Chicken ramen has become the classic fast food, which is sought in the kitchen by many people. It requires very little effort in preparation and is extremely cheap, which adds to its popularity. But is chicken ramen good for you?
When it comes to satisfying a bowl of hot spicy chicken ramen in a cosy restaurant or at home, it is of utmost importance to look into the nutritional effectiveness of this cuisine. Thus, in this guide, the focus will be on chicken ramen as to whether it is good for you or not based on the analysis of its dietary merits as well as demerits.
Continuing on our journey through authentic chicken ramen noodles and its health benefits without further ado.
What Are Chicken Ramen Noodles?
Before we go through the deep discussion of what is chicken ramen, knowing what is ramen is so important. Usually, ramen is a Japanese noodle soup dish that is most popular in many places in Japan. It originated from China as an import to Japan in the late 1900s. All over the world, this dish is a cuisine because it offers a unique combination of rich flavours and chewy textures.
When it comes to chicken ramen noodles (a version of ramen noodles), the dish traditionally consists of a savoury broth base, pieces of chicken and ramen noodles. There are so many ways to prepare this dish, including fresh vegetables, seasonings and boiled eggs.
What Types of Ramen Noodles Contain Chicken?
In all ramen dishes, chicken is a predominant ingredient, either as ‘chicken broth’ or ‘shredded chicken’. Here are some of the variations found among this type of ramen noodle dish using chicken and broth:
Chicken Shoyu Ramen
Shoyu ramen is a type of ramen widely considered to be the first generation of ramen that consists of soy sauce and chicken soup decoction. It has a tangy and salty flavour that is accompanied by noodles and pairs well with toppings like nori, menma, chashu, scallions and boiled eggs.
Chicken Miso Ramen
This ramen has umami broth, which is savoury and rich combined with chicken. It often looks similar to miso soup in appearance. Typically, this dish is garnished with corn, spring onions and mushrooms.
Chicken Shio Ramen
Shio ramen is a lighter or salt-based broth that allows the flavour of the chicken to stand out. It is frequently served with straightforward complements like chicken, soft-boiled eggs, and bamboo shoots.
Spicy Chicken Ramen
This type of chicken ramen features a spicy broth made with chilli paste or oil and is ideal for those who love a bit of heat. Mostly, these spicy chicken ramen noodles are topped with spicy kimchi, vegetables, and grilled chicken.
Chicken Tonkotsu Ramen
Although tonkotsu ramen is made with pork, some variations use chicken broth instead. On top of chicken slices for protein, this version features a rich, creamy bone broth made from boiling chicken bones.
Is Chicken Ramen Good For You?
Chicken ramen is not inherently good or bad for health. But they provide limited healthful value on their own. This dish contains carbohydrates, protein, fats and some micronutrients like iron and B vitamins.
But how chicken ramen is made affects how healthy the noodles are. For instance, instant ramen usually contains excessive sodium and preservations, while home-cooked or restaurant chicken ramen noodles are usually healthier.
Furthermore, chicken ramen noodles are a good source of protein and carbohydrates. Freshly cooked with consideration of the right ratio of components, chicken ramen noodles can provide heating fullness and satisfying nourishment. But without proper balance and moderation, it may not be the best option for daily consumption.
Pros of Chicken Ramen
Rich in Protin
Chicken provides lean proteins, while eggs can add even more, which can be an easy and affordable energy source.
Customisable Options
You can make your bowls with extra vegetables, low-sodium broth and whole-grain noodles.
Variety of Filling
This satisfying meal offers a wide variety of proteins to choose from, including a mix of protein, fats and carbs.
Budget-friendly
In almost every corner of the world, ramen is widely available in budget-friendly options. Besides, you can purchase them anywhere from a full-service grocery store.
What Does a Healthier Chicken Ramen Bowl Normally Contain?
In this section, we are going to explore the key components of healthy chicken ramen into a real culinary gem.
The Broth
Whenever chicken ramen is made, the broth is at the core of the dish. The truth lies in the fact that the most important factor when it comes to a restaurant’s broth is how well the flavours are balanced. The broth is often rich and savoury in terms of taste, made from chicken bones and soy sauce to add to its flavours.
The Whole-grain Noodles
In the ramen world, noodles are the rockstars of flavour transportation. To create a quality bowl of ramen, chewy ramen noodles team up with tender chicken and umami-packed broth. Fresh noodles make the biggest difference. Restaurants make fresh noodles with a chewy texture. On the other hand, instant ramen is usually fried in oil giving it a different texture.
The Toppings
Another magic of chicken ramen lies in its versatility. It is possible to make ordinary ramen extraordinary by using the right complements. Here are some of the common ingredients that make chicken ramen delicious, such as soft-boiled eggs, avocado, lean chicken, carrots, bamboo shoots, sliced scallions, corn kernels, and nori.
