Can you microwave cup noodles? In general, no, don’t put cup noodles in microwave. Most styrofoam cup noodle containers aren’t microwavable. But even though cooking cup of noodles in microwave isn’t recommended, you can still enjoy the convenience of a microwave for instant cup noodles, other instant noodles, or ramen noodles. Learn how long to microwave ramen cup the right way, and find out why can’t you microwave cup noodles here!
Jump to:
- 🥣 Can you microwave cup noodles?
- 🥤 Can foam cups be microwaved?
- 🍜 Can you heat up cup noodles in the microwave?
- ⏰ How Long to Microwave Ramen Cup
- ➕ What happens if you microwave cup noodles without water?
- 🤔 What happens if you microwave cup noodles?
- 💀 Can you get cancer from microwaving cup noodles?
- 🍜 How do you make cup noodles really good?
- 👨🏾🍳 How do you make instant cup noodles better?
- 📋 Calories, Protein, Net Carbs
- 💭 Expert Tips from a Dietitian
- FAQs
- 🏆 What’s the best cup of noodles?
- 👩🏻🍳 Other Microwave Recipes
- The Disclaimer…
- 📖 Recipe
- 💬 Comments
🥣 Can you microwave cup noodles?
You can use a microwave to make cup noodles. However, you may need to microwave the water separately in a microwave-safe bowl if the cup noodle container isn’t microwave safe. The best way to find out if the container is safe is to read the noodle cup label.
In short, the microwave is the answer to “How do you cook instant noodles without a stove?” Just remember that you may not be able to heat the water in the container the noodles come in.
You may be tempted to find a cup noodles microwave recipe. The inclusion of a cup is convenient, but you might not be able to microwave ramen in styrofoam cup.
The cup can handle hot water if you use it correctly. But if you microwave instant ramen by heating the cup itself in a microwave, you may have a problem. It can break down the styrofoam or other materials the cup is made of.
This breakdown of the cup may release harmful chemicals into your soup, or may weaken the cup. To avoid this, the label on the cup usually says not to microwave water directly in the cup they provide. Instead, you should boil water first and pour it into the noodle cup.
🥤 Can foam cups be microwaved?
Most brands and varieties of cup noodles say their cups are not intended to be microwaved. There are a few exceptions. But unless you see that a specific cup says it is okay to microwave, you should assume not.
As of right now, the vast majority of cup noodles out there say not to microwave them. Most cup noodles currently on the market come in styrofoam cups.
The cups are considered safe to use if you heat water first separately. Then you pour the water into the cup with the ingredients. The exact directions may vary depending on the specific product you have, so be sure to check the label!
🍜 Can you heat up cup noodles in the microwave?
Cup of noodles microwave instructions are pretty easy once you know how to do it. Usually you do not want to heat the cup noodles in the cup they’ve come in. Only heat the cup itself if the instructions on the label say to microwave it.
If you’ve already prepared the soup and just want to reheat it, you could pour it into a microwave-safe container. Then you can safely heat the cup noodles in the microwave.
A few varieties of cup noodles do say you may microwave their cups. In those cases, feel free to microwave according to the label. But if you overheat the noodles by not following the instructions, you may have the same problems.
If you want to know how long to cook cup of noodles in microwave, the best answer is to follow the instructions on the label. Usually you really want to microwave just the water, and not the cup of noodles itself.
If you have a microwave-safe coffee mug large enough to hold all the water and easy to pour from, great! The handle may help you pour without spilling hot water. Using a larger cup may also help you avoid spills since you can leave extra space at the top.
The time that it will take to heat the water will vary depending on your microwave. Often it is about two minutes.
The first time you do this, keep an eye on the water. Then you can get an idea whether to microwave for more or less time in the future.
Can you microwave Nissin cup noodles?
Nissin makes both microwave and non-microwave noodle cups, so check the instructions on the label! Most of their cup noodles are not meant to be microwaved.
But for some types the preferred cooking method in the instructions is to microwave them. For example these Nissin Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry Noodles are microwavable.
