Dagashi: Baby Star Ramen Deep-Fried Noodle Snack
When I was a kid, with some pocket money I got from my parents, I used to often go to a small candy shop in my neighborhood that specialized in Dagashi snacks called “Dagashiya (駄菓子屋)“.
For the unfamiliar, “Dagashi (駄菓子)” is the generic term for cheap, unique, and relatively small Japanese snacks and candies, particularly for children.
Although Dagashiya shops, in general, are small, over one hundred varieties of Dagashi treats are usually available there, fully stuffed on the shelves.
Among those Dagashi, there are standard snacks favored by almost every kid and the typical example includes “Fugashi (麩菓子)“, “Watagashi (綿菓子)“, and these 10 items I introduced before.
Out of them, today I will introduce my favorite deep-fried noodle snack called “Baby Star Ramen (ベビースターラーメン)”.
Oyatsu Company Baby Star Ramen Chicken Flavor
The Dagashi I introduce here, Baby Star Ramen was introduced by the Japanese snack food manufacturer “Oyatsu Company (おやつカンパニー)” in 1959.
Today, it has become one of the most loved Dagashi treats and can be bought at many supermarkets and convenience stores around the country.
Features
As I mentioned above, Baby Star Ramen is a pleasantly crispy deep-fried noodle snack, which comes in several flavors, and the “chicken (チキン)” is the most popular among them.
In fact, using chicken extract, these fried noodles have plenty of umami, and further, one of its base flavorings, soy sauce adds extra savoriness to the Dagashi.
Ingredients
Now, let’s see the specific ingredients. Based on the list on the back of the bag, the fried noodle snack Baby Star Ramen mainly consists of wheat flour, vegetable oil, soy sauce, sugar, salt, chicken extract, protein hydrolyzate, meat extract, meat powder, and powdered yeast extract.
Ramen (Noodle Soup) Recipe using Baby Star Ramen
Image: oyatsu.co.jp
Lastly, for those of you who are interested in the Japanese noodle snack Baby Star Ramen, let me introduce an interesting recipe from the official website of Oyatsu Company, which actually makes real ramen!
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Baby Star Ramen Chicken | About 80g |
| Egg | 1 egg |
| Water | 300ml |
| Salt and pepper | A little amount |
| Chopped green onions | If desired |
- Prepare the snack noodles beforehand in a ramen bowl
- Bring a pot of the water to a boil, and add in the beaten egg
- Pour the boiling water and eggs into the bowl
- Let the noodles steep until soft
- Sprinkle a dash of salt and pepper to taste
- If desired, put chopped green onions on top and enjoy!
