Delicious & Healthy Mason Jar Instant Noodles: The Ultimate Guide to Easy Meal Prep Lunches
Simplify your workweek and elevate your lunch game with these incredibly convenient and delicious Mason Jar Instant Noodles. Forget sad desk lunches or expensive takeout; these jars are packed full of vibrant vegetables, satisfying vermicelli noodles, and tender shredded chicken, creating a hearty and healthy meal that’s ready in minutes. Perfect for busy professionals, students, or anyone looking to streamline their meal prep, this recipe offers a customizable and nutritious solution to your midday cravings.
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Ingredients and Smart Substitutions for Your Mason Jar Noodles
Crafting the perfect Mason Jar Instant Noodle soup starts with fresh, quality ingredients and knowing how to make smart substitutions to fit your taste and dietary needs. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need and how you can get creative:
- Chicken Breasts: Lean and versatile, chicken breasts provide an excellent protein base. For a richer flavour, consider chicken thighs. If you’re pressed for time, rotisserie chicken works wonderfully. For a vegetarian option, simply omit the meat or swap it for plant-based proteins like tofu or edamame.
- Soy Sauce: This provides the foundational umami flavour. If you’re looking for gluten-free alternatives, coconut aminos or tamari are fantastic choices that offer similar depth. Low-sodium soy sauce is also a great option for health-conscious individuals.
- Sriracha Chili Garlic Hot Sauce: Adds a delightful kick. Adjust the amount to your spice preference, or for those who prefer less heat, feel free to leave it out entirely. Alternatively, explore other seasonings like zesty lemon pepper, aromatic Italian seasoning, or the classic blend of Old Bay for different flavour profiles.
- Lime Juice: A squeeze of fresh lime juice brightens the entire dish. Both fresh-squeezed and bottled lime juice work well, though fresh often yields a more vibrant taste. Lemon juice can also be used in a pinch.
- Vegetable Bouillon Cubes: These form the savory broth once hot water is added. Chicken bouillon cubes can be used if you prefer a meatier flavour profile. Ensure they dissolve completely for an even taste.
- Julienned Veggies (Broccoli Stems, Carrots, Bell Peppers, Green Onions): This combination offers a great mix of texture and nutrients. The beauty of these noodle jars is their versatility; use any combination of your favorite crisp, quick-cooking vegetables. Consider adding snap peas, radishes, corn, spinach, kale, zucchini, or even cooked and cooled mushrooms and cabbage.
- Rice Vermicelli Noodles: These thin, quick-cooking noodles are ideal for instant soups as they soften perfectly with hot water. Miso noodles or zucchini noodles (for a low-carb option) are also excellent choices. You can also experiment with cellophane noodles or even thin ramen noodles (without the seasoning packet).
- Sunflower Sprouts: These add a fresh, slightly nutty crunch and visual appeal. Fresh cilantro or crunchy bean sprouts are great alternatives for garnish. If you don’t have sprouts or cilantro on hand, the soup will still be delicious without them.
Mastering Mason Jar Noodles: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide
Creating these instant noodle jars is incredibly simple, making them a perfect addition to your weekly meal prep routine. Here’s how to assemble them efficiently:
- Prepare Your Chicken: Start by boiling the chicken breasts in a large pot of hot water for 12-15 minutes, or until fully cooked. Once cooled slightly, shred the chicken using two forks or your hands. This step can be done ahead of time, perhaps during a larger batch cooking session.
- Chop Your Veggies: Wash and julienne or finely chop all your chosen vegetables. Remember, smaller, thinner cuts work best for quick cooking in hot water.
- Layer the Flavor Base: In each of your 1-liter Mason jars, begin by adding the shredded chicken. This forms the first layer. Immediately follow with 1 teaspoon each of soy sauce (or tamari), Sriracha chili garlic hot sauce (adjust to taste), and fresh lime juice. The sauces should sit at the bottom, closest to the chicken.
- Add the Hearty Veggies: Next, carefully layer in your prepared julienned vegetables. You’ll want about 1/2 cup of each type per jar. Keep them neatly stacked to prevent mixing.
- Bouillon and Noodles: Place one vegetable bouillon cube directly on top of the vegetables in each jar. Finally, gently add the rice vermicelli noodles, dividing the package evenly among the jars. The noodles should be the top layer, furthest from the liquid base to prevent them from pre-cooking or getting soft before you add boiling water.
- Seal and Store: Tightly seal each Mason jar with its lid. Your instant noodle jars are now ready for storage in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 4-5 days, making them perfect for grab-and-go lunches throughout the week.
When you’re ready to enjoy, simply add boiling water, stir, and savor your homemade instant noodle soup!