So check the label! The label is usually pretty clear about whether your cup is meant to be microwaved or not.
For most varieties, get out your own microwavable cup or bowl and put in enough water. There are different shapes and sizes of noodle cups, but 1½ cups of water fills most standard sizes.
Then heat your cup or bowl of water. The time varies by microwave, but two minutes is fairly common. The water doesn't have to bubble, just get hot.
Fill the cup with water up to the indicated fill line. Once the hot water is in the cup, cover and allow it to sit. The time may vary by flavor or type, but three minutes is common.
If you are in the mood to skip even the microwave, some people also like to eat the noodles “raw”. Can you eat Nissin cup noodles raw without safety issues? Yes! (source)
The cup noodles are technically not raw, they are cooked by the manufacturer before they are dehydrated and packaged. Feel free to use some of the seasoning to add flavor, to your own taste.
The noodles are hard, so don’t bite or chew in a way that punctures the inside of your mouth. Some crush them and add them to salads.
Can you microwave Maruchan cup noodles?
Maruchan makes some microwavable noodle bowls, but their cups usually aren’t microwavable. So check the label.
Maruchan uses the name “Maruchan Instant Lunch” for their cup noodles. Maruchan Instant Lunch microwave instructions say to heat the water separately and pour into the cup.
You can also find Maruchan ramen bowls that are microwavable, like these Maruchan Chicken Ramen Bowls. For those, yes, feel free to microwave them according to the instructions.
Why can’t you microwave a Maruchan cup?
Maruchan’s Instant Lunch cup noodles come in a cup made of styrofoam. When heating a styrofoam cup full of liquid in the microwave, portions of the liquid can become incredibly hot.
This is especially true when the liquid contains oils or fats, which have a higher boiling point than water. Most cup noodles, including Maruchan Instant Lunch, pre-cook the noodles in oil. Anywhere the oil forms a layer on the surface of your soup can possibly get quite hot during the microwaving.
When the styrofoam gets sufficiently hot, it can leach out chemicals like styrene, which causes cancer. The styrofoam may also weaken, soften, or even break if microwaved for too long.
Can you microwave Maggi cup noodles?
Like most cup noodles, Maggi’s noodles come in cups that are not meant to be microwaved. When preparing Maggi cup noodles, microwave the water separately and pour into Maggi’s cup once heated.
Can you microwave Samyang cup noodles?
No, Samyang cup noodles do not currently come in a microwave safe container. You should follow the instructions, which are generally to heat the water separately and pour it up to a fill line. Then let the noodles sit covered for three minutes.
Is it safe to microwave Top Ramen?
Check the label. Top Ramen makes noodle bowls that are microwavable, like these Beef Flavored Noodles. But many of their noodle cups do not come in microwavable containers.
When making a Top Ramen cup, you typically want to heat the water separately and pour it into the Top Ramen cup.
How long do you microwave cup of noodles? Your goal is to get very close to a boil. Usually two minutes is about right, but it varies by microwave. So feel free to experiment and remember what you learn for next time.
After pouring the water, cover the soup with the lid and allow it to sit for three minutes.
Top Ramen also makes noodles in bricks that don’t come in cups. These are perfectly safe to microwave in your own microwave-safe bowl.
Can you microwave cup noodles (Reddit)?
If you look on Reddit about whether to microwave cup noodles, you may get unhelpful information. In this thread, the top answer recommends microwaving the cups anyway and ignoring the cancer risk.
The increased risk of cancer from different things can add up. In this case there are easy options to avoid microwaving soup in a non-microwavable cup. So why put yourself at risk when it’s easy to avoid?
You can follow the instructions, and heat your water in a separate mug or bowl. You could get one of the microwavable varieties, like from Nissin or Maruchan. Or you could use noodle bricks instead of noodle cups.
⏰ How Long to Microwave Ramen Cup
How long to microwave cup noodles? Here are the step-by-step directions for how to cook cup noodles in microwave:
- Put water in a microwave-safe bowl or mug. About a cup and a half to two cups is enough for most noodle cups. A mug is nice because it is easy to pour while hot.
