Mama Mi Goreng

I'm gonna kick off our first post with something not terribly unconventional. What I mean by that is that this packet of Mama Mi Goreng instant noodles is available at our local Tesco, so it's not like you have to go hunting for it in eccentric little out-of-the-way shops (not that you shouldn't be doing that anyway.)

I don't usually drain the water out of my instant noodles. My standard process involves mixing everything in the packet into a bowl and adding boiling water (I usually pour the flavouring out of their respective packets too, but there has been the occasional mistake.) I like my noodles with some broth left, and I think it keeps the noodles from being too overwhelmingly salty.

Our packet calls for draining the water, and so in the name of Ramen Science we shall stick to the instructions. That being said, I like adding seaweed to my noodles, and the stuff I have needs to be prepared in hot water. Normally I would simply add them with the noodle block, but exceptionally this time I shall use a separate bowl to maintain scientific integrity.

The noodles softened up almost instantly after pouring the boiling water in. I've heard somewhere that's a mark of good quality noodles (maybe someone should do some Science on that). Some of the other stuff I've tried can take quite a bit longer to soften, but I don't think it's any worse for it, really it just depends on what kind of noodle texture you prefer.

After diligently getting rid of that pesky boiling water I was left with some lovely tacky noodles. It's time to check the flavour packets, and... Hang on.

It appears I haven't fully woken up yet.

The garnish is dried bits much like my seaweed. In an attempt to salvage the situation, I'll add them to what's left of the water in that bowl and press on by mixing the rest of the seasoning into the noodles.

The noodles by themselves are great. They have a fairly chewy consistency which I enjoy and a strong garlic flavour, with a little bit of a spicy aftertaste. The packet of oil included (they never label these things on the small packets themselves but I'm assuming either garlic or sesame oil) helps coat the flavouring onto the noodles, which is probably why they suggest you have them without a broth.

With the scientific appraisal of the noodles out of the way, I turn my attention into completing it as a meal. The way I like to enjoy instant noodles is usually in three parts: The noodles as the base, some form of vegetation, and some form of protein. The part of greens today is played by the seaweed and garnish combo, and the protein, don't judge me now, is my trusty go-to: hot dog sausages.

My end result might not be as pretty as the serving suggestion on the package, but it sure satisfies. My seaweed of choice is Yutaka Dried Wakame Seaweed, which after rehydrated provides a nice bit of sorta-chewy-crisp texture. The stand out feature of the garnish is a teaser amount of corn that just makes me wish there was more corn in it. The hot dogs are just pure stupid comfort food.

I am now finishing eating as I write this, and you have somehow read just under 600 words about a bowl of noodles. Same time next post?