If you’re looking for a delightful, customizable, and super convenient meal, you’ve got to try this Mason Jar Noodles Recipe. This clever way of preparing noodles lets you layer fresh, vibrant ingredients inside a jar for an easy, on-the-go lunch or cozy dinner that tastes like it took hours but only needs minutes to prepare. It’s fresh, packed with flavor, and you get that satisfying noodle bowl vibe without the fuss of pots and pans. Whether you’re rushing to work or craving a light, wholesome meal, these mason jar noodles are a total game-changer.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Mason Jar Noodles Recipe lies in its simple, yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each element has a role in building a flavorful, colorful, and texturally exciting dish—making every bite a perfect harmony between chewiness, freshness, and umami depth.
- Instant ramen noodles: These provide a quick and satisfying noodle base that soaks up the broth beautifully.
- Soy sauce: Adds a salty and savory depth, essential for that classic noodle broth flavor.
- Miso paste (optional): Boosts umami richness with subtle fermented sweetness.
- Sesame oil: A fragrant touch that rounds out the broth with nutty warmth.
- Ginger powder or fresh ginger: Gives a lovely zing and hints of freshness.
- Garlic powder: Layer of savory punch without overpowering.
- Rice vinegar: Balances the flavors with a bit of tangy brightness.
- Sriracha sauce (optional): For those who like a little spice kick.
- Shredded carrots: Adds crunch and sweetness, plus vibrant color.
- Thinly sliced bell peppers: A splash of color and crisp texture.
- Chopped green onions: Offers fresh sharpness with every bite.
- Baby spinach or leafy greens: A tender and nutrient-packed addition.
- Corn kernels (optional): Sweet bursts that contrast nicely with savory flavors.
- Sliced mushrooms (optional): Earthy, tender texture to round out the veggies.
- Boiled egg: Creamy richness and protein to make the meal more filling.
- Cooked shredded chicken or tofu: Adds heartiness and extra protein.
- Fresh cilantro or parsley: Herbaceous lift for your senses.
- Sesame seeds: Nutty crunch to sprinkle over the top.
- Chili flakes: Optional heat for a little punch.
- Lime wedges: Splash of acidity to brighten flavors when serving.
How to Make Mason Jar Noodles Recipe
Step 1: Layer the Dry Ingredients
Start by breaking the noodles into smaller pieces if it helps them fit better inside your mason jar, or just tuck them in whole if they do. This base layer gives structure and will soak up all those fantastic flavors you’ll add later, creating a delicious broth once hot water is poured in.
Step 2: Build the Flavor Base
Next, add the soy sauce, miso paste if using, sesame oil, ginger, garlic powder, rice vinegar, and sriracha sauce. This magical combination is what transforms simple noodles into a deeply flavorful, soul-satisfying broth. It’s important to layer these ingredients so they mingle beautifully after you add the hot water.
Step 3: Add Fresh Vegetables
Layer shredded carrots, bell peppers, green onions, spinach, corn, and mushrooms if you have them. These veggies add freshness, vibrant color, and satisfying textures that complement the noodles perfectly. Taste and nutrition come in with these bright additions.
Step 4: Top with Protein
Finish your mason jar noodles recipe by adding protein on top—whether it’s a halved boiled egg for creaminess or cooked shredded chicken or tofu for a hearty plant-based option. This keeps proteins from getting soggy and helps them warm up gently when stirred in later.
Step 5: Seal and Store
Make sure to screw the jar lid on tightly to keep everything fresh until you’re ready to eat. You can store the assembled mason jar noodles in your refrigerator for up to three days, making it an ideal grab-and-go lunch.
Step 6: Prepare to Enjoy
When hunger strikes, simply pour hot water over the layered ingredients, fill to your liking depending on how soupy you prefer it, then stir well. Let it sit for a few minutes so the noodles soften and the flavors can come together into a delicious, comforting bowl.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
If you added a boiled egg, place sliced halves on top now. Sprinkle with sesame seeds, fresh herbs, chili flakes, and a squeeze of lime for that extra burst of flavor. Your mason jar noodles are ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Mason Jar Noodles Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishes make all the difference between a good noodle bowl and a memorable one. Fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley give a light, herbal lift. Sesame seeds add subtle nuttiness and texture. Chili flakes bring welcome warmth, and lime wedges brighten up the broth with a zesty finish. Don’t shy away from piling on your favorites to personalize each serving.
Side Dishes
Because this Mason Jar Noodles Recipe is so satisfying on its own, it pairs beautifully with light side dishes like crisp Asian slaws, steamed edamame, or crunchy cucumber salad. For a heartier meal, spring rolls or dumplings complement the noodle bowl’s flavors nicely.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re making this for guests or lunchboxes, try layering ingredients in color-blocked sections for a pretty rainbow effect. Clear mason jars allow the layers to shine visually before eating. You can also serve the noodles directly in the jar if it’s microwave-safe, perfect for a casual yet charming meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your mason jar noodles can be stored in the fridge for up to three days when the jar is sealed properly. Keep the protein and egg separate if you want to maintain optimal texture, especially if you plan to eat them cold or later in the day.
