Maruchan Yakisoba Korean BBQ Flavor

Korean BBQ flavored everything has been having a moment, so when Maruchan released the Maruchan Yakisoba Korean BBQ Flavor, I had to try it. We’d already reviewed the chicken flavor and came away a little underwhelmed, but I wanted to give this one a fair shot before writing off the whole line.

Produced in the United States. Distributed by Japan.

What’s in the Package

The Maruchan Yakisoba Korean BBQ flavor comes in a plastic heat-safe bowl, which is one of its biggest practical advantages. Inside you’ll find a square noodle brick, a powdered seasoning packet, and a packet of dried vegetables. The dried veggie mix rehydrates nicely once you add the hot water, adding a bit of texture to what would otherwise be a pretty one-note bowl.

How to Prepare It

Preparation is pretty straightforward. Open the lid halfway, add the dried vegetables, then fill the bowl to the line with water. Close the lid and microwave for four minutes. Once done, drain the water through the vented lid, add the seasoning powder, stir to combine, and you’re done. The convenience of being able to microwave and eat straight from the same bowl makes this about as low-effort as instant noodles get.

How Does It Taste

Despite the Korean BBQ branding, this doesn’t really taste like Korean BBQ. What you’re actually getting is a sweet soy sauce flavor with garlic, onion, and a hint of sesame oil. It’s pleasant enough, but if you’re expecting the smoky, savory depth of actual Korean BBQ, you’ll be a little disappointed. The sweetness is the dominant note from start to finish, and there’s no spice or smokiness to balance it out. Like the rest of the Yakisoba line, it also doesn’t really taste like yakisoba. It’s closer to a sweet American-style stir fry noodle than anything you’d get at a Japanese restaurant.

The noodles themselves are slightly springier than standard Maruchan packet noodles, which is a small upgrade. The dried vegetables rehydrate well and add some texture, which helps.

How Does It Compare

If you’ve tried other flavors in the Maruchan Yakisoba line, don’t expect much difference here. The Korean BBQ version sits roughly on par with the chicken and beef flavors. it has the same sweet, mild profile with a different seasoning blend. None of them taste particularly authentic to what they’re named after, but they’re consistent in what they deliver: a quick, inexpensive, sweet noodle bowl that gets the job done.

How to Level It Up

This bowl benefits from additions. Because the base flavor is sweet and mild, it pairs well with something savory and hearty. I’d suggest pulled roast beef or grilled beef sliced thin, or frozen vegetables thrown in before you add the hot water so they cook through. A drizzle of sesame oil and some sliced green onions at the end would also go a long way.

Final Verdict

The Maruchan Yakisoba Korean BBQ flavor is fine. It’s not the Korean BBQ experience the name promises, but if you go in knowing you’re getting a sweet, mild soy noodle bowl that’s ready in under five minutes with zero cleanup, it delivers on that front. It’s a solid budget option for when you want something quick and easy, just don’t expect it to taste like samgyeopsal.

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

Where to buy Maruchan Yakisoba Korean BBQ Flavor

• Amazon
• Walmart