Explore Diverse Mason Jar Soup Variations
The beauty of Mason Jar Instant Noodles lies in their incredible adaptability. Don’t feel limited to a single recipe; customize your jars with a variety of ingredients to keep your lunches exciting and tailored to your cravings. Experiment with these different combinations until you discover your ultimate personalized instant noodle experience:
- Protein Power-Ups: Beyond shredded chicken, consider adding cooked chicken thighs, convenient rotisserie chicken, plant-based tofu or edamame for a vegetarian twist, succulent shrimp, thinly sliced cooked beef, or protein-rich beans and lentils.
- Vibrant Veggies: Boost your nutrient intake with a rainbow of vegetables. Incorporate fresh spinach or kale for a leafy green boost, thinly sliced zucchini, shredded cabbage, colorful bell peppers, crisp bok choy, or tender cooked mushrooms. Remember to julienne or slice thinly for best results with hot water.
- Noodle Choices Galore: While rice vermicelli is a classic, the noodle world is your oyster! Try savory miso noodles, healthy zucchini noodles, delicate cellophane noodles, or even classic instant ramen (discarding the seasoning packet for a healthier base).
- Dynamic Seasonings & Sauces: The flavor profile can be completely transformed with different seasonings. Spice things up with extra Sriracha or sweet chili sauce. Add a bright note with lemon pepper, a herbaceous touch with Italian seasoning, a seafood-friendly kick with Old Bay, or a rich, umami depth with hoisin sauce.
- Finishing Touches & Toppings: Elevate your noodle soup with delicious toppings. A perfectly hard-boiled egg adds creamy richness, while chopped green onions, fresh bean sprouts, or fragrant cilantro provide freshness and crunch.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mason Jar Instant Noodles
Serving your Mason Jar Instant Noodles is incredibly simple. When you’re ready for lunch, just pour boiling water directly into the jar, filling it to about 3/4 of the way to the top. Stir the contents thoroughly to ensure the bouillon cube dissolves completely and the noodles are fully submerged and cooking. Depending on the type of noodles or the crispness of your veggies, you might need to microwave the jar for an additional minute or two to achieve the desired tenderness. After letting it sit for about 5 minutes, carefully dump all the delicious contents into a bowl, give it one final stir, and dig in!
The layering order is crucial for preventing soggy noodles and ensuring all ingredients cook evenly. Always start with the densest, most liquid-tolerant ingredients at the bottom. Begin with the shredded chicken (or your chosen protein), followed by the sauces (soy sauce, Sriracha, lime juice). Next, add the harder, finely julienned vegetables. Then, place the bouillon cubes on top of the veggies. Finally, the quick-cooking noodles should always be the very last layer at the top, furthest from the liquid base to prevent them from pre-cooking or getting soft before you add boiling water.
When adding boiling water, aim to fill the Mason jar approximately 3/4 of the way to the top. It’s important to leave some headspace and never fill it completely to the lid. This allows for proper stirring, prevents overflow, and ensures there’s enough room for the noodles to expand without making a mess.
One of the greatest advantages of Mason Jar Instant Noodles is the extensive prep-ahead potential. All the main components can be prepared well in advance. Dedicate some time on the weekend to cook and shred your chicken or other protein, and thoroughly wash and julienne all your desired vegetables. Once everything is prepped, simply assemble the jars as instructed. This allows you to have a ready-to-go stash of healthy, homemade lunches for the entire week, saving you valuable time during busy weekdays.
Mason jars are truly ideal for this meal prep recipe, and we highly recommend using 1-liter (quart-sized) jars as they provide ample space for a satisfying lunch portion. Glass Mason jars are superior to plastic containers for several reasons: they are completely food-safe and won’t leach chemicals into your food, they are incredibly durable, easy to clean, and reusable. Their vertical design also makes them incredibly efficient for refrigerator storage, allowing you to fit more healthy meals in a smaller space. Crucially, the tall structure of Mason jars helps keep your sauces and denser ingredients at the bottom, safely separated from the noodles and delicate veggies at the top, preventing premature sogginess until you’re ready to combine everything with hot water.
Storage and Reheating Best Practices
Proper storage is key to enjoying your Mason Jar Instant Noodles throughout the week. When prepped and sealed correctly, your jars will remain fresh and delicious in the refrigerator for 4 to 5 days, making them perfect for your weekly meal rotation.
Once you’ve added boiling water and enjoyed part of your soup, if you find yourself with leftovers, you can store the finished soup in an airtight container in the fridge for an additional day or two. To reheat, simply pop it into the microwave for a couple of minutes until it’s piping hot. However, keep in mind that the noodles and delicate vegetables may become softer and lose some of their texture after sitting in broth for an extended period. For the best experience, consume the soup shortly after adding hot water.
