Learning how long to cook Cup Noodles in microwave can save you from a possible disaster.
What looks like a pretty straightforward task is certainly not that simple, especially when you talk about cup noodles.
It is safe to say that most people have at least heard of Cup Noodles and that it is especially popular among college students and young adults.
Aside from being delicious and filling, it is also very simple to prepare.
Despite the packaging’s apparent ease of use, many people wonder if Cup Noodles can actually be prepared in a microwave.
And of course, how long to cook Cup Noodles in microwave?
Not all types of cup noodles are microwave-safe, but certain types only require three minutes in the microwave to be ready.
Enjoying the Popularity of Cup Noodles
Cup Noodles require next to no work to cook, which is why it has become a mainstay in kitchens anywhere from studios to dorms.
Cup Noodles entered the snack food industry in 1958, quickly transforming how we consumed food.
It is similar to but not the same as traditional ramen noodles. It comes packaged in single-use plastic cups and is prepared by just adding hot water.
Instant cup noodles are still one of the most extensively consumed food items after more than 50 years.
To a large extent, the colossal success may be attributed to the helpful features included in the subservient package.
Know How Long to cook Cup Noodles in Microwave
In the realm of instant noodles, Nissin Cup Noodles are among the most widely consumed.
There are many different kinds to choose from, including shrimp, beef, chicken, and even veggie.
Nissin Cup Noodles need only three minutes in the microwave, making it a convenient and speedy meal option.
It is also inexpensive, so it is a good choice for thrifty buyers.
The Love-Hate Relationship of Cup Noodles with Microwave
Cup Noodles were hailed as a game-changing breakthrough when they first hit the market.
Steaming bowls of noodles have become readily accessible since the time it takes to prepare the broth and noodles has been cut down to a few minutes.
Now, it is true that you can quickly cook Nissin Cup Noodles in your microwave, but generally, manufacturers advise against it.
Contrary to popular belief, Cup Noodles are not microwaveable; their packaging expressly states that they are not.
The Better Alternative
Knowing Cup Noodles how long in microwave can be quite confusing.
So instead of microwaving your Cup Noodles, simply bring a cup of water to boil.
Now pour it into the Cup Noodles and cover it up for three minutes. And you are done!
Why Avoid Cooking Cup Noodles in the Microwave?
It is not a good idea to microwave Cup Noodles because of the included Styrofoam cup.
Despite being unsuitable for use in the kitchen, Styrofoam is commonly used as a throwaway packaging material for hot food.
If microwaved, it can melt, warp, and even leach chemicals into food. Accidental damage to the noodle cup increases the risk of burns from its broth.
Actually, you are causing the liquid within the cup to reach temperatures far over its normal boiling point.
It is not a good thing because noodle cups are not made to withstand a high temperature from a constant source.
Note
Directly heating the Styrofoam cup could have disastrous repercussions.
However, you could be unwittingly exposing your food to dangerous substances if you choose to ignore the manufacturer’s advice.
Cooking Cup Noodles Safely
Here are the steps you should follow in order to cook Cup Noodles safely:
- Begin by boiling water.
- Use a kettle or microwave, or you can boil on the stove top as well.
- Open the lid of your noodle cup.
- Pour hot water into the cup until the fill line.
- Cover the cup again and place something on top to keep it closed.
- Wait for a couple of minutes and your noodles are ready!
Tip: The noodles get cooked in the residual heat and moisture, but do not remove the lid too quickly or they will be undercooked and crispy.
How Do You Microwave Cup Noodles Properly?
You know you should not be putting the noodle cup in the microwave for obvious reasons.
But what if you still want to use your microwave to get things done quickly?
If you really want to do it, you should first take the instant noodles out of the cup and put them in a microwave-safe container.
If you do it right, there should be no issues microwaving Cup Noodles.
How to Do It
Open your Cup Noodles and transfer the contents to a microwave-safe bowl.
- Include the flavor packet in the bowl.
- Add some broth or simply pour in some water.
- Add anything else you may want to use to enhance the flavors.
- Turn on the microwave and cook on full power for a minute or so.
- Stop for 30 seconds and then take it out.
- Be sure to use oven mitts to remove the bowl.
- Use whatever optional toppings you have.
- Enjoy!
Tip: Remember that stronger microwaves may need less time and weaker ones would require a longer cooking time, so adjust accordingly.
Cooking Cup Noodles on Stovetop
It is a good idea to avoid the microwave to cook Cup Noodles, and if you really have to do it in a different way, choose the stovetop.
Going with the stovetop is a better idea because it lowers the risk of contaminating your food with chemicals.
But of course, you still need to follow certain instructions even when you go with the stovetop.
It is important because even when you choose the stovetop, there is still a risk of releasing harmful chemicals.
Those chemicals can cause all sorts of health problems when ingested.
Tip: Be careful about cooking time because of possible health concerns, and also because being careless can cause your noodles to become burnt or overcooked.
How to Do It?
When using the stovetop for cooking Cup Noodles, paying attention to the instructions you find on the package is essential. For instance:
- You should opt for a ceramic or glass pot for cooking.
- Check stovetop-safe instructions if you use Styrofoam or plastic cups.
- Add the noodles to the pot and pour some water into it.
- Now, cook for about 3 minutes.
Best Cup Noodle Options to Cook in Microwave
If you like Cup Noodles, you really do not have to stick to one brand. You can now find several options, some even suitable for cooking in the microwave.
For instance:
Maruchan Cup Noodles
One well-liked variety of instant noodle is Maruchan. There are many different kinds to choose from, including shrimp, beef, chicken, and even veggie.
The cooking time for Maruchan Cup Noodles in the microwave is just 3 minutes.
It is important to bear in mind that they may cost more than Nissin Cup Noodles, but they are well worth it.
Sapporo Ichiban Cup Noodles
The first instant ramen brand that comes to mind when you think of Japan is Sapporo Ichiban.
Veggie, steak, chicken, and shrimp are just some of the many options available.
If you think it is a waste of time if you have to wait more than three minutes to enjoy your noodles, this Japanese brand of instant noodles is for you.
It is true that these instant noodles are more expensive than both Nissin and Maruchan, but the superior flavor makes up for the extra expense.
Ramen Noodles
Japanese Ramen Noodles come in a wide range of tastes, from beef and chicken to shrimp and veggies.
It takes only three minutes in the microwave to prepare a bowl of Ramen Noodles.
They cost more than instant ramen, but their enhanced flavor is well worth the extra money.
An Important Consideration
Cup noodles, in sum, are a convenient and tasty alternative to fast food.
If prepared as directed, they are perfectly safe to eat. You can consult your doctor or a certified nutritionist if you are worried that microwaving cup noodles might give you cancer.
Tip: To make your noodles healthier, simply microwave an egg and add it to your cup.
Takeaway
Learning how long to cook Cup Noodles in microwave can help you do the job without facing any health problems.
Cooking for too long can cause harmful chemicals to release and taint your food.
But, remember, it is always better to avoid using the microwave to cook Cup Noodles, and instead, use the stovetop method or simply transfer the noodles to a microwave-safe cup first.
Mostly, three minutes are enough to cook, as longer you go, the higher the risk of having soggy, waterlogged noodles.