方便面,又称快熟面、速食面、即食面、泡面、快速面、快餐面,是一種可在短時間之內煮熟食用的麵製食品。即食麵的原理是利用棕櫚油將已煮熟與調味的麵條硬化,並壓製成塊狀,
食用前以熱水沖泡,用熱水溶解棕櫚油,並將麵條加熱泡軟,數分鐘內便可食用。在现代的盒装方便面发明之前,在中国清代已经出现了与之类似的油炸面条,这种面条被称为伊麵,而非油炸的面条则可以追溯公元前205年韩信军队发明的“踅麵”
Instant noodles are sold in a precooked and dried noodle block, with flavoring powder and/or seasoning oil. The flavoring is usually in a separate packet, although in the case of cup noodles the flavoring is often loose in the cup.
Some instant noodle products are seal packed; these can be reheated or eaten straight from the packet. Dried noodle blocks are cooked or soaked in boiling water before eating.