Freezing Your Mason Jar Instant Noodle Soup
For even longer-term meal solutions, these instant noodle soups can be frozen! The most effective method for freezing this recipe is to prepare the soup completely, including adding the boiling water and allowing the noodles to cook. Let the soup cool completely, then transfer it into freezer-safe glass bowls with airtight lids. These can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months, providing a convenient ready-made meal whenever you need it.
Alternatively, Mason jars themselves are excellent for freezer storage, provided you use the correct type (straight-sided jars are best to prevent cracking) and leave adequate headspace for expansion. To reheat your frozen soup, simply microwave it for 6 to 7 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even thawing and heating. This method offers unparalleled convenience for those days when you need a quick, warm, and comforting meal without any fuss.
Discover More Delightful Mason Jar Soup Recipes
If you love the convenience and flavor of these instant noodle jars, you’ll be thrilled to explore more of our easy-to-prep Mason jar soup ideas. Expand your meal prep repertoire with these delicious and wholesome options:
-
Spiralized Zucchini Chicken Noodle Soup Jars
-
Lentil Soup in a Jar {Mason Jar Gift Ideas}
-
Grab and Go Vegetarian Minestrone Soup Jars
Essential Meal Prep Tools for Your Kitchen
To make your Mason Jar Instant Noodle prep as smooth as possible, here are some recommended tools that will help you efficiently assemble these delicious and healthy lunches:
- These are the 1-Liter Mason jars I use – perfect for holding a full, satisfying meal.
- For perfectly tender noodles every time, I recommend these rice vermicelli noodles.
- Elevate your flavor with my favorite brand of tamari (for gluten-free) or this delicious low-sodium soy sauce.
- And for high-quality, free-range chicken breasts, I always source from Butcher Box.
Mason Jar Instant Noodles Recipe
These Mason Jar Instant Noodles are the perfect work lunch. The jars are packed full of veggies, vermicelli noodles and shredded chicken!
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 369 kcal
Author: Taylor Stinson
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
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Ingredients
- 4 (1 L) Mason jars
- 2 chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
- 4 tsp soy sauce or tamari
- 4 tsp Sriracha chili garlic hot sauce
- 4 tsp lime juice
- 4 vegetable bouillon cubes
- 1/2 cup each julienned broccoli stems, carrots, bell peppers, and green onions
- 1 lb package rice vermicelli noodles
- Sunflower sprouts or cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- To shred chicken: Boil breasts in a large pot of hot water for 12-15 minutes until chicken is cooked through. Pull apart with your hands or with a fork once cooled.
- Divide the shredded chicken evenly among each Mason jar. Then, add 1 tsp of soy sauce, 1 tsp of Sriracha, and 1 tsp of lime juice to each jar.
- Layer in the julienned vegetables. Next, drop one bouillon cube into each jar. Finally, finish by dividing the rice vermicelli noodles evenly among each jar and store in the fridge until ready to eat.
- When ready to serve, pour boiling water into the jar, filling it about 3/4 of the way to the top. Carefully stir the contents, ensuring the bouillon cube dissolves completely and the noodles are saturated. You may need to microwave the jar for 1-2 minutes, especially if using a harder variety of vermicelli. Let the jar sit for 5 minutes before serving.
- Pour the contents of the jar into a large bowl when ready to eat (ideally within 5 minutes of pouring boiling water) and enjoy immediately!
Video
Notes
- For best results, use noodles that don’t require a long cooking time, such as rice vermicelli or cellophane noodles.
- For a delicious vegetarian option, substitute chicken with edamame, tofu, beans, chickpeas, or lentils.
- Experiment with different seasoning options like Italian seasoning, lemon pepper, or Old Bay for varied flavor profiles.
- Always leave some room at the top when filling the jar with boiling water (fill approximately 3/4 of the way) to prevent overflow and allow for stirring.
- Store your assembled Mason jar soups in the fridge for 4-5 days.
- For freezing, fully cook the soup (add boiling water and cook noodles), then cool and freeze in airtight glass bowls for up to 3 months. Reheat from frozen by microwaving for 6-7 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Nutrition
Per Serving (approximate values):
- Calories: 369 kcal (18% Daily Value)
- Carbohydrates: 52g (17% Daily Value)
- Protein: 28g (56% Daily Value)
- Fat: 4g (6% Daily Value)
- Saturated Fat: 1g (6% Daily Value)
- Cholesterol: 72mg (24% Daily Value)
- Sodium: 1366mg (59% Daily Value)
- Potassium: 496mg (14% Daily Value)
- Fiber: 2g (8% Daily Value)
- Sugar: 1g (1% Daily Value)
- Vitamin A: 1189 IU (24% Daily Value)
- Vitamin C: 8mg (10% Daily Value)
- Calcium: 22mg (2% Daily Value)
- Iron: 1mg (6% Daily Value)
