Looking for a quick, flavorful, and healthy meal prep option? Mason jar instant noodles are perfect for busy days when you need a hearty, homemade meal that requires minimal effort. In this article, we’ll focus on a delicious peanut tofu noodle jar recipe that you can whip up in advance and enjoy all week long. Packed with protein, fresh vegetables, and a savory peanut broth, these mason jar noodles are sure to become one of your favorite go-to meals.
You can view my full collection of plant-based meal prep recipes here.
What Are Mason Jar Instant Noodles?
Mason jar instant noodles are a trendy way to make your own version of instant ramen at home. Instead of relying on processed instant noodle cups, you can create a healthier alternative filled with fresh vegetables, noodles of your choice, and a flavorful broth. The best part? They’re customizable, portable, and can be prepared ahead of time, making them a top pick for busy people.
Why Peanut Tofu Noodle Jars Are Perfect for Meal Prep
Peanut tofu noodle jars offer a wonderful balance of flavor and nutrition. The peanut butter adds a rich and creamy texture, while tofu provides a plant-based protein that pairs beautifully with the veggies and noodles. For busy city girls or anyone trying to plan healthy lunches, these jars save time without compromising on taste or health.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Broth Concentrate
For the broth, we’re combining peanut butter, soy sauce, Thai red chili paste, maple syrup, and lime juice to create a rich and flavorful base. This combination provides a creamy, sweet, and spicy kick.
- Peanut Butter: Adds creaminess and depth.
- Low-Sodium Soy Sauce: Provides a salty, umami punch.
- Thai Red Chili Paste: Brings a touch of heat.
- Maple Syrup: Balances the savory and spicy elements with a hint of sweetness.
- Lime Juice: Brightens up the broth with its tangy flavor.
Noodle Jars
Each jar features a variety of fresh vegetables and firm tofu that can be swapped out based on availability or preference.
- Grated Cabbage: Adds crunch and freshness.
- Grated Carrot: Provides a sweet contrast to the savory broth.
- Instant Vermicelli Noodles: Light and easy to cook with just boiling water.
- Green Onion: Adds a sharp, fresh flavor.
- Firm Tofu: Cubed and ready to absorb the flavors of the broth.
Flavor Boosters
Feel free to add or substitute these ingredients to fit your taste or what’s available at your grocery store:
- Sesame Oil: For a nutty aroma.
- Miso Paste: For an extra umami boost.
- Fish Sauce: For a deeper, salty flavor.
- Rice Noodles: An alternative to vermicelli noodles.
Helpful Tools for Making Mason Jar Instant Noodles
To make this recipe, having the right tools on hand can simplify the process:
- Mason Jars (Wide-Mouth): The best containers for layering and storing your noodles.
- Whisk or Fork: To mix the wet ingredients in the bottom of the jar.
- Sharp Knife: For chopping vegetables and tofu.
- Measuring Spoons: To get the perfect balance of broth ingredients.
- Tea Kettle or Pot: For boiling water.
How to Make Peanut Tofu Mason Jar Instant Noodles
Step 1: Prepare the Flavor Base
In the bottom of the jar, add peanut butter, soy sauce, Thai red curry paste, lime juice, and maple syrup.
Whisk these ingredients together to create your flavorful broth base.
Step 2: Layer the Noodles and Vegetables
Add a nest of vermicelli noodles on top of the wet ingredients. Then, layer in the grated cabbage, carrot, green onions, and cubed tofu.
Step 3: Storing the Jars
Seal the jars and store them in the fridge for later use. They’ll stay fresh for up to 5 days, making them perfect for meal prep.
Step 4: Serving the Noodles
When ready to eat, allow the jar to come to room temperature so that it doesn’t crack when adding boiling water. Pour boiling water into the jar until the noodles are just covered. Let it sit for 3-5 minutes, then stir well to combine the broth with the noodles.
