The Ajinomoto Tokyo Style Shoyu Ramen from Costco is a delicious and incredibly convenient meal that delivers an authentic, savory flavor, making it a worthy freezer-aisle staple for any ramen lover. It’s one of the better frozen ramen options I’ve tried, successfully balancing rich broth, tender toppings, and satisfying noodles in a package that goes from freezer to table in just four minutes.
What’s In The Ajinomoto Shoyu Ramen Box?
Inside the box, you’ll find six individually packaged ramen bowls, each containing a block of frozen noodles, seasoned white meat chicken, corn, carrots, and green onions. This product is made by Ajinomoto, a well-known Japanese food company, which lends it a good deal of credibility.
You can find this item in the freezer section at Costco, usually alongside other frozen Asian-inspired meals. Each bowl is a complete meal, with the broth concentrate, noodles, and toppings all frozen together and ready to be microwaved.
How Much Does The Shoyu Ramen Cost at Costco?
The Ajinomoto Tokyo Style Shoyu Ramen costs $17.99 at Costco. The package contains six 9.45-ounce bowls.
- Costco Item Number: 1081557
- Price per bowl: $3.00
This breaks down to just three dollars per bowl, which is excellent value for a quick, hot, and satisfying meal of this quality. It’s significantly cheaper and faster than restaurant ramen.
How to Cook Shoyu Ramen From Costco?
Cooking the Ajinomoto Shoyu Ramen is incredibly simple and takes just four minutes in the microwave. The instructions are designed for a 1,100-watt microwave, so you may need to adjust the time slightly for your own appliance.
Here are the official cooking instructions from the box:
- Completely peel the plastic film off the top of the bowl.
- Add water up to the designated fill line inside the bowl.
- Microwave on HIGH for 4 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Carefully remove the bowl from the microwave—it will be very hot! Stir everything thoroughly to combine the broth concentrate with the water and enjoy.
Pro-Tips to Make Your Costco Ramen Even Better
While the ramen is fantastic on its own, the package itself suggests a couple of easy ways to customize it. For an even more authentic experience, try adding a soft-boiled egg, a dash of black pepper, or a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds.
What Does Tokyo Shoyu Ramen Taste Like?
Overall, the Costco Shoyu Ramen has a rich, savory soy sauce-based broth with surprisingly tender chicken and perfectly chewy noodles. For a frozen product, the quality is genuinely impressive.
- The Broth: The “shoyu” (soy sauce) broth is the star of the show. It strikes a perfect balance of savory and complex without being overly salty, delivering a deep and satisfying umami flavor. It’s a classic, clean Tokyo-style broth.
- The Noodles: The noodles rehydrate perfectly in the microwave, retaining a pleasant chewiness that is often hard to find in instant ramen. They aren’t mushy at all and have a great texture.
- The Toppings: The grilled white meat chicken is tender and flavorful, which was a pleasant surprise. The corn adds a nice pop of sweetness, while the carrots and green onions provide a bit of freshness and color.
Is The Costco Shoyu Ramen Healthy?
While delicious, the Costco Shoyu Ramen is not a particularly healthy meal, primarily due to its very high sodium content. It’s best considered an occasional convenient treat rather than a daily health food.
Here’s a quick look at the key nutrition facts for one bowl:
- Calories: 410
- Protein: 20g
- Total Fat: 7g
- Sodium: 1700mg (74% of your recommended daily value)
The 20 grams of protein is a definite plus, making it a filling meal. However, the 1700mg of sodium is extremely high and is the biggest nutritional drawback.
Allergen Information: This product contains Wheat, Egg, and Soy.
The Final Verdict: Is The Costco Shoyu Ramen Worth It?
Yes, the Ajinomoto Tokyo Style Shoyu Ramen from Costco is absolutely worth buying for its fantastic flavor, incredible convenience, and excellent value. It’s a top-tier frozen meal that delivers a genuinely satisfying ramen experience in minutes.
| Category | Rating | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Taste | 9/10 | Authentic, rich shoyu broth and great texture from noodles and toppings. |
| Value | 10/10 | At $3.00 per bowl, the quality-to-price ratio is outstanding. |
| Convenience | 10/10 | A complete, delicious meal in just four minutes with minimal cleanup. |
| Nutrition | 4/10 | Filling with 20g of protein, but the sodium content is extremely high. |
| Overall | 8.5/10 | A freezer must-have for quick, delicious lunches or dinners. |
You should BUY the Costco Shoyu Ramen if:
- You are a fan of authentic Japanese ramen.
- You need quick and easy meal options for work or home.
- You are looking for a high-value, budget-friendly meal.
You should PASS on the Costco Shoyu Ramen if:
- You are on a low-sodium diet.
- You are looking for a low-calorie or health-focused meal.