Maruchan Gold Spicy Miso Ramen Noodle Soup

Maruchan GOLD is the premium line from Maruchan, billed as “restaurant-quality ramen at home,” and this Spicy Miso is the first one I’ve tried from that line. I picked this pack up at HMart for around three or four dollars, which is a big jump from the fifty-cent regular Maruchan packs.

Produced in Japan.

What’s in the Package

Inside the gold and orange foil you’ll find a single round disc of wavy wheat noodles and one silver and yellow miso paste packet.

How to Cook Maruchan GOLD Spicy Miso Ramen Noodle Soup

1. Bring 2 cups of water to a boil in a saucepan and add the noodle block.
2. Meanwhile, squeeze the miso paste into your serving bowl.
3. Pour the cooked noodles and hot water over the paste, stir to evenly dissolve the miso, and serve.

How Does It Taste

The broth is really well-balanced. It’s a creamy miso with a peanut-buttery depth from the paste. Despite the “Spicy Miso” on the front, there’s essentially no heat.

The noodles are the real surprise. They’ve got a bounce to them that you don’t get from the regular Maruchan packs, and they hold up in the broth without going limp. They pick up the miso flavor well and match the paste instead of fighting it. This feels like Maruchan stepping up a grade from their classic line.

If there’s a flaw, it’s that the broth is more balanced than bold. James said he wanted it more miso-forward, and I agree that adding a little extra paste would push it to where it wants to be. As a baseline bowl out of the pack though, it’s the best Maruchan we’ve tasted.

How Does It Compare

The closest same-brand comparison is the Maruchan Ramen Bowl Spicy Miso, which is the microwave-bowl version in the regular line. The GOLD pack noodles are a different animal. They’re bouncier, thicker, and clearly made from a different recipe. The broth is also more nuanced.

For a classic Japanese miso point of reference, Sapporo Ichiban Miso Ramen is the benchmark and leans more traditional and earthy. This Maruchan GOLD is creamier and sweeter. If you want a pure miso experience, reach for the Sapporo. If you want something in between Maruchan comfort and something more premium, the GOLD is the one.

How to Level Up Maruchan GOLD Spicy Miso Ramen Noodle Soup

The first thing I’d do is add a little extra miso paste from the pantry to push the flavor where James wanted it. Just a teaspoon of white or red miso stirred in at the end.

A soft-boiled egg halved on top of the bowl is the classic move, and a soy-marinated egg works even better if you’ve got them on hand. For protein and vegetables, the serving suggestion on the front of the pack is right: ground pork, corn, scallions, and bean sprouts turn this into a proper bowl. A small spoon of chili oil or a pinch of togarashi brings the heat that the “Spicy” label is promising.

Final Verdict

Maruchan GOLD Spicy Miso is the best Maruchan I’ve had. The miso broth is creamy and balanced, the noodles are bouncier than the regular line, and the whole bowl is more premium than the price suggests. The spice doesn’t show up, which is a mild disappointment for anyone picking it up for the heat, but the miso carries the bowl on its own. James and I both said we’d buy this one again.

How do I rate my ramen? Check out the Ramen Rating Guide.

Related Instant Ramen

• Maruchan Ramen Bowl Spicy Miso
• Sapporo Ichiban Miso Ramen
• Sanyo Foods Junren Sapporo Miso Ramen
• Nissin Cup Noodles Ramen Bistro Japanese Miso
• Maruchan Soy Sauce Ramen Noodles

Where to buy Maruchan Gold Spicy Miso Ramen Noodle Soup

• Amazon
• Walmart
• Weee!

More to Try

• More from Maruchan: Maruchan Chicken Flavor Ramen Noodle Soup, Maruchan Pork Flavor Ramen Noodle Soup
• Topping pairing: Crab Meat
• Recipe to try: Green Apple Buldak Carbonara Spring Rolls