Looking for a quick and healthy meal prep option that satisfies cravings for a comforting soup? These miso instant noodle jars are a great way to prepare ahead and enjoy a delicious, wholesome meal at any time. Packed with fresh veggies, savory broth, and tender noodles, this recipe is perfect for busy days. It’s also a great way to include plant-based protein into your diet. Just add boiling water and enjoy!
You can view my full collection of plant-based meal prep recipes here.
What Are Miso Instant Noodle Jars?
Miso instant noodle jars are simple to make and perfect for meal prepping. You layer the ingredients—fresh veggies, tofu, instant noodles, and a flavorful broth base—in mason jars. When you’re ready to eat, just add hot water, and within minutes you have a delicious, hearty soup. It’s like an upgraded version of classic instant noodles, only healthier and more nutritious.
Why These Noodle Jars Are Perfect for Meal Prep
These noodle jars are a great way to prepare a big batch of meals for the week. With minimal effort, you can make several servings in one go, saving time during busy mornings or lazy evenings. Plus, they store well in the fridge, making them an ideal option for long-term storage in airtight containers. No need to worry about scrambling for a quick meal—your noodle jar is ready when you are!
Health Benefits of Miso and Instant Noodles
Miso, a fermented soybean paste, is rich in probiotics that support digestive health. Combined with fresh veggies and instant noodles, this meal offers a balance of carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats. It’s also a low-carb and versatile dish that’s perfect for a healthy diet. Whether you’re seeking a comforting meal or looking for a detox soup recipe, these jars are a nutritious choice.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Instant Noodle Jars
- Tofu: A great source of plant-based protein. You can substitute with lean ground beef or ground turkey if you want more protein or variety.
- Instant vermicelli noodles: You can swap for other instant noodles or even whole wheat noodles for a heartier option.
- Chili oil: Adds a spicy kick to the soup. Adjust according to your heat preference.
Veggie and Broth Concentrate
- Broth concentrate: Use vegetable broth for a vegan option or chicken broth if you prefer a deeper flavor. You could also use bone broth for added nutrients.
- White miso paste: The key to that umami flavor. If you’re out of miso, you can use soy sauce for a similar taste.
- Fresh veggies: I used shredded cabbage and grated carrots, but feel free to experiment with other veggies like bell peppers, green beans, or sweet potatoes for a heartier soup.
- Dry seaweed sheets: A touch of seaweed adds texture and flavor, but spinach or kale would be great substitutes.
Helpful Tools to Make This Miso Instant Noodle Jars Healthy Soup Meal Prep Recipe
- Large pot: To cook the broth and soften the veggies.
- Mason jars: For storing your soup.
- Immersion blender: Useful if you prefer a smoother broth consistency.
- Kettle: To boil water quickly for your instant jars.
How to Make Miso Instant Noodle Jars
Broth and Veggie Prep
In a large pot over medium-high heat, combine water, broth concentrate, and miso paste. Whisk together until smooth.
Add shredded cabbage, grated carrots, chopped green onions, and seaweed sheets to the broth. Let everything simmer for a few minutes until the veggies soften.
This broth is the flavor-packed base of your jars.
Assembling the Jars
Layer your broth mixture into meal prep containers or mason jars.
Add instant noodles, tofu, and a drizzle of chili oil. Top each jar with green onion tops for added flavor and crunch.
Heating the Soup
When you’re ready to enjoy your noodle jar, simply add boiling water to cover the noodles and let it sit for 3-5 minutes. Stir everything together and savor the comforting soup.
If the broth isn’t hot enough for your liking, feel free to microwave the jar (ensure it’s microwave-safe!) or reheat it in a Dutch oven or instant pot.
Tips & Tricks
- No Cooking Option: If you want to skip cooking, you can mix the broth ingredients and assemble everything raw. The veggies will stay crisp, and the flavors will still come together.
- Customize Your Jars: Add fresh herbs like cilantro, basil, or even a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for extra brightness.
- Add Protein: If you need more protein, add a boiled egg, boneless skinless chicken breasts, or white beans to your jar.
