Can You Microwave Nissin Cup Noodles? (Solved)

Categorized as Microwave Safety
can you microwave cup noodles

Nissin Cup Noodles have been a dorm room staple for years, but is it really okay to microwave them? Some people say that the noodles will release unhealthy chemicals if they’re microwaved, while others claim that there’s no danger at all.

So, what’s the truth? Let’s take a closer look.

Can You Microwave Nissin Cup Noddles?

The answer to this question depends on which type of Nissin Cup Noodles you’re microwaving. Nissin has a lineup of different cup noodles, some of which are microwavable, while others are not.

So, the first thing you want to do is make sure that you’re microwaving the right kind – if it doesn’t say “microwave” on the label, then don’t microwave it!

Generally, cup noodles are not safe to microwave. Some examples of the Nissin’s Cup Noodles products that belong to this category include Nissin Original Cup Noodles, Nissin Cup Noodles Seafood, and Nissin Cup Noodles Curry.

The reason behind this is fairly straightforward: the microwaves themselves can cause chemicals in the plastic and styrofoam to be released into your noodles, which increases your risk of getting cancer.

Traditionally, to cook these noodles, you have to pour boiling water into the cup, wait three minutes, then mix the flavor packet.

If you want, you can still use the microwave for cooking these non-microwaveable Nissin Cup Noodles, but not in their original container.

You need to transfer your noodles into a microwave-safe bowl. Only after that can you start microwaving (we’ll learn about the best way to do this later).

In 2015, however, Nissin Foods launched microwavable cup noodles in the United States.

These microwavable varieties have undergone an extra step of processing to prevent this kind of chemical leeching, so you can safely eat your microwaved Nissin Cup Noodles without worry.

Some examples of Nissin Cup Noodles products that you can safely microwave include Nissin Hot & Spicy Fire Wok Molten Chili Chicken Flavor, Nissin Cup Noodles Stir Fry Teriyaki Beef Flavor, and Nissin Cup Noodles Stir Fry Rice with Noodles Japanese Teriyaki Chicken Flavor (we’ll learn how to cook these in the microwave later).

Brief History of Nissin Cup Noddles

The Nissin Cup Noodles was first introduced by Momofuku Ando in 1971. He was the creator and founder of Nissin Foods, a Japanese company specializing in instant ramen noodles.

The inspiration behind this cup noodle came from his trip to the United States in 1966.

While there, he saw how local supermarket managers seemed to cook their own instant ramen noodles in cups and eat them with forks. He was impressed by how convenient it was and took this idea back to Japan when he returned the same year.

He started to work on his first prototype of cup noodles, and after a few years of experimentation, the Nissin Cup Noodles was finally launched in 1971.

In 1973, Nissin Cup Noodles expanded to the United States and quickly gained popularity. Ever since then, many have been enjoying Nissin’s Cup Noodles around the world.

Today, Nissin Cup Noodles is one of the world’s most popular cup noodles.

Available in over 100 countries with more than 150 flavors, including flavors unique to certain countries, the Nissin Cup Noodles has become a universal staple food among people from all walks of life.

How to Tell If Your Cup Noodles are Microwave Safe

To check if your cup noodles are microwave safe, you need to check the packaging and see if it says “Microwave” on the label. If you see that word, then they’re safe to microwave!

You’ll also likely find a microwave-safe symbol on the packaging. The symbol itself usually looks like a square microwave oven with some wavy lines inside.

If you can’t find either the manufacturer’s safety guide for microwaving the noodles or the microwave-safe symbol anywhere on your label, don’t force it – just stick with the instructions for boiling water and waiting, rather than microwaving.

How To Microwave Non-Microwaveable Nissin Cup Noodles

Here’re the step-by-step instructions on how to microwave non-microwaveable Nissin Cup Noodles:

  1. Take the noodles out of the original packaging.
  2. Transfer the noodles into a microwave-safe bowl. After that’s done, pour enough water into the bowl until it covers the noodles. Let them sit for three minutes so they can soften and hydrate.
  3. Put a loosely on top of the bowl. Make sure it’s microwave safe.
  4. Put the bowl in the microwave for about three to four minutes. The cooking time depends on your specific microwave. I use a 1000-watt microwave for this tutorial.
  5. After cooking, let the noodles sit for another two to three minutes.
  6. Mix in the seasoning and other add-ons (such as vegetables, meat, etc.) and enjoy!

How Do You Microwave Microwaveable Nissin Cup Noddles?

Nissin microwaveable cup noodles are a dream come true for avid fans of cup noodles.

They usually come with instructions printed on the back of the packaging, but if it’s not there, here are the detailed step-by-step instructions you can follow for most of their flavor varieties:

  1. Remove the lid.
  2. Add room temperature water up to the inside fill line of the cup.
  3. Place the cup into the microwave without the lid on.
  4. Microwave for about four minutes on high.
  5. Let it sit for a minute.
  6. Stir and enjoy!

Our Nissin Cup Noodles Serving Suggestions

There is a variety of ways to upgrade your Nissin Cup Noodles. From adding your favorite vegetables to make it healthier to pouring the chicken broth over the noodles for an even more flavorful meal.

Below are some of our suggested serving ideas:

  • Slice up your favorite vegetables, such as onions, carrots, cabbage, and garlic. Then, mix some of these greens to give your cup noodles an even healthier boost.
  • Break up some of your favorite meat into small chunks and add them to the noodles. Try using chicken, pork, beef, or seafood like shrimp.
  • Pour some of the chicken broth over the noodles before enjoying it. This makes it even more flavorful and gives you a bigger serving than just water!
  • If you’re looking to spice things up, try adding some hot sauce over the noodles once it’s done cooking.

Final Thoughts

Nissin Cup Noodles has come a long way since its creation. Its popularity has allowed it to grow into over 100 countries with numerous flavors.

You can even add your own twist to the original recipe and enhance its nutritional value and taste with some simple steps, such as sprinkling a few bacon bits or adding some green vegetables.

What makes Nissin Cup Noodles so popular is its ease of preparation and use that doesn’t require much time or effort. You can just add water to the cup, microwave for a few minutes, and enjoy your noodles without having to use extra tools.

However, you must note that not all Nissin Cup Noodles are safe for microwaving, so it’s important to read the label carefully before putting them into your microwave.

If you can’t find the instructions for microwaving on the packaging or if there’s no microwave-safe symbol anywhere, it’s best to stick with the traditional way of cooking it.

Sources

Nissin Cup Noodles – Home

Nissin introduces first microwavable Cup Noodles

The Story of Nissin Cup Noodles

By Rosie Elliott

I’m Rosie. I’m a professional chef with experience in Western, Mediterranean, and Italian cuisine. I’ve been cooking for over 15 years, and I have two daughters that keep me busy!