After years of searching, here we are. Where are we and what is this? This is a pack of instant noodles that is only for inmates in correctional facilities – prisons. I found them on eBay and asked fans on the Facebook page if they would be interested in purchasing them (it was a pack of 24 and I only needed a couple) and send me a couple. A fellow named Nick Bizarro was kind enough to take up the task, and thanks to him, here we are.
Why is this special? Well, I contacted the distributor for these and they were quite adamant that the only possible way I could ever review these is if I went to prison. I pleaded with them, as I am not really interested in going to prison, but they wouldn’t budge.
You might notice that this variety isn’t available on the market – yup, it’s prison-only. However Maruchan says that it’s the same as Picante Beef flavor. Another thing is that these packages (known in the industry as pillow packs) are transparent. This is so officers can make sure no contraband is inside them. Since I have two packs of these, I’m going to do two versions – one more gourmet as I would garnish as per usual, and the other using an interpretation of a recipe used by inmates.
Solet’s delve into Maruchan Texas Beef Ramen Noodle Soup!
Maruchan Ramen Noodle Soup Texas Beef Flavor – United States
Detail of the packaging (click to enlarge). Contains beef. To prepare, add noodle block to two cups of boiling water and cook 3 minutes. Take off heat and add sachet contents. Finally, stir for one full minute and enjoy!
The noodle block.
A clear dry sachet of soup base.
Finished (click to enlarge). Added shichimi, chili oil, sesame seeds, Salad Cosmo mung bean sprouts, roast beef, and soft egg. Noodles were as you’d expect – familiar gauge and light on the chew. The picante beef-like taste is a good one. 3.5 out of 5.0 stars. UPC bar code 041789002786.
Prison Ramen: Recipes and Stories from Behind Bars
Watch me cook on Instant Noodle Recipe Time!
