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This is one of the most common ramen cups in the United States and probably one of the first instant ramens a lot of people ever tried. We always had these in the pantry growing up for a quick and easy meal. It’s not complicated and it doesn’t pretend to be, just a straightforward reliable cup of noodles that’s been feeding people for decades.
Produced in the United States. Distributed by Japan.
What’s in the package
One cup of pre-cooked wavy noodles with a beef seasoning packet and dehydrated vegetables already built into the cup. Same simple format as the rest of the Maruchan Instant Lunch lineup.
How does it taste
The dominant flavor is a strong beef bouillon note that hits you immediately and is really the only thing going on in the broth. It’s savory and salty but one-dimensional, which means it needs some help to feel like a complete bowl.
The noodles are thin and wavy with a light broth at 1/5 viscosity. One tip worth trying is to add less hot water than the instructions call for. Cooking it drier concentrates the flavor and makes the broth taste bolder and less watery and it makes a noticeable difference.
How does it compare
Between this and the Maruchan Instant Lunch Chicken, the beef version is noticeably bolder and more assertive right out of the cup. The chicken flavor is lighter and more neutral and works better as a blank canvas. If you want more flavor without any additions, beef is the stronger choice. That said neither version is particularly complex on its own and both benefit significantly from toppings.
How to level it up
Roast beef deli meat is the natural pairing here since it reinforces the beefy broth and adds real protein substance to the cup. A few dashes of hot sauce or a drizzle of chili oil adds the spice this bowl is missing. A soft boiled egg adds richness and rounds out the thin broth nicely. If you want to go further a splash of soy sauce and some green onions go a long way toward making this feel like an actual meal.
How to Cook Maruchan Instant Lunch Beef Ramen Noodles
Cooking directions per package instructions:
- Fold back lid halfway. Fill to inside line with boiling water.
- Close lid securely and let stand for 3 minutes.
- Remove lid, stir thoroughly and enjoy from cup.
Final Verdict
A classic pantry staple that delivers exactly what it promises, a quick cheap convenient cup of beef flavored noodles. It won’t win any awards on its own but with a few easy additions it becomes a solid bowl. The less water trick alone is worth knowing.
Tasting Notes
- Spice Level: 0/5
- Broth Viscosity: 1/5
- Noodles Thickness: 1/5
- Noodle Type: Wavy
- Topping Suggestions: Roast Beef Deli Meat, Added Spice
How do I rate my ramen? Check out the Ramen Rating Guide.
Where to buy Maruchan Instant Lunch Beef Ramen Noodles
Community Ratings
I’m not sure why, this tastes like burnt barbecue to me, and not in a good way.