Why You’ll Love This Miso Instant Noodle Jars Healthy Soup Meal Prep Recipe
This recipe is a great way to prep an easy weeknight dinner that feels cozy and satisfying. The best part? It’s highly customizable! You can switch up the noodles, veggies, or protein depending on what’s in your pantry. It’s also a minimal effort meal that packs a punch in terms of flavor.
Storing and Reheating
These noodle jars can be stored in the fridge for up to four days. Just be sure to keep them in airtight containers to maintain freshness. Reheat with boiling water, or if needed, give it a quick blast in the microwave or reheat in a large pot.
Customizing Your Noodle Jars
Feel free to get creative with your ingredients. You can swap tofu for lean ground beef or pinto beans for a high-protein option. The addition of coconut milk to the broth could give it a creamy texture, while adding spices like cayenne pepper or turmeric powder can increase the heat and depth of flavor.
How to Enjoy Miso Instant Noodle Jars on a Busy Weekday
With minimal effort, you’ll have a warm, delicious meal ready to enjoy in just minutes. Whether you’re rushing between meetings or looking for a cozy dinner on a cold day, these jars are perfect for busy schedules. Add fresh herbs like cilantro or a squeeze of lime juice to boost the flavor.
Nutritional Information
Each jar is loaded with grams of protein from tofu and fresh veggies, offering a nutritious and balanced meal for healthy eating. You can customize the jars for your dietary preferences, whether you’re following a low carb diet or need a meal that’s rich in protein.
FAQs
Yes, you can use a slow cooker or instant pot to prepare the broth in bulk for easier meal prep.
For best results, store the noodles separately and add them just before eating.
Add a little bit of coconut milk or vegan sour cream to the broth for a creamy soup variation.
Miso Instant Noodle Jars Soup Meal Prep
Ingredients
Instant Noodle Jars
- 1 block traditional tofu (firm) cut into cubes
- 4 50g nests of instant vermicelli noodles (I used the instant bean thread noodles, see photos for reference)
- chili oil for topping
Veggie and Broth Concentrate
- 4 tsp broth concentrate (or use enough broth concentrate for 4 cups of water)
- ¼ cup white miso paste
- 1 tbsp soy sauce or tamari for GF
- ¼ cup water
- 4 green onions thinly diced
- 1 cup shredded cabbage
- ½ cup grated carrot
- 3 tbsp finely chopped dry seaweed sheets
Instructions
Broth and Veggie Prep
- First, we will prepare the broth concentrate that goes at the bottom of the meal prep jars. See notes below if you don't want to cook this ahead!
- In a large pot on medium heat, add ¼ water, veggie broth concentrate and miso paste. Whisk together rapidly until the ingredients are combined.
- Now add in the bottoms of the green onions, carrot, cabbage and seaweed. Cook for 1-2 mins then remove from heat and allow to cool.
Assembling the Jars
- Divide the vegetable and broth mixture between 4 large mason jars.
- If you are not using instant noodles, cook them ahead of time and run under cold water to stop the cooking process.
- Next, divide the noodles, tofu, tops of the green onions, and chili oil between the 4 jars.
Heating the Soup
- When ready to eat, allow the jar to warm up to room temp so that the boiling water doesn't crack the jar.
- Add boiling water to the jars when ready to serve (enough to just cover the noodles.)
- Cover, and allow the noodles to sit for 3-5 minutes or whatever the noodle package instructions state.
- Stir it up gently, and you are ready to slurp and enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
Conclusion
Miso instant noodle jars are a great way to prep a wholesome, flavorful, and comforting soup in advance. With the perfect balance of savory broth, fresh veggies, and tender noodles, it’s a meal you’ll turn to again and again. Whether for lunch or an easy meal on a cold day, this recipe will keep you satisfied throughout soup season!
Oh this was very nice! I heated mine in a microwave I hope that is okay! Came out great.
Thank you so much and Yes absolutely! Just be careful with a cold jar in the microwave so it doesn’t crack. But totally fine to nuke these instant noodles! 🙂