How to "Cook" Ramen Noodles With No Heat

Most people think that you need hot water to cook Ramen noodles. For years now, I have eaten Ramen noodles on camping trips, car trips, and many other times when I have been away from a heat source.

Ramen noodles normally take 3 minutes to cook. The directions say that you simply add the package of noodles into at least two cups of boiling water, and you will be ready to eat within 3 minutes.

For Ramen noodles to be “cooked”, they need to fully absorb the water until they are soft. Heat helps to expedite this process, but it is by no means absolutely necessary. Ramen noodles can absorb cold water just as easily as hot water. The main difference is that it takes longer. Here’s a short guide to help you cook your Ramen noodles with no heat:

1. Find a container that holds a minimum of 12 or 16 ounces of water.

2. Empty the packet of noodles into the container

3. Fill the container with cold water

4. Wait 30 minutes

5. Mix in the seasoning

6. Enjoy!

That’s it. Pretty simple, right? I have found that 30 minutes is a good amount of time for the noodles to become fully soft. Sometimes I might wait up to an hour. The length of time can vary depending on the temperature of the water. If it is extremely cold, it will take longer than if it is lukewarm. Just check on it from time to time if you are in a hurry.

Of course, this whole method presumes that you don’t mind eating cold noodles, but I have found that they are just as tasty when they are cold as when they are hot.