Tips & Tricks for the Perfect Mason Jar Noodles
- Use Room Temperature Jars: To avoid cracking when adding hot water.
- Customize with Protein: Add rotisserie chicken, shredded beef jerky, or soy sauce eggs for extra protein.
- Add Fresh Herbs: Cilantro, basil, or mint can add a burst of freshness to your jar noodles.
- Boost the Flavor: Add sambal oelek or sweet chili sauce for an extra kick.
Why Mason Jar Noodles Are a Great Meal Prep Solution
Mason jar noodles are a lifesaver for busy people. They offer the convenience of store-bought instant noodle cups but with healthier ingredients. Plus, they are an affordable meal prep solution for anyone wanting quick lunches during the work week.
Healthy Alternatives for Peanut Tofu Noodles
If you’re looking for healthier alternatives, try using rice vermicelli noodles instead of ramen noodles, or swap out peanut butter for tahini to lower the fat content. You can also replace tofu with grilled chicken or raw meats, which can cook when you add the boiling water.
Different Types of Noodles You Can Use
From soba noodles to rice noodles, there are plenty of options to suit your preference. Bean thread noodles are also great for their quick cook time.
Using Fresh Ingredients for Optimal Flavor
Always aim to use fresh vegetables like bok choy, snap peas, or bean sprouts to give your jar noodles a crunch and enhance the flavor.
How to Store and Serve Your Mason Jar Noodles
Store your mason jar soups in the fridge, making sure the jars are sealed tightly. When ready to serve, simply add boiling water from your tea kettle or hot water tap, stir, and enjoy!
FAQs
Absolutely! You can experiment with soba noodles, rice vermicelli, or even instant ramen.
Mason jar noodles can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days.
You can substitute rice noodles or ramen noodles.
Yes, the peanut tofu jar is vegan, but you can adjust the ingredients to suit your diet.
Peanut Instant Noodle Jars with Tofu Meal Prep
Ingredients
Broth Concentrate
- 1 tbsp peanut butter
- 1 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tsp Thai red chili paste
- ½ tsp maple syrup
- 1 tbsp lime juice
Noodle Jars
- ¼ cup grated cabbage
- ¼ cup grated carrot
- 50g nest instant vermicelli noodes or pre-cook your fave ramen noodles
- 1 green onion, finely sliced
- ¼ block traditional tofu, cubed (firm tofu)
Instructions
- Above are the ingredients for 1 jar. Make as many as you like for the week. Be sure to use a large mason jar so that all the ingredients will fit.
- In the bottom of the jar add the peanut butter, soy sauce, Thai red curry paste, lime juice, and maple syrup and whisk to combine.
- Next, add in 1 nest of noodles, cabbage, carrot, tofu and green onions.
- If you are not using instant noodles, cook them ahead of time and run under cold water to stop the cooking process.
- Store in the fridge until ready to eat.
- When ready to eat, allow the jar to warm up to room temp so that the boiling water doesn't crack the jar.
- Add some boiling water until the noodles are just covered, and allow to sit covered for 3-5 mins or according to the noodle's package instructions. Give it a good stir so that the broth is combined with the hot water.
- Now you are ready to slurp and enjoy!
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Conclusion
Mason jar instant noodles are the perfect quick meal prep option for busy days. With peanut tofu noodles, you get a flavorful, nutritious meal in minutes, ideal for lunch or dinner. Whether you’re meal prepping for the work week or just need a quick lunch idea, these noodle jars will save the day.
I love your plant based meal prep recipes I come back every week and was super excited to see a soup. I tried this out this week and it turned out fantastic! Will you be releasing more soup meal preps
wow thank you SOOO much for coming back every week to try the recipes. I’m so grateful you love the meal prep! I will definitely release more soup meal prep ideas!
Soup meal prep! Love this it’s so cold this time of the year and absolutely have been loving your meal prep recipes. Super excited to try this one. I know it will be great.
Thank you so much Wilma! Please let me know what you think when you try it!