Freezing
While this recipe is best fresh or refrigerated, you can freeze the cooked noodles and broth separately in a freezer-safe container. Fresh veggies don’t freeze well, so it’s best to add those after thawing and reheating the noodles.
Reheating
To reheat refrigerated noodles, transfer from the jar to a microwave-safe bowl and heat gently until warm. Add fresh vegetables or herbs last to keep their crunch and color. If you’ve stored the egg separately, add it in after reheating to preserve its flavor and texture.
FAQs
Can I use other noodles besides instant ramen?
Absolutely! This Mason Jar Noodles Recipe is flexible—feel free to use soba, rice noodles, or even spiralized veggies if you prefer. Just consider the cooking time, as some may need adjusting the hot water soak duration.
Is the recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, simply swap the shredded chicken for tofu or omit the protein altogether. The miso paste adds plenty of umami to keep the flavors rich and satisfying without meat.
How spicy is this recipe?
The level of spice is totally up to you! Sriracha and chili flakes are optional ingredients, so you can dial up the heat or leave it out entirely for a milder but still flavorful bowl.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead for meal prep?
Definitely! Mason jar noodles are great for meal prep since they keep fresh in the fridge for a few days. Just add hot water and fresh garnishes right before eating for the best experience.
What if I don’t have a mason jar?
No problem! Any airtight container or large jar will work. The key idea is layering the ingredients so they stay fresh and separate, ready to soak into a delicious broth when you add hot water.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give this Mason Jar Noodles Recipe a go because it brings together convenience, flavor, and freshness in such a fun and tasty way. It’s the perfect answer for anyone who loves noodle bowls but needs a quick and portable solution. Once you start layering your favorite ingredients this way, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!
Print
Mason Jar Noodles Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes (hydration time with hot water)
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving
- Category: Lunch
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
Mason Jar Noodles are a quick, convenient, and customizable noodle soup prepared by layering dry noodles, flavorful seasonings, fresh vegetables, and protein inside a mason jar. With minimal prep and no traditional cooking required, this recipe lets you enjoy a comforting, delicious noodle meal by simply adding hot water and letting the ingredients hydrate. Perfect for a quick lunch or meal prep, it offers a colorful, nutritious, and portable dish that can be tailored to your taste preferences and dietary needs.
Ingredients
Noodles and Base
- 1 package of instant ramen noodles (or any noodle of your choice)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon miso paste (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon ginger powder or fresh grated ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce (optional for heat)
Vegetables
- 1/4 cup shredded carrots
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced bell peppers (red, yellow, or green)
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1/4 cup baby spinach (or any leafy greens)
- 1/4 cup corn kernels (optional)
- 1/4 cup mushrooms (optional, thinly sliced)
Protein and Garnishes
- 1 boiled egg (peeled and halved, can be added before or after heating)
- 1/4 cup cooked shredded chicken (or tofu for a vegetarian option)
- Fresh cilantro or parsley
- Sesame seeds
- Chili flakes
- Lime wedges
Instructions
- Layer the Ingredients: In a mason jar, start by adding the dry ingredients first. Break the ramen noodles into smaller pieces or leave whole if they fit, placing them at the bottom of the jar.
- Add Seasonings: Add soy sauce, miso paste (if using), sesame oil, ginger powder, garlic powder, rice vinegar, and sriracha sauce (if using) over the noodles to create the broth base.
- Add Vegetables: Layer shredded carrots, sliced bell peppers, green onions, spinach, corn, mushrooms, and any other veggies on top of the noodles, leaving space for protein.
- Add Protein: Place boiled egg halves and shredded chicken or tofu on the top of the jar.
- Seal the Jar: Close the mason jar tightly with the lid and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days if not eating immediately.
- Prepare to Serve: When ready to eat, either pour the contents into a bowl or leave it in the jar if microwave-safe.
- Add Hot Water: Pour about 1 to 1 1/2 cups of hot water over the ingredients.
- Rehydrate and Stir: Stir well to combine all the ingredients and allow noodles and vegetables to soften for 3-5 minutes.
- Finish with Garnishes: If using a boiled egg, slice it in half and place on top. Add sesame seeds, fresh herbs, chili flakes, and a squeeze of lime as desired.
- Enjoy: Stir gently once more and enjoy your flavorful, homemade mason jar noodles.
Notes
- You can customize the vegetables and proteins to your liking, including tofu for a vegetarian or vegan version.
- If using a regular mason jar, ensure it is microwave-safe before heating with the jar itself.
- Use gluten-free tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free option.
- Adjust spice levels by modifying or omitting sriracha sauce and chili flakes.
- This recipe works great for meal prep; make several jars in advance and store in the fridge up to 3 days.
- For a vegan version, omit the boiled egg and chicken; add tofu or extra vegetables instead.
- The layering technique helps keep vegetables fresh and noodles dry until ready to eat.
