Steamed buns are a snack that can be easily eaten as a light meal or a quick bite.
In addition to pork buns, there are many varieties, such as pizza buns, chocolate buns, and braised pork buns. When you see them at convenience stores or tourist spots, you can't help but buy one, drawn in by the aroma.
They are also sold frozen so you can easily enjoy them at home, and when it comes to frozen pork buns, "Imuraya" is the name to know, right?
Imuraya began selling pork and sweet bean buns in 1964, and 2024 marks their 60th anniversary.
To commemorate the 60th anniversary, the "Ikasumi-man," which was first released in 1994, has been re-released, so we will be reviewing it!
Imuraya's "Ikasumi-man" Is Back!
We're going to review Imuraya's "Ikasumi-man"!
The "Ikasumi-man," released 30 years ago in 1994, was a taboo in the food industry at the time because of its black appearance, but it became a hot topic for its impactful look and its Western-style flavor of tomato sauce with macaroni.
Now, the "Ikasumi-man" that was so popular back then is in my hands!
On the back of the package is Hao Bao Panda, the mascot character for Imuraya.
Following the cooking instructions, let's heat it up!
Checking the Nutrition Facts!
Before cooking, let's check the nutrition facts.
Per bun (70g), it contains the following:
- Energy: 163 kcal
- Protein: 5.0 g
- Fat: 3.0 g
- Carbohydrates: 29.1 g
- Salt equivalent: 0.9 g
One bun is 163 kcal, which is about the same as one onigiri (rice ball).
It's great as a light meal or a snack.
Now that we've checked the nutrition facts, let's open it!
There are two "Ikasumi-mans" in individual wrappers in one bag.
It's great that they are individually wrapped for hygiene, especially when you only want to eat one!
The cooking method is easy.
Heat it in the microwave in its inner bag.
If your microwave has a turntable, place it on the side.
If there's no turntable, place it in the center.
Our microwave doesn't have a turntable, so we'll place it in the center to heat it.
Heat it for 1 minute at 600W!
After heating, let it steam in the inner bag for 1 to 2 minutes, and it's done.
The moment I opened the inner bag, a rich Italian-like aroma of tomato base wafted out.
When it comes to steamed buns, you're always curious about the filling.
Some people split it in half before eating, while others eat it whole, but this time I split it down the middle.
When I split it open, I saw the tomato sauce with macaroni!
The aroma of tomato sauce and garlic whets the appetite.
The dough, which is kneaded with squid ink powder, is soft and has a pleasant taste.
The filling has a strong flavor of tomato sauce and garlic, and with the macaroni mixed in, it's just like an Italian dish.
It's not flimsy or sticky in the mouth like some frozen steamed buns can be; it has the right amount of moisture and a fluffy texture.
Comparison with the "4-Pack Bun Series"!
I tried it alongside the standard frozen "4-Pack Pork Buns" from the 4-Pack Bun Series!
The "4-Pack Pork Buns" have been renewed with eco-friendly packaging that doesn't use a tray.
The nutrition facts per bun (72g standard) are as follows:
- Energy: 160 kcal
- Protein: 6.0 g
- Fat: 3.7 g
- Carbohydrates: 25.7 g
- Salt equivalent: 0.7 g
Compared to the Ikasumi-man, the calories are slightly lower.
The pork buns don't come in an inner bag, so you need to wrap them in a large piece of plastic wrap to heat them.
For 600W, heat each bun for 1 minute, then let it steam for 1-2 minutes, and it's done!
Compared to the Ikasumi-man, the pork bun has pleats like a classic steamed bun.
Splitting it in half, the aroma of bamboo shoots and minced meat is appetizing.
As for the taste, the outer dough is firm, but the inside is fluffy.
The bamboo shoots and minced meat, along with a sweetness similar to red bean paste, make it delicious!
Stock up on both the Ikasumi-man and the classic pork buns in your freezer so you can have authentic steamed buns anytime!
The "Ikasumi-man" is Now Available for a Limited Time!
Imuraya's "Ikasumi-man" has been on sale since Monday, August 5, 2024, for the frozen version, and since Wednesday, August 21, 2024, for the chilled version.
The frozen products are available at supermarkets, mass retailers, and the Imuraya Web Shop nationwide.
The chilled products are limited to the Tokai, Hokuriku, Kansai, Chugoku-Shikoku, and Nagano prefectures.
Don't miss it if you see it at a supermarket or mass retailer!
The "4-Pack Bun Series" was also renewed and released on Monday, August 5, 2024, so be sure to check those out as well.
Additionally, the "Imuraya Nikuman/Anman Many Thanks Campaign" is being held from Thursday, August 1, 2024, to Monday, March 31, 2025.
By collecting entry marks and submitting an application, you can win a JCB Gift Card, an assortment of Imuraya products, or a selectable e-gift card. So, buy the eligible products and join the campaign!
For more details about the campaign, please check the Imuraya campaign website.
