A guide to cooking and eating instant Ramen noodles

Instant Ramen noodles cooked like a professional is delicious and loved by the whole family. Instead of eating it like the package suggests, try this original and special variation for a low sodium meal with an Asian flavoring:

1. Purchase your favorite flavor. The chicken flavor Instant Ramen noodles is by far the best choice.

2. Place the package on the counter top or on a table.

3. Before opening, crush the noodles with your hand, breaking the noodles into smaller pieces. Try to do this without exploding the package and ending up with a mess. Place your hand on top of the package and press your weight onto the noodles. Feel around for large pieces and crush with your fingertips.

4. Open the package gently and remove the seasoning pouch. It will look a little damaged from the noodles pressing into it. Set this pouch to the side.

5. Pour the noodles into a microwavable bowl. Any microwavable bowl will work, but preferably use one that is clear. Clear bowls make measuring water much easier.

6. Fill the bowl with enough water to cover the noodles. If using a clear bowl, look through the side of the bowl to make sure about a half of inch of water is in the bottom. The noodles will float to the top. This extra water allows for evaporation in the microwave.

7. Microwave for two to three minutes. Microwave settings and temperatures vary, so if the noodles look hard after two or three minutes, replace and heat for thirty seconds at a time until done.

8. Drain water from the noodles by pouring into a strainer over the sink. Some of the noodles may fall through the strainer holes, but not many. Pour the noodles back in the bowl, strain again until water is drained completely.

9. Return noodles to the bowl.

10. Sprinkle one fourth of the seasoning pouch onto noodles and stir until blended. By only using a fourth of the pouch, the sodium level is reduced.

11. Pour two tablespoons of House of Tsang Classic Stir Fry Sauce onto noodles. Mix until soaked up by noodles.

12. Eat this delicious treat by itself or as a side dish. This recipe is also an excellent substitute for stir fry dinners instead of using rice.