The packages are way larger than supermarket ramen, and cost a lot more ($0.59 to $0.79 vs. $0.10 to $0.20) but Korean ramen is to supermarket ramen as an 18-wheeler is to a tricycle - this is GOOD STUF! Many flavors and styles and degrees of hotness from rather mild to "knock your socks off". Yes, the different flavors actually taste different, look different and have different textures, very much unlike supermarket ramen.
The instructions for cooking vary and the English versions are often wrong, but this method works for all:
- Put 2 cups to 3 cups of cold water in a saucepan (the instructions say 2 cups (if they're coherent) but I like my ramen more liquid so I use 3 cups).
- If there is a packet of dried vegetables and/or seaweed and/or dried seafood in the package, put it in with the cold water.
- Bring water to a boil and put in the noodle cookie (I like to eat this stuff with a spoon, often while reading, so I break the cookie up small - if you leave it whole (as the package calls for) you have to use chopsticks and pay attention).
- Let the noodles simmer for 4 to 5 minutes, then pour in the contents of the powder packet. Turn off heat and eat.