- Heat the water in the microwave on high power. Your goal is to heat it just under boiling. The time varies by microwave, but usually two minutes is about right. If you need to add extra time, remember to microwave for longer the next time you make a noodle cup.
- Peel back the cover on the noodle cup and pour the hot water into the cup. There is a fill line indicating how high to pour.
- Put the cover back on the cup and allow the noodles to sit. Three minutes is standard, but some varieties may suggest different times on the label.
- Eat the noodles! By leaving the noodles in the original cup, you don’t create any dirty dishes, which is nice.
How to make cup noodles without boiling water?
Some people like to eat the noodles without adding hot water. It is typically safe if you want to try it, as the noodles are usually precooked before they are packaged.
If you do this, remember that the flavoring is already mixed in with most noodle cups. It will be concentrated because you did not add any water. If the flavoring is too intense, you could try again with a noodle brick. The flavor packet that comes with the bricks is in a separate packet, so you can decide how much you want to include.
➕ What happens if you microwave cup noodles without water?
Nothing good will happen if you put noodles in the microwave without water. You are likely to burn the noodles, damage the container, and possibly produce smoke in your kitchen.
Most of the time you should be microwaving water separately anyway so this shouldn’t be likely to happen.
🤔 What happens if you microwave cup noodles?
If you microwave a non-microwave safe noodle cup directly, the materials in the cup may soften and leak out styrene, which is linked to cancer. Extended microwaving may also weaken the cup. It may even deteriorate and leak.
Certain brands have come out with microwavable varieties. But check the label, because those brands also still make cups not meant to be microwaved. Both Maruchan and Nissin (which includes Top Ramen) have some types that are microwavable.
Especially Maruchan Ramen Bowls, Nissin Stir Fry noodle varieties, and Top Ramen bowl-shaped containers are often microwave safe. But always check the instructions to make sure.
💀 Can you get cancer from microwaving cup noodles?
It is possible that the materials in the cup itself will get into your soup if you microwave the container. Most soup containers are made of polystyrene (EBS, commonly called styrofoam). Polystyrene is considered safe, but when it breaks down into styrene, the styrene may increase cancer risk.
When you microwave styrofoam, it can break down and release harmful chemicals. Especially with oil, which gets hotter than water’s boiling temperature.
The oil that may pool at the surface of a noodle cup therefore gets very hot. This is more likely to damage or melt the styrofoam when you microwave ramen in styrofoam cup. This can mean increased styrene in your soup, which may be associated with an increased risk of cancer.
Some containers are designed for microwaving. So if the container says so, you may microwave it by following the instructions.
🍜 How do you make cup noodles really good?
Start by picking a flavor that excites you. There are simple flavors like chicken or beef. But there are more adventurous flavors available like hot garlic chicken stir fry, Korean barbeque, or picante chicken.
Follow the preparation instructions. Don’t leave the noodles sitting too long, or they may get soft. But don’t take them too early, or they will not be fully cooked.
Feel free to add toppings or other ingredients for additional flavor.
👨🏾🍳 How do you make instant cup noodles better?
Ramen often comes with a seasoning packet, but you can take the flavors up a notch. You can sprinkle on top or mix in several add-ons to make the cup o noodles even better. Some ideas include:
- Basil
- Green onion or scallion
- Lemon or Lime Juice
- Hot sauce
- Crumbled bacon
- Shredded cheese
- Veggies like chopped carrots and peas
- Hoisin sauce
- Sriracha
- Soy sauce
- Ground ginger
- Chopped spinach
- Ground herbs such as rosemary or thyme
- Cook in low sodium veggie or chicken broth instead of water
📋 Calories, Protein, Net Carbs
The nutritional content of a cup of noodles varies a lot by maker and variety. The serving size is typically one package.
For the standard chicken flavor cup of noodles by Top Ramen, one serving has 400 calories, 56 grams net carbohydrates, and 9 grams protein.
Most cup noodles are not gluten free or vegan, but you can find some varieties that are. Cup noodles are not a keto or low carb food.
