Everything You Need to Know About Momofuku Instant Ramen

Momofuku Instant Ramen was developed by Chef David Chang and the team behind Momofuku restaurants to deliver bold flavor and chef-level texture in a matter of minutes. This guide breaks down what makes these noodles different—from how they’re made to what’s inside—so you can decide if they belong in your pantry.

What Is Momofuku Instant Ramen?

Momofuku Instant Ramen is a line of air-dried noodles paired with rich, chef-crafted sauces. Each flavor is designed to reflect a specific culinary perspective—whether it’s umami-forward, spice-driven, or bright with aromatics. Unlike many instant noodles, which are typically fried in oil and seasoned with powdered mixes, Momofuku noodles are air-dried and combined with sauces made from ingredients like fermented pastes, soy, sesame, and chili.

What Are the Available Flavors?

The current lineup includes five distinct flavor profiles:

  • Spicy Soy – A layered sauce of soy, chili, and roasted garlic.

  • Soy & Scallion – Toasty and savory, with green onions

  • Tingly Chili Wavy – Features Sichuan-inspired peppercorn heat and fragrant spice.

  • Sweet & Spicy – A balanced combination of mild heat and sweetness.

  • Spicy Chili – Concentrated soy flavor with warming spices like ginger and chili.

Each pack includes a sauce designed to coat the noodles evenly and deliver deep, satisfying flavor in every bite.

How Is Momofuku Ramen Made?

The noodles are air-dried, not fried. This approach is closer to traditional noodle-making methods and avoids the use of frying oil during production. The result is a noodle with a firmer texture and less residual oil, ideal for stir-fries, soups, or standalone meals.

The sauces are built from ingredient pastes, seasonings, and savory concentrates—giving each flavor more dimension than the typical powder-based packet.

Is Momofuku Instant Ramen a Better Option?

That depends on what you're looking for. If you're comparing based on cooking method, ingredients, and nutritional profile, here’s how Momofuku stands apart:

Feature

Momofuku Instant Ramen

Many Mass-Market Brands

Drying Method

Air-dried

Deep-fried

Seasoning Format

Chef-crafted sauces

Powdered seasoning packets

Protein per Serving

10–15g

4–7g

MSG

No added MSG

May contain added MSG

Total Fat (Estimate)

~4–6g

~12–14g

Cooking Time

~4 minutes

~3–4 minutes

Momofuku ramen was designed to offer more depth of flavor and a more substantial noodle experience in each bite.

How Do You Cook It?

Cooking is simple and takes about four minutes:

  1. Boil noodles in water for 3–4 minutes.

  2. Drain completely.

  3. Toss with the included sauce packet.

  4. Top or stir in any additions you like.

Because the noodles are air-dried and the sauces are built with layered, concentrated flavors, they also perform well in stir-fries or cold noodle salads.

What Can You Add to It?

Momofuku Instant Ramen was built to be flexible. You can enjoy it straight from the pack or customize it depending on your mood:

  • Add a soft-boiled egg and scallions

  • Stir in vegetables or leftover proteins

  • Mix with Momofuku Chili Crunch for extra heat and texture

  • Use as a base for brothier ramen bowls or noodle soups

Where Can You Buy Momofuku Instant Ramen?

You can find it online and in stores, including:

  • shop.momofuku.com

  • Amazon

  • Whole Foods

  • Target

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Momofuku ramen fried?

No. All Momofuku Instant Ramen noodles are air-dried, not fried.

Does it contain MSG?

There is no added MSG in any Momofuku Instant Ramen flavor.

How much protein is in each serving?

Depending on the variety, Momofuku noodles provide 10–15g of protein per serving.

Is it spicy?

Some flavors like Spicy Soy, Spicy Chili, and Tingly Chili include chili oils or peppercorns, while others like Soy & Scallion are more mild.

Can I stir-fry Momofuku ramen?

Yes. The air-dried noodle texture holds up well in stir-fries and other non-soup preparations.

Final Takeaway

Momofuku Instant Ramen isn’t a nostalgic throwback—it’s a modern pantry essential. With air-dried noodles, chef-crafted sauces, and bold, restaurant-inspired flavors, it offers a more elevated take on instant ramen while staying just as convenient.