# A seasoning similar to the Top Ramen packet? **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [February 4, 2019, 10:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-seasoning-similar-to-the-top-ramen-packet/828973 "2019-02-04T22:05:43Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![pohjonen](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pohjonen/32/423_2.png) [@pohjonen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pohjonen)\ **Post date:** [February 4, 2019, 10:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-seasoning-similar-to-the-top-ramen-packet/828973/1 "2019-02-04T22:05:43Z")
I dearly love the flavor of Top Ramen, but it has way too many carbs for me. Does anyone know of a seasoning to add to my egg drop & chicken soup that mimics that Top Ramen yummyness? I’ll be eternally grateful! (Bullion isn’t the same.) ---
**Author:** ![DCnDC](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dcndc/32/2842_2.png) [@DCnDC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DCnDC)\ **Post date:** [February 4, 2019, 10:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-seasoning-similar-to-the-top-ramen-packet/828973/2 "2019-02-04T22:14:57Z")
Perhaps I’m misunderstanding something here, but if you’re worried about carbs, I don’t think the seasoning packet is the part of the ramen you should be concerned about. Anyways, I’m not sure how it compares nutritionally, but I use [this stuff](https://www.amazon.com/Dragonfly-Won-Instant-Soup-Ounce/dp/B00E5DDGFE/) and I like it _much_ better than what comes with the noodles. It’s essentially chicken flavored broth powder, but slightly “fishy” (“shrimpy”?) that makes it taste more… Asian, IMO. ---
**Author:** ![Bear\_Nenno](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bear_nenno/32/3358_2.png) [@Bear\_Nenno](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bear_Nenno)\ **Post date:** [February 4, 2019, 10:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-seasoning-similar-to-the-top-ramen-packet/828973/3 "2019-02-04T22:31:45Z")
You can buy just the packets: Ramen Inspired Food and Noodle Seasoning Packets!!! (50 packs) Great on Meat, Veggies, Chips, Popcorn, Rice, Everything! Extra Large 6.5g Packs! Bold Flavor…Less Salty Taste!! [Amazon.com](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0787HGZX2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_wYlwCb5ATCVHT) ---
**Author:** ![Skywatcher](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/skywatcher/32/254_2.png) [@Skywatcher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skywatcher)\ **Post date:** [February 4, 2019, 10:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-seasoning-similar-to-the-top-ramen-packet/828973/4 "2019-02-04T22:32:16Z")
> [@pohjonen](#): > > (Bullion isn’t the same.) Do you mean cubes or [paste](https://www.google.com/search?q=better+than+bouillon&rlz=1C1GCEB_enUS790US790&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjF-q7fkKPgAhWLNd8KHWCtCuEQ_AUIDygC&biw=1920&bih=1063)? ---
**Author:** ![pohjonen](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pohjonen/32/423_2.png) [@pohjonen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pohjonen)\ **Post date:** [February 4, 2019, 10:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-seasoning-similar-to-the-top-ramen-packet/828973/5 "2019-02-04T22:40:02Z")
> [@DCnDC](#): > > Perhaps I’m misunderstanding something here, but if you’re worried about carbs, I don’t think the seasoning packet is the part of the ramen you should be concerned about. > > Anyways, I’m not sure how it compares nutritionally, but I use [this stuff](https://www.amazon.com/Dragonfly-Won-Instant-Soup-Ounce/dp/B00E5DDGFE/) and I like it _much_ better than what comes with the noodles. It’s essentially chicken flavored broth powder, but slightly “fishy” (“shrimpy”?) that makes it taste more… Asian, IMO. You did indeed misunderstand. I want to replace the seasoning packets so I don’t have to buy ramen and throw away the noodles. ---
**Author:** ![pohjonen](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pohjonen/32/423_2.png) [@pohjonen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pohjonen)\ **Post date:** [February 4, 2019, 10:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-seasoning-similar-to-the-top-ramen-packet/828973/6 "2019-02-04T22:41:02Z")
> [@Bear\_Nenno](#): > > You can buy just the packets: > Ramen Inspired Food and Noodle Seasoning Packets!!! (50 packs) Great on Meat, Veggies, Chips, Popcorn, Rice, Everything! Extra Large 6.5g Packs! Bold Flavor…Less Salty Taste!! [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0787HGZX2/ref=cm\_sw\_r\_cp\_apa\_i\_wYlwCb5ATCVHT](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0787HGZX2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_wYlwCb5ATCVHT) Bless you! Now you’re talking. I searched amazon and did not see this. ---
**Author:** ![pohjonen](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pohjonen/32/423_2.png) [@pohjonen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pohjonen)\ **Post date:** [February 4, 2019, 10:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-seasoning-similar-to-the-top-ramen-packet/828973/7 "2019-02-04T22:44:30Z")
That Amazon link says they don’t actually have it. BOO. ---
