Maruchan Pork Flavor Ramen Noodle Soup

Maruchan Pork Flavor Ramen Noodle Soup has been sitting in American pantries for decades. It’s cheap, it’s everywhere, and it comes with one thing you need to know before you even open the packet…use more water than it tells you to. This one was really salty for our tastes.

Produced in the United States. Distributed by Japan.

What’s in the Package

Inside the plastic wrapper, you will find a square, dried block of fried wheat noodles and a single silver “Pork Flavor” seasoning powder sachet.

How to Cook Maruchan Pork Flavor Ramen Noodle Soup

1. Boil 2 cups of water in a saucepan, add noodles, and cook for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
2. Turn off heat, add contents of seasoning packet, and stir well for 1 minute until seasoning is fully dissolved.
3. Makes two 1-cup servings (I eat both servings).

How Does It Taste

The saltiness hits immediately and it doesn’t let up. Past the salt there’s a heavy Italian seasoning note alongside the pork bouillon. Same herbal quality that shows up in the Maruchan Creamy Chicken but more prominent.

James said it tasted similar to the Maruchan Beef Flavor packet. It was slightly toned down in overall flavor intensity but somehow just as salty.The pork bouillon is there but it plays second fiddle to the salt and herbs.

The noodles are the same solid Maruchan noodle you get across the lineup. They hold up in hot broth without going mushy.

How Does It Compare

Within the Maruchan packet lineup this is the saltiest of the three we’ve reviewed. The Maruchan Chicken Flavor is the most approachable and the least salty. The Maruchan Beef Flavor sits in the middle with a bolder onion garlic aftertaste. The Pork has the most prominent Italian seasoning note and needs the most adjusting before it becomes enjoyable. If you’re new to the lineup start with the Chicken.

How to Level Up Maruchan Pork Flavor Ramen Noodle Soup

More water first. That’s the adjustment that matters most.

After that, vegetables. The saltiness needs something to balance against it and vegetables do that better than anything else. Broccoli adds crunch and a mild bitterness that cuts through. I would also add canned corn and Napa cabbage for some sweetness.

Final Verdict

Maruchan Pork Flavor Ramen Noodle Soup is the saltiest entry in the Maruchan packet lineup. It just needs work before it becomes enjoyable.

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

Where to buy Maruchan Pork Flavor Ramen Noodle Soup

• Amazon
• Kroger
• Walmart