💭 Expert Tips from a Dietitian
This is a level 3 recipe (weight maintenance and active lifestyles).
Cup noodles are an ultra-processed food that are perhaps best in moderation. The details vary because there are so many varieties, but they tend to be high in calories, fat, and sodium. They’re not quite empty calorie junk food, after all many soups and pasta have similar nutritional features. But they do push the boundary a bit.
It is possible to lose weight while eating ramen noodles, if the noodles are eaten in moderation. If losing weight is a high priority for you, you might want to save the ramen cups for an occasional treat. If consumed daily, 400 calories is kind of high for a snack.
Yes, ramen noodles have calories and protein if you're trying to bulk up. But the noodles are usually heavy on carbs and fat, so the portion of calories from protein is not especially high. And the sodium content is usually around 50%, so it’s not a good idea for you to eat multiple cups daily.
Cup noodles are cheap, and many college students love them for this reason. But whether your goal is to gain weight, lose weight, or maintain, ramen noodles are best in moderation. You certainly wouldn’t want to live off of them; you very quickly reach your sodium limit by having more than one a day.
FAQs
It depends on the microwave. You probably want to heat the water about two minutes to reach a boil. If you don’t reach a boil, add time until you do. Then remember the total time and use that next time you make noodles.
Yes, cup noodles are precooked before they are packaged.
Yes, if you like, you can eat instant noodles without adding hot water. It’s probably not to everyone’s taste, but some people enjoy it.
Coffee mugs are usually the best cups to microwave because they have a handle to use after they are heated. Some mugs will have decorative metal trim, which you obviously should not microwave. Do not use a cup or mug that says it is not microwave safe. Materials like plastic may be okay to use if they say they are microwave safe on the bottom.
The most common method is to boil water in a small pot on the stovetop and then pour into your cup. You could also use a tea kettle. If you like heating water in a coffee maker (remember to remove any coffee), that would work as well.
Should you drain the water from cup noodles? Nope! The water added to cup noodles makes a salty broth that can be eaten with the noodles.
🏆 What’s the best cup of noodles?
The best cup of noodles obviously depends on what you prioritize in your noodles. Are there particular flavors you are looking for? Are you trying to find a healthier version? Or a variety with a microwavable cup?
If I had to pick only one brand, I would go with Nissin. It was founded by the inventor of cup noodles, and has continued to innovate. Nissin is the maker of multiple popular brands, including Top Ramen and Cup Noodle.
They have a large number of flavors to choose from. Their standard flavors like chicken and beef are a great everyday comfort food.
Their more novel flavors like their stir fry varieties are a more recent hit. These include Teriyaki Chicken and Thai Yellow Curry, among several others.
👩🏻🍳 Other Microwave Recipes
Looking for more recipes for the microwave? Try these next:
You may also enjoy microwave meals in air fryer.
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The Disclaimer…
All recipes on this website may or may not be appropriate for you, depending on your medical needs and personal preferences. Consult with a registered dietitian or your physician if you need help determining the dietary pattern that may be best for you.
The nutrition information is an estimate provided as a courtesy. It will differ depending on the specific brands and ingredients that you use. Calorie information on food labels may be wildly inaccurate, so please don't sweat the numbers too much.
For more information on how the three recipe levels may help with a weight management goal, refer to my overnight oats no sugar post. Let's get cooking!
📖 Recipe
Can You Microwave Cup Noodles (How Long to Microwave Ramen)
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 container cup noodles
- 2 cups water
Instructions
- Cup noodles will tell you on the label if the cup is microwave-safe or not. If it's not, put water in a microwave-safe bowl or mug instead. About 1½-2 cups water is enough for most noodle cups.
- Heat the water in the microwave on high power. Your goal is to heat it just under boiling. The time varies by microwave, but usually two minutes is about right.
- Peel back the cover on the noodle cup and pour the hot water into the cup. There is a fill line indicating how high to pour.
- Put the cover back on the cup and allow the noodles to sit. Three minutes is standard, but some varieties may suggest different times on the label.
- Enjoy! By leaving the noodles in the original cup, you don’t create any dirty dishes.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
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