**Author:** ![Ethilrist](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ethilrist/32/4604_2.png) [@Ethilrist](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ethilrist)\ **Post date:** [February 4, 2019, 11:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-seasoning-similar-to-the-top-ramen-packet/828973/8 "2019-02-04T23:09:08Z")
Online search for nutrition labels indicate that over 99% of the spice packet is a mix of salt, MSG and sugar: > [@](#): > > soup base ingredients: salt, monosodium glutamate, sugar, contains less than 1% of: maltodextrin, hydrolyzed corn, wheat and soy protein, spices (celery seed), dehydrated vegetables (garlic, onion, chive), natural flavors, turmeric, disodium inosinate, disodium guanylate, powdered cooked chicken, cabbage extract, lactose. So, you could start with that, and see if it tastes right. Also, there are[copycat recipes](https://www.geniuskitchen.com/recipe/oriental-ramen-seasoning-copycat-198017) out there if you want to make your own, but the label above indicates that the “salt to taste” part is probably understated, and you’d need a LOT of salt to balance out 8 tablespoons of actual spice: > [@](#): > > 2 tablespoons onion powder > 2 tablespoons ground ginger > 2 tablespoons garlic powder > 2 tablespoons ground black pepper > salt, to taste I also find it disingenuous that a serving of ramen is 1/2 a package. Who the hell eats half a package??? ---
**Author:** ![Snowboarder\_Bo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/snowboarder_bo/32/229_2.png) [@Snowboarder\_Bo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Snowboarder_Bo)\ **Post date:** [February 4, 2019, 11:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-seasoning-similar-to-the-top-ramen-packet/828973/9 "2019-02-04T23:11:58Z")
I use a teaspoon or so (I think) [Kitchen Bouquet Browning Seasoning](https://www.amazon.com/Kitchen-Bouquet-Browning-Seasoning-4-Ounce/dp/B0084A8MYE/ref=sr_1_1_s_it?s=grocery&ie=UTF8&qid=1549321241&sr=1-1&keywords=kitchen+bouquet+browning+and+seasoning+sauce), 1 [Knorr onion mini cube](https://www.amazon.com/Knorr-Mini-Cubes-Onion-Seasoning/dp/B004WSNYJU/ref=sr_1_1_s_it?s=grocery&ie=UTF8&qid=1549321316&sr=1-1&keywords=knorr+onion+cube+mini), a dash of [roasted garlic & herb seasoning](https://www.amazon.com/Mc-Cormick-Roasted-Garlic-Seasoning/dp/B003U4UB2U/ref=sr_1_10_s_it?s=grocery&ie=UTF8&qid=1549321436&sr=1-10&keywords=mccormick+roasted+garlic+and+herb+seasoning) and a dash of [this buttery steakhouse seasoning](https://www.amazon.com/Kinders-Organic-Buttery-Steakhouse-Seasoning/dp/B073ZM258R/ref=sr_1_1_s_it?s=grocery&ie=UTF8&qid=1549321524&sr=1-1&keywords=buttery+steakhouse) and maybe a hint of black pepper to make my ramen broth when I use noodles other than Top Ramen. FWIW, I’m used to the regular blue-package soy sauce (formerly “Oriental”) flavor. What I make isn’t as salty as Top Ramen’s packets but it is savory as fuck, IMO. I tried using [Maggi Jugo seasoning](https://www.amazon.com/Maggi-Seasoning-ounces-Domestic-Version/dp/B0000GHEGC/ref=sr_1_2_s_it?s=grocery&ie=UTF8&qid=1549321736&sr=1-2&keywords=maggi%2Bjugo&th=1) because it’s soy based; it’s tasty but it has a fair amount of sodium (380 mg/teaspoon). ---
**Author:** ![DPRK](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/4491bb/32.png) [@DPRK](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DPRK)\ **Post date:** [February 4, 2019, 11:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-seasoning-similar-to-the-top-ramen-packet/828973/10 "2019-02-04T23:16:23Z")
Perhaps garum or nuoc mam? ---
**Author:** ![Snowboarder\_Bo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/snowboarder_bo/32/229_2.png) [@Snowboarder\_Bo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Snowboarder_Bo)\ **Post date:** [February 4, 2019, 11:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-seasoning-similar-to-the-top-ramen-packet/828973/11 "2019-02-04T23:18:52Z")
> [@Ethilrist](#): > > I also find it disingenuous that a serving of ramen is 1/2 a package. Who the hell eats half a package??? Especially considering that a full package is only 380 calories. ---
**Author:** ![DinoR](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dinor/32/2821_2.png) [@DinoR](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DinoR)\ **Post date:** [February 4, 2019, 11:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-seasoning-similar-to-the-top-ramen-packet/828973/12 "2019-02-04T23:26:09Z")
I sometimes use the “Seasoning Salt” that I picked up from my nearest dollar store. It’s mostly salt and MSG with a handful of other spices in lower quantity. That [umami](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Umami) / savory taste that MSG provides is probably the biggest chunk of what is missing without the ramen packet. ---
**Author:** ![Lucas\_Jackson](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lucas_jackson/32/303_2.png) [@Lucas\_Jackson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lucas_Jackson)\ **Post date:** [February 4, 2019, 11:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-seasoning-similar-to-the-top-ramen-packet/828973/13 "2019-02-04T23:30:30Z")
I tried to type “cheap ramen” and got auto-corrected to sheep ramming. True story… Anyway, I get not wanting to waste food but I can get Top Ramen packs for 29¢ at Target. I doubt you can get the packets alone (or some variation thereof) for less that that. ---
