Mason Jar Instant Noodles

I’m a big fan of a quick meal that’s also super tasty. These Mason Jar Instant Noodles are a delectable jarred meal option. They’re like having a delicious meal in a jar. You can set them up before a busy workweek and stash them in the fridge. When it’s time for dinner or lunch, grab one, add some hot water, and in about ten to twenty minutes, you’ve got yourself a warm, hearty, and spicy Asian noodle soup. They’re so convenient, nutritional, healthy, and tasty!

The beauty of this recipe is that each family member can add whatever they like to their jar. It’s a customizable meal that has everyone happy.

Cooking together is our favorite thing to do over the weekend. Gradually, I’ve been sharing some of our favorite dinner recipes right here on the website.

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MASON JAR INSTANT NOODLES SAUCE

To prepare these mason jar noodles, you’ll need to prepare the rich and yummy sauce in advance, but the effort is definitely worthwhile as it forms the foundation for an incredible soup. Simply simmer a combination of chilis, garlic cloves, onions, and sauces on the stove for approximately 20 minutes to achieve the desired sweet and spicy flavor.

This is the only big-time commitment in this simple recipe.

Our work week is so hectic around here that quick meals are welcomed. These mason jar noodles soup are so simple and take some effort in the beginning, but then the jar prep is quick. If you make your jars on the weekends, then it only takes about 20 minutes of steeping during the week and you’ll have a meal.

The time commitment is minimal.

WHY YOU’RE GOING TO LOVE THIS RECIPE

• Convenience: This Mason Jar Noodles recipe is perfect for busy individuals who crave a delicious meal without the hassle. You can prepare several jars in advance and have them ready to go in the fridge for those hectic days when you need a quick and satisfying meal.
• Customizable: It’s incredibly versatile! You can tailor the ingredients to suit your taste by adding your favorite veggies, proteins, or even sauces. This flexibility means you’ll never get tired of this recipe.
• Healthy and Fresh: You control the ingredients’ quality and freshness by making these Mason Jar Noodles yourself. You can use wholesome, nutritious components, making it a healthier alternative to takeout or pre-packaged meals.
• Saves Time and Money: Dining out or ordering takeout can add up quickly, both in terms of time and money. With this recipe, you save on both fronts. Plus, it’s a great way to reduce food waste by using up vegetables and herbs you already have on hand.
• Surprising Flavor: The secret ingredient, whether a special sauce or seasoning, adds a delightful twist to the noodles, making every meal a flavorful surprise. It’s a recipe that keeps your taste buds excited.
• Gourmet Tastes: If you’re a fan of gourmet flavors and appreciate a restaurant-quality experience at home, this Mason Jar Noodles recipe won’t disappoint. The carefully curated ingredients and secret seasonings elevate the dish to gourmet levels, offering you a taste sensation that’s truly restaurant-worthy.

HOW TO MAKE MASON JAR INSTANT NOODLES

INGREDIENTS:

• Onion: Sliced onions add a delightful sweetness and subtle crunch to the dish, enhancing its overall texture and flavor.
• Garlic: Minced garlic infuses the noodles with its aromatic and pungent notes, contributing depth and richness to the taste.
• Chili Sauce: The chili sauce injects a pleasant heat and a hint of spiciness, elevating the dish with a zesty kick.
• Balsamic Vinegar: A touch of balsamic vinegar provides a slightly tangy and sweet undertone, balancing the flavors beautifully.
• Sweet Chili Sauce: The sweet chili sauce introduces a delicate sweetness, making the dish a harmonious blend of sweet and spicy elements.
• Honey: Honey imparts a natural sweetness to the dish, mellowing out the flavors and providing a pleasant contrast to the savory elements.
• Soy Sauce: Soy sauce lends a savory umami depth and saltiness, creating a well-balanced and rich taste profile.
• Toasted Sesame Oil: A drizzle of toasted sesame oil adds a nutty and aromatic dimension, enhancing the overall fragrance and flavor.
• Hoisin Sauce: Hoisin sauce contributes a sweet and savory complexity, enriching the sauce with its distinctive Asian flair.
• Mung Bean Noodles: Mung bean noodles, the star of the dish, provide a light and delicate texture, absorbing the flavors of the sauce for a satisfying and flavorful meal.

