 can of water. Mix it and get it to boil, then put the noodles in. Let the noodles soften for a while. Add your fl…

That's probably 250% of the recommended daily intake of sodium in a single bowl. I'm not even sure it would be edible at that level of saltiness.

Re: Momofuku Ando invented instant ramen (2016)

#66

Post by MisterBastahrd » Fri, Jul 21, 2023, 3:00 PM UTC

Cthulhu_ wrote: post #51

Magi604 wrote: post #2

Time to share my ultimate home instant noodle "recipe" - 1 pack spicy noodle (whatever brand you like) - 1 can mushroom soup - 2x eggs - Meats (I've used bacon, hotdogs, smokies, pork slices, whatever is available) - 1 slice sandwich "cheese style product" - Frozen veggies Use 1 can of mushroom soup and 1 can of water. Mix it and get it to boil, then put the noodles in. Let the noodles soften for a while. Add your fl…

Dumping frozen vegetables in hot water will just cool it and leave the vegetables mostly raw. I mean I understand Americans like raw broccoli and stuff but... I don't understand the self deprivation. And as someone else asked, is that a clear kind of mushroom soup or broth or the creamy kind? You can make your own broth too; get some regular mushrooms or ideally, dried shitake mushrooms and just boil them for an hour…

Raw broccoli is a method by which we can have an excuse for eating copious quantities of ranch dressing. We don't just eat the broccoli by itself, we dip it in something that has flavor. Same thing with french fries.

Re: Momofuku Ando invented instant ramen (2016)

#67

Post by inconceivable » Fri, Jul 21, 2023, 3:06 PM UTC

prmoustache wrote: post #57

Auracle wrote: post #8

Earlier quoted context omitted.

A slice of american cheese in instant ramen gives it some body and adds a bit of extra fattiness that's often missing. At least in flavorful, spicy ramen it really doesn't add much cheese flavor. Try it out.

What is "american cheese"? Do you mean plastic?

you're behind schedule on your food hipsterism. american cheese has passed through the unironically bad phase, the ironically bad phase, and ironically good phase, and is now back to unironically good.

Re: Momofuku Ando invented instant ramen (2016)

#68

Post by inconceivable » Fri, Jul 21, 2023, 3:08 PM UTC

ryzvonusef wrote: post #63

cubefox wrote: post #14

Something many people don't know about instant noodles: You don't need to cook them. You can just soak them in cold water until they are done. They just take a little longer (15 minutes). This is great for power outages or for homeless people without ability to cook. It also saves energy.

I understand they'd be edible, but surely the point of noodles is to have something... warm ?

no. cold noodles with a light sauce are often eaten on hot days all over asia by billions of people.

sounds weird, right? except the western equivalent is a pasta salad which you probably eat all the time.

think harder about food.

Re: Momofuku Ando invented instant ramen (2016)

#69

Post by ryzvonusef » Fri, Jul 21, 2023, 3:21 PM UTC

inconceivable wrote: post #68

ryzvonusef wrote: post #63

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I understand they'd be edible, but surely the point of noodles is to have something... warm ?

no. cold noodles with a light sauce are often eaten on hot days all over asia by billions of people. sounds weird, right? except the western equivalent is a pasta salad which you probably eat all the time. think harder about food.

(My fault for not specifying instant noodles.)

I understand the concept of cold noodles and all the other varieties of noodles, but to me instant means hot, maybe the branding is just too strong.

(Also I am south asian, pasta salad is rather fancy thing here)

Re: Momofuku Ando invented instant ramen (2016)

#70

Post by djtango » Fri, Jul 21, 2023, 3:24 PM UTC

netsharc wrote: post #39

djtango wrote: post #22

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Ha I think the instant bit for many of the Asian diaspora I grew up amongst is that you don't need to make your own noodles or soup broth. (and it's all there in one package) It can be fun to do the whole shebang but it's usually a whole day affair. Growing up my dad's secret mix of ketchup with chilli sauce was often the meal I was most excited about for the weekend

> you don't need to make your own noodles Shower thought: spaghetti is like ramen, but straight.

A long time ago I visited my ex-gf family in Guangdong and they were making "炸酱面" with homemade la-mian. The sauce didn't really have much black bean and it was mostly just minced beef and tomatoes with noodles. I was like, hang on a second...