If you’re looking for a vibrant, flavorful, and incredibly convenient dish to brighten up your week, the Mason Jar Noodle Meal Prep Recipe is absolutely the way to go. This recipe combines tender noodles, fresh veggies, and a punchy, homemade sauce all layered beautifully in a mason jar, making your lunch both a feast for the eyes and a delight to eat. It’s perfect for anyone craving a tasty, healthy meal that’s quick to assemble yet feels thoughtfully crafted. Plus, the layers keep everything fresh until you’re ready to dig in, making meal prep feel easy and satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Mason Jar Noodle Meal Prep Recipe comes from its simple, well-balanced ingredients—all playing their part to create a dish bursting with texture, color, and flavor. Each component adds a unique element whether it’s crunch, freshness, or savory depth.
- 7 oz dried ramen or rice noodles: These form a comforting base that soaks up all the delicious sauce beautifully.
- 7 oz cooked chicken breast, tofu, or cooked shrimp, diced: Your choice of protein to keep the meal satisfying and nutritious.
- 1 cup shredded carrots: Adds a sweet crunch and bright orange color for freshness.
- 1 cup thinly sliced red or yellow bell peppers: For a burst of sweetness and vibrant color.
- 1 cup baby spinach or kale: Greens pack in extra vitamins and a tender bite.
- 1/2 cup thinly sliced scallions: Brings a bit of a sharp, oniony kick.
- 1/2 cup bean sprouts: Adds a crisp, refreshing crunch throughout.
- 4 tbsp soy sauce (use tamari for gluten-free): The salty backbone that ties everything together.
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar: Adds a gentle tang that brightens the sauce.
- 2 tbsp sesame oil: For an irresistible nutty aroma and richness.
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup: Balances savory flavors with a touch of natural sweetness.
- 2 tsp Sriracha or chili sauce (optional): If you like a kick, this adds some gentle heat.
- 1 clove garlic, minced: Deepens the flavor with its aromatic punch.
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated: Lifts the sauce with a bright, zesty note.
- 2 tbsp chopped cilantro: Fresh herbaceousness to top off the jars.
- 2 tbsp roasted peanuts or cashews, chopped: Adds crunchy texture and richness.
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds: For a subtle nutty finish and visual appeal.
- Lime wedges: A squeeze right before eating elevates the entire meal with fresh acidity.
How to Make Mason Jar Noodle Meal Prep Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Noodles
First, cook your ramen or rice noodles according to the package instructions—this usually takes just a few minutes. Once they’re tender but still have a pleasant bite, drain them and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. This keeps the noodles from getting mushy while they wait in the mason jar.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Sauce
This is where the magic happens: mix soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey or maple syrup, Sriracha if you choose to use it, minced garlic, and grated ginger in a small bowl. Whisk until all the flavors are combined into a harmonious, flavorful dressing.
Step 3: Distribute the Sauce into Jars
Evenly divide the sauce between four large mason jars—about 25 fluid ounces each works perfectly. This flavorful base at the bottom ensures every bite has a lovely seasoning.
Step 4: Layer the Ingredients
Begin layering your jars by placing the diced protein directly over the sauce. Next, add the shredded carrots, then the thinly sliced bell peppers. Follow with the baby spinach or kale for a fresh leafy layer, then the scallions and bean sprouts. Finally, top everything off by adding the cooled noodles as the final layer.
Step 5: Seal and Refrigerate
Once every jar is perfectly packed, seal them tightly with their lids and store in the refrigerator until you’re ready to enjoy. The layered approach keeps ingredients fresh and crisp until meal time.
Step 6: Ready to Eat
When hunger strikes, remove the lid, add your favorite toppings if you like, and pour in about half a cup of hot water. Let it sit for 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the noodles and veggies to warm through and gently soak up the sauce. Stir well and either eat straight from the jar or transfer to a bowl for easier munching.
How to Serve Mason Jar Noodle Meal Prep Recipe
Garnishes
Finishing touches make all the difference. Top your prepared jars with chopped cilantro, a handful of crushed peanuts or cashews, and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds. A squeeze of lime right before eating adds an exciting zesty zip that brightens every bite.
Side Dishes
This Mason Jar Noodle Meal Prep Recipe is a complete meal on its own, but if you want to round things out, consider serving with some simple sides like edamame sprinkled with sea salt, a crisp cucumber salad, or even some crispy spring rolls for added texture and flavor contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Speaking of presentation, these jars look stunning when layered thoughtfully, but you can also shake the jar vigorously after adding hot water for an even coating of sauce and flavors. If you’re hosting, arrange several jars on a wooden tray with chopsticks and extra lime wedges as a charming, inviting meal display.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, simply seal your mason jar tightly and store it in the refrigerator for up to four days. Keeping the sauce at the bottom ensures the noodles don’t get soggy too soon, preserving that delightful texture.
Freezing
Because of the fresh veggies and delicate texture of this Mason Jar Noodle Meal Prep Recipe, freezing is not recommended. It can negatively impact both the crunch and the flavors, so it’s best enjoyed fresh within the week.
Reheating
To reheat, add hot water directly into the jar to warm your noodles gently. Avoid microwaving the jar directly, as it could cause uneven heating. Let the hot water sit a few minutes to fully revive those layers of flavor.
FAQs
Can I use other types of noodles in this recipe?
Absolutely! While ramen or rice noodles work wonderfully, you can experiment with soba, udon, or even angel hair pasta depending on your taste preference and availability.
Is there a vegetarian or vegan option?
Yes, simply substitute the chicken or shrimp with tofu or a hearty plant-based protein. Also, be sure to use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce if needed to keep it vegan-friendly.
How long will these mason jar meals stay fresh?
When sealed and refrigerated properly, they will stay fresh for about four days, making them perfect for a week’s worth of lunches or dinners.
Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
Definitely! Making the sauce in advance actually allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Store it in the fridge for up to a week and divide it when layering your jars.
What if I don’t like spicy food?
No worries at all. You can simply leave out the Sriracha or chili sauce. The dish will still be packed with flavor, just without the heat.
Final Thoughts
This Mason Jar Noodle Meal Prep Recipe truly feels like a little gift to yourself during busy days—it’s fresh, delicious, and so easy to prepare ahead. Once you make it, you’ll love having this vibrant, nutritious meal ready to go, whether at work, home, or wherever lunch calls. Give it a try soon, and enjoy every cheerful bite!
Print
Mason Jar Noodle Meal Prep Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Meal Prep
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Mason Jar Noodle Meal Prep recipe offers a fresh, vibrant, and customizable noