Lee Min-jung’s “Guilt-Free” Instant Noodles? The Must-Have Veggie She Swears By

Actress Lee Min-jung is gaining attention for sharing her “less-guilty” ramen recipe—offering a healthier way to enjoy a dish known for its deliciousness and its dietary downsides.

Instant noodles are undeniably tempting, but concerns about high sodium levels often leave eaters with a sense of guilt. That’s where Lee Min-jung’s approach stands out: it’s not just about satisfying cravings, but about doing so in a way that considers nutrition and health.

On April 16, Lee posted a new video to her personal YouTube channel Lee Min-jung MJ, revealing her personal take on bibim (spicy mixed) ramen. In the video, she admits, “Bibim ramen is delicious, but I always feel a little guilty afterward.” She then walks viewers through her version of the dish—featuring shredded cabbage and chicken breast—which is lighter, more filling, and better balanced.

This isn’t just a personal preference—it’s a nutritionally sound upgrade. A typical packet of ramen contains over 1,800mg of sodium, nearly reaching the World Health Organization’s daily recommended limit of 2,000mg in a single meal. Regular overconsumption of sodium can lead to elevated blood pressure and long-term cardiovascular risks. In fact, a study published in the Korean Journal of Nutrition found that women who eat noodles five or more times a week had 2.3 times higher risk of developing hypertension.

That’s where cabbage comes in. Rich in potassium, cabbage helps flush excess sodium from the body and supports blood pressure regulation. It also protects the stomach lining, which is often irritated by spicy, salty foods like instant noodles.

Lee also adds chicken breast, a lean protein that helps round out ramen’s typically carb-heavy profile. With about 23g of protein per 100g, chicken breast adds lasting satiety and helps avoid overeating.

Even the cooking method makes a difference. Lee uses the "rinsed noodle method"—boiling the noodles, discarding the water, then mixing them with separately prepared sauce. Combine that with using only half the soup base, and sodium intake can be reduced by as much as 27%, according to a study by Semyung University’s Department of Food Science.

For ramen lovers trying to eat smarter, this recipe proves you don’t have to give it up—just tweak the ingredients and prep. Lee Min-jung’s approach is a perfect example of how small changes can lead to big health wins without sacrificing flavor.

Meanwhile, married to Squid Game star Lee Byung-hun, Lee Min-jung is also set to reconnect with KBS through her upcoming role as the lead of a new observational reality show, Coming & Going with Lee Min-jung, which premieres on May 23. The show is a healing variety program where Lee brings a mobile convenience store stocked with everyday essentials to a rural village, spends the night, and shares heartfelt conversations with the locals. This marks her return to the entertainment scene two years after her appearance on ENA’s Oh Eun-young Game.

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