**Author:** ![pohjonen](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pohjonen/32/423_2.png) [@pohjonen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pohjonen)\ **Post date:** [February 4, 2019, 11:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-seasoning-similar-to-the-top-ramen-packet/828973/14 "2019-02-04T23:46:19Z")
Y’all have been very helpful - I’ll check out the dollar store and carefully inspect the spice aisle as well. MSG is really tasty apparently. ---
**Author:** ![plankter](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/7ba0ec/32.png) [@plankter](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/plankter)\ **Post date:** [February 7, 2019, 3:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-seasoning-similar-to-the-top-ramen-packet/828973/15 "2019-02-07T03:04:33Z")
I have a bottle of “multipurpose unami seasoning blend” from Trader Joe’s and it reminds me of ramen flavoring. Ingredients: kosher salt, dried onoins, ground mustard seed, porcini mushroom powder, white button mushroom powder, crushed red pepper, black pepper, and dried thyme. ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [February 7, 2019, 1:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-seasoning-similar-to-the-top-ramen-packet/828973/16 "2019-02-07T13:26:54Z")
I use the noodles and throw out the packet, so we could maybe do a trade. _However_ the noodles are for our African Grey, Rocco. A package of noodles lasts a month; I break off a tiny square every few days and drop it into some hot water. ETA: [Mrs.\_Dash](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mrs._Dash) ---
**Author:** ![Chronos](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chronos/32/134_2.png) [@Chronos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chronos)\ **Post date:** [February 7, 2019, 2:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-seasoning-similar-to-the-top-ramen-packet/828973/17 "2019-02-07T14:46:56Z")
To be fair, **Ethilrist** , that ingredient list could be as little as 88% salt, sugar, and MSG. The “less than 1%” applies to each of the following ingredients individually, not as a whole, so you could contain 0.99% maltodextrin, 0.99% hydrolyzed corn, 0.99% wheat and soy proteins, etc. But yeah, it’s mostly salt. ---
**Author:** ![Biggirl](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/biggirl/32/3294_2.png) [@Biggirl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Biggirl)\ **Post date:** [February 7, 2019, 3:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-seasoning-similar-to-the-top-ramen-packet/828973/18 "2019-02-07T15:22:05Z")
> [@kayaker](#): > > I use the noodles and throw out the packet, so we could maybe do a trade. _However_ the noodles are for our African Grey, Rocco. A package of noodles lasts a month; I break off a tiny square every few days and drop it into some hot water. > ETA: [Mrs.\_Dash](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mrs._Dash) I use one packet seasoning to 2 packs of noodles. We all should set up an exchange system. ---
**Author:** ![pulykamell](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pulykamell/32/3166_2.png) [@pulykamell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pulykamell)\ **Post date:** [February 7, 2019, 3:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-seasoning-similar-to-the-top-ramen-packet/828973/19 "2019-02-07T15:58:34Z")
> [@pohjonen](#): > > MSG is really tasty apparently. It is. I keep a bottle of it on my spice shelf all the time. If you buy some Accent (or generic MSG, which is what I buy, as it’s like 1/3 of the price for the same amount) and taste it, I think you’ll recognize the flavor. It’s kind of like salty, but not quite salty. Just deep, “meaty/cheesy” type of flavor. (They call it “umami.”) Like if you’ve had a real parmaggiano-reggiano and bit into one of the more crystally parts of it, that’s what it’s closest to sensation-wise, but dial down the actual dairy/cheese/stinky part of the flavor. Or, more simply, soy sauce without the soy flavor, but I think that’s a little more difficult to imagine. Still, that back of the tongue aftertaste you get after trying a teaspoon of soy sauce, that lingering flavor is umami. ---
**Author:** ![Chronos](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chronos/32/134_2.png) [@Chronos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chronos)\ **Post date:** [February 7, 2019, 4:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-seasoning-similar-to-the-top-ramen-packet/828973/20 "2019-02-07T16:46:43Z")
Also, like salt, MSG is a flavor enhancer, making whatever other flavors are present more noticeable, in addition to its own flavor. And lest anyone think it’s a weird foreign thing, the major restaurant with the highest levels of MSG is KFC. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-seasoning-similar-to-the-top-ramen-packet/828973.md?page=2)