Despite being an easy-to-prepare meal, a frequently asked question is if ramen noodles can be microwaved in a Styrofoam cup.
It is no surprise that people commonly feel the need to microwave ramen in Styrofoam containers. It is easy to think that Styrofoam containers are safe for the microwave because common knowledge about microwave safety is that you should avoid microwaving food in plastic containers.
Also, it may seem quite convenient to just, you know, microwave the ramen in its original container rather than run a quick Google search to see if the Styrofoam container works well with a microwave.
Come with me as we figure out how safe the process is.
Can you microwave ramen in a Styrofoam cup?
Absolutely not. You should not microwave ramen in a Styrofoam cup. Styrofoam containers are not suitable for cooking. Styrofoam is a disposable food container that is recommended to be used only once.
The most fundamental reason is that the manufacturers did not advise on the packaging that you can put it in the microwave at any point.
A broader reason is that because the Styrofoam contains harmful toxins when exposed to heat, the toxins come out from the Styrofoam and leach onto your ramen. You don’t want that, do you?
Can microwaving ramen cause cancer?
No, it cannot. If you microwave ramen in a microwave-friendly container, you’re good to go.
In a case where the container is Styrofoam or plastic, you are at risk of cancer.
The wax used to create the Styrofoam containers has not been linked to being an ingredient in the noodles, hence does not provide evidence of its being in the noodles.
How long does it take to microwave ramen?
Approximately 3 minutes. Microwaving ramen in a microwave-safe container should take between 2-3 minutes depending on how soft you like them to be.
How long can you microwave a Styrofoam cup?
About 30 seconds. If you leave it any longer, the Styrofoam will release toxic chemicals that can go into your food and cause you harm.
You should never microwave a Styrofoam cup. On the list of kitchens things you should never do, this is the top 2, not number 2.
Read also: How Long Do You Cook Bagel Bites in Air Fryer, Oven, & Microwave?
Is it safe to microwave food in Styrofoam containers?
No, with a capital “N”. Styrofoam containers are predominantly made of an organic compound called polystyrene which when exposed to heat (reaching a high of 158 degrees Fahrenheit), starts to discompose and melt, thus releasing toxins into the food. These toxins (styrene) can potentially put you at risk of cancer.
Stick to using microwave-safe containers like foil, ceramic, glass, and paper plates.
If you’re unsure of how to safely cook your ramen noodles in a microwave without Styrofoam cups, don’t fret, we’re here for you.
Read also: How Long Can Cooked Chicken Be Out of The Fridge Before It Goes Bad?
How to safely microwave ramen without Styrofoam cups.
- Open the packet of noodles and break them into a microwave-safe container (bowl/plate/cup).
- Pour water into the bowl of dry noodles.
- Place in the microwave and set it to cook for a minute.
- Repeatedly set it to 1 minute after every 30-second interval till the noodles are soft enough for you.
- While the noodles are hot, pour the flavoring powder and any other extra seasoning you’d love in, mix and enjoy!
Using this method, you can always enjoy the convenience of using your microwave to cook your ramen noodles without a Styrofoam cup.
That said, you should endeavor to read through the manufacturer’s instructions on the packaging always to see the what not’s when making any meal so you can save your time and also, so you would not have any reason to ponder about things like microwaving ramen in a Styrofoam cup.
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I write about the intersection between evolutionary biology and food. I also talk about practical applications, sustainable agriculture, and general tasty things