SOME INGREDIENTS YOU MIGHT WANT TO ADD

• Cooked Chicken, Shrimp
• Tofu
• Spinach
• Bean Sprouts
• Shredded Carrots
• Shredded Green or Purple Cabbage
• Mushrooms
• Coconut Milk
• Chopped Peanuts or Cashews
• Green onions

DIRECTIONS:

Step 1 – Make the Sauce

Peel one bulb of garlic and one small onion. Place both in a Cuisinart and blend until it is a paste-like consistency.

Add chili sauce, balsamic vinegar, sweet chili sauce, honey, soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, hoisin sauce, and fish sauce into a medium-sized pot. Add the onion and garlic mixture to the pot. Stir and bring the sauce to a boil.

Step 2 – Prep Your Ingredients

Wash and chop any of the jar ingredients.

Step 3 – Build Your Soup in the Jars

Place your bean noodles in the jar first. Then, place layers of the items you want to add to your soup. The key is, since we want the noodles to soak in the sauce, make sure to layer those first in the mason jar. If there are ingredients you’ll want a little crispier, place those last towards the top.

Seal the jar up with the lid and place it in the refrigerator. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to a couple of days if you have meat, and if your jar’s contents are vegetarian, then you can store it for a week.

Step 4 – Pour Boiling Water into the Jar

When making the noodles in a mason jar, place the jar on your kitchen counter and allow it to return to room temperature. You don’t want to shock the cold jar by adding boiling water to it. The jar will crack from that extreme temperature change.

Once the jar is at room temperature, add boiling water to the jar, just enough to cover the noodles and some of the vegetable layers you want cooked. Allow the soup to sit for ten minutes.

After ten minutes, open up the jar and mix the contents. Close up the jar and allow it to sit for at least ten more minutes more. This extra ten minutes will give the noodles and other foods to soak in the sauce and have a nice flavor.

WHAT ARE INSTANT NOODLES?

There are a few choices of noodles, and you’ll want to make sure you buy and use the right ones.

• Ingredient Composition: Rice noodles are made primarily from rice flour and water, resulting in a gluten-free noodle option suitable for those with gluten sensitivities. In contrast, mung bean noodles, also known as glass noodles or cellophane noodles, are crafted from mung bean starch and water, making them a translucent, gluten-free alternative with a distinct texture.
• Texture and Cooking Time: Due to their quick softening and shorter cooking time, Glass noodles make them the ideal choice for this mason jar noodles recipe in contrast to rice noodles.
• Absorbing Flavors: Glass noodles have a remarkable ability to readily soak up the flavors of the accompanying sauce, ensuring a harmonious and flavorful bite in every mouthful. In contrast, rice noodles often maintain their distinct texture, offering a delightful contrast to the sauce and ingredients in the dish.
• Glycemic and Calorie Levels: Glass noodles generally have lower calorie and glycemic levels than rice noodles. That’s because glass noodles are often made from lower-calorie starches like mung beans and have a lower glycemic index, which can be a healthier choice for health-conscious eaters.

THESE NOODLES ARE A BLEND OF RAMEN AND PHO

Much like Ramen Noodles, it features the savory broth characteristic of ramen while also incorporating fresh vegetables reminiscent of Pho. So, if you like either of these Asian dishes and don’t want that time commitment to make them, then you’ll love this easy recipe.

MY FAVORITE SWEET CHILI SAUCE AND CHILI SAUCE

• Fly By Jing – Zhong Chili Sauce
• Grama’s Sweet Chilli Sauce

I’m really glad you dropped by! And I hope you get a chance to make this simple yet oh-so-tasty mason jar instant noodles recipe. It’s a convenient and delicious way to enjoy a quick meal whenever you need it.

Cheers,

Photo Credits: MyPhotography.com