The Amazing Health Benefits of Eating Chicken Ramen
It is true that authentic Japanese chicken ramen is best when it is made using high-quality ingredients and mindful choices, it can be a surprisingly healthy meal. Here are a few of the notable advantages of chicken ramen noodles you should need to explore:
Rich in high-quality proteins
Though ramen contains various protein sources such as tofu, pork bone, and others. But when it comes to chicken ramen, the main protein source is chicken, which supplies the vital amino acids. This can help to maintain and repair our body’s tissues.
Nutrient-rich vegetables
Ramen noodles with chicken are most often accompanied by generous helpings of vegetables like bamboo shoots, bean sprouts, onions, etc. These vegetables also have many healthy benefits, which need not be limited to just vitamins and minerals for the body’s well being, but also increase the digestive health and strengthen the bones. In adition, these vegetables also have a lot of antioxidants and other vitamins and minerals.
Contains complex carbohydrates
Wheat flour is the most commonly used ingredient in chicken noodles because it contains complex carbohydrates. It is for this reason that these noodles are a great source of energy. Unlike simple carbohydrates, complex carbohydrates are absorbed by the body more slowly, resulting in spikes in energy. Additionally, keep your blood sugar levels constant all day.
Good for bone
Traditionally, the broth for ramen is prepared with slow-cooked bones that release minerals and collagen into the liquid. And offers numerous health benefits, such as promoting healthy joints, improving the elasticity of your skin and aiding digestion.
How to make chicken ramen noodles healthier?
So is chicken ramen good for you? The answer is no if the ramen noodles come in an unhealthy way. But some ways can help to make bowls of ramen healthy.
Usually, each bowl of ramen comes in a wide variety of unique tastes and is combined with other ingredients to make it healthiest. By combining various ingredients, this dish is also incorporated into a diet that emphasises innumerable health.
However, to make ramen healthier, try to incorporate these easy and quick tips in your broth bowls.
Incorporate whole-grain noodles
Noodles made from whole grains typically include more fibre. This can help you to boost digestion, keep you full for longer, and support healthy cholesterol levels. So when you are ordering ramen in any restaurant, ask if whole grain noodles are available to make a healthier alternative.
Add protein
In chicken ramen, one of the main ingredients that contains protein is chicken. So if you want to increase the protein content in your ramen, incorporate fresh chicken or eggs in the ramen noodles. Because both are excellent sources of protein that can easily be added to the dish. This does not only help you to meet your daily protein requirements but also improves flavour and nutrition.
Customise your toppings
When it comes to chicken ramen, make it healthier; there are various additions available. Therefore, add extra vegetables, nutrient ingredients and lean protein sources to make a comprehensive and balanced meal. Think about vegetables like mushrooms, seaweed, boiled eggs, and spinach, for example.
Reduce the amount of sodium
Traditional ramen soup may be bad for people with high blood pressure because of the sodium in it. Hence, to lower sodium content, one may scatter the flavour powder or ask for a low-sodium broth. As an alternative, you can make homemade low-sodium chicken ramen using natural seasonings.
Choose lighter broth
Traditional chicken ramen noodles come in different types and tastes of broth, thick, flavourful options such as tonkotsu and lighter options. Thus, going for a non-creamy broth means that one will likely consume fewer calories and fat.
Drawbacks of Chicken Ramen Noodles
High in sodium
Packages of instant chicken ramen noodles often contain a large amount of sodium. Therefore, if you eat a lot of instant chicken ramen, it can lead to high disease, even stroke.
Low nutritional value
Instant ramen noodles lack essential nutrients like fibre, vitamins and minerals.
Calorie density
Some ramen noodles, especially the instant kind, can be high in calories but low in nutrition. Making it easy to consume too much food without feeling full.
Is It Okay To Eat Spicy Chicken Ramen Every Day?
While chicken ramen includes numerous nutrients, including iron, B vitamins, and manganese, it also lacks fibre, protein, and other essential nutrients. Therefore, it is not recommended to eat instant chicken ramen noodles every day.
Moreover, packaged foods such as instant noodles are deficient in antioxidants and phytochemicals that have a positive impact on health. Below we will discuss what happens when you eat chicken ramen every day.
- Daily consumption of instant ramen noodles increases the risk of metabolic syndrome.
- In accordance with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), excessive sodium consumption can have detrimental effects on your health.
- There is a chance you could get hypertension.
- You may gain excess weight.
- It may lead to liver damage.
- You might experience problems with digestion.
- Sustaining deficiencies may result from consuming instant chicken ramen.
- It could potentially raise your risk of tumours.
A Bowl of Healthy Chilli Chicken Ramen Recipe
Chicken ramen is usually packed with protein, making it an ideal choice for those who want to eat healthy without the faff. Besides, it is suitable for home freezing, making it super convenient for those busy days. However, making a bowl of healthy chilli chicken ramen is super simple. It should take about 20 minutes and just one pot.
