Sapporo Ichiban Beef Flavored Soup

I first came across Sapporo Ichiban about four years ago at a Japanese grocery store in Seattle and it’s been a staple for me ever since. The brand has been around since 1966 and has been selling in the US since 1978, when Sanyo Foods set up in Garden Grove, California. The Beef Flavor was one of their original three American flavors.

Produced in the United States. Distributed by Japan.

What’s in the Package

Inside you get a noodle brick and one soup base packet. Simple setup for a straightforward soup ramen.

How to Cook Sapporo Ichiban Beef Flavored Soup

Cooking directions per package instructions:

1. In a small pot, boil 2 cups (500ml) of water. Add noodles, cook for 3 minutes, stir occassionally.
2. Remove from heat. Add soup and seasoning from the packet and stir well.
3. Try adding an egg, vegetables or meat as desired.

How Does It Taste

The broth surprised me with a hint of miso underneath the beef. I wasn’t expecting that. The main flavor is beef bouillon, direct and savory, with a strong salt level that hits right away. It’s not a complex broth but it does what it promises.

What stood out to me most was the noodles. They’re wavy and medium thickness and they hold up better than most. Even after sitting in the hot broth for a few extra minutes after cooking, the springiness didn’t go. That’s not something I can say about a lot of instant ramen noodles and it’s worth calling out.

The saltiness is real though. This is a broth you want to pair with something that balances it out rather than eat plain.

How Does It Compare

Sapporo Ichiban has a loyal following for good reason. The original flavor is a benchmark for Japanese style instant ramen in the US market. This beef version sits in the same lane but the miso undertone gives it a slightly different character.

How to Level Up Sapporo Ichiban Beef Flavored Soup

The saltiness is the main thing to work around. Fresh vegetables are the best move here since they add sweetness and crunch that cuts through the salt. Napa cabbage, carrots, and tomatoes all work well together and keep things light.

Vietnamese beef meatballs and bok choy are a natural fit too. The meatballs bring real beef flavor to match what the broth is going for, and the bok choy adds that fresh crunch. A soft boiled egg or poached egg adds creaminess and rounds the whole bowl out.

Final Verdict

This Sapporo Ichiban Beef Flavored Soup is a solid base ramen that earns its place on the shelf. The beef bouillon flavor is honest, the miso hint is a nice surprise, and the noodles hold up better than you’d expect. It does run salty so go in with toppings ready. Add some vegetables and an egg and this becomes a good bowl.

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

Where to buy Sapporo Ichiban Beef Flavored Soup

• Amazon
• Walmart
• Weee!