So get ready to dig into a bowl of pure delicious chicken ramen.
Main Ingredients
- 2 eggs
- 4 cups of chicken broth with low-sodium
- 1 ½ teaspoon soy sauce
- 2 chicken breast fillets, boneless and skinless
- 6-8 oz. ramen noodles
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 cup sliced cabbage
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
- 2 green onions chopped
- Hot chilli oil to taste
Step-by-step Instructions
Step 1: Using a medium-sized saucepan, add whole eggs with water. Bring to a boil and remove from heat. Remove eggs from the water with tongs and place in a bowl of ice water to cool.
Step 2: Once the broth and soy sauce are at a boil, add the chicken breasts and cook until done.
Step 3: When the chicken breasts are cool enough to handle, shred them using two forks. Then return the shredded chicken to broth.
Step 4: Add the ramen noodles, broth, and shredded chicken. Cook the noodles for the amount of time recommended on the package.
Step 5: Adding extra chicken broth or water as needed and adding salt to taste.
Step 6: Take the soup off the heat and mix in the cabbage and carrots.
Step 7: Sprinkle chilli oil and chopped green onions over the omelette, then garnish with a half egg.
Step 8: Finally serve immediately.
Nutrition Fact
- Serving: 1 serving
- Calories: 339kcal
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Protein: 31.3g
- Fat: 5.8g
- Saturated Fat: 1.6g
- Cholesterol: 145.7 mg
- Sodium: 249.7 mg
- Fibre: 3.3g
- Sugar: 2.2g
About Negi & Nori Japanese Restaurant
In general, making a restaurant-quality chicken ramen can be a laborious process. It may also require several hours. This can reduce Negi & Nori restaurant, which has the best and unlimited Japanese items you will surely love for a very affordable price. Besides, this ramen restaurant offers authentic Japanese ramen with a focus on fresh and high-quality ingredients. Ramen options at Negi & Nori include healthier options with lots of vegetables and lean proteins, but they are also known for their savoury broths and tender chicken. For every ramen enthusiast, it offers a variety of options, whether they prefer a traditional or spicy twist.
Final Word
So is chicken ramen good for you? The answer depends on which type of ramen you can choose. For example, instant chicken ramen is typically salty; nutritional deficits and chemical additives make it less healthy. On the other hand, a restaurant or homemade chicken ramen bowl with fresh vegetables and lean chicken offers more nutritional benefits.
Therefore, to enjoy the delicious taste and cosy warmth of ramen without compromising your health, personalise your bowl with nourishing additions for the healthiest option.
Whether you are searching for comfort food during a busy workday or a soul-nourishing dish to enjoy with friends on a cosy evening, chicken ramen fits the bill.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you lose weight by eating chicken ramen?
Among all the ramen, chicken ramen is the cheapest and the easiest meal to prepare, but when you are making an effort to lose weight, this one is perhaps the worst option. The reason is that it is extremely caloric; it has dense fats and heavy carbohydrates and is rather tasty and protein-based. But by making just a couple of modifications, there is no reason why eating chicken ramen cannot be incorporated into a healthy lifestyle, such as opting for whole wheat noodles, vegetables and making your broth.
Can you eat chicken ramen when pregnant?
Yes, it is safe to eat chicken ramen noodles even when pregnant. Because it is prepared with protein-content food. Besides, there are no harmful things used in this dish. But some accompaniments, such as raw fish, raw eggs, fish stock and bean sprouts, are not suitable for you. Thus, watching what you put in your ramen while pregnant is important.
Should you avoid eating chicken ramen?
There are no real reasons to avoid ramen unless you have a medical condition, including celiac disease. This would prevent you from consuming any wheat products. Whether you need to monitor your sodium intake, you may also avoid consuming the whole flavour packet in packaged ramen due to sodium sensitivity.
Is Nissin chicken ramen noodles healthy?
Nissin chicken ramen is typically healthy. But if you consume it regularly, that is harmful for you due to its high amount of sodium. The high amount of sodium associated with the diet is associated with an increased risk of heart failure and hypertension. However, to avoid this risk, you can decrease the amount of sodium in Nissin chicken ramen by not consuming all the broth.
How healthy is chicken gyoza ramen?
Chicken gyoza ramen can be made with steamed gyoza, whole grain noodles, fresh vegetables and a low-sodium broth. This can provide a balanced mix of protein, vitamins and carbs. However, when you are eating pre-packaged ramen, be aware of the high sodium, refined carbs and potentially unhealthy fats.
Is chicken ramen a good source of protein?
Yes, it is a good source of protein, especially when you include lean chicken. Some ramen dishes also include eggs that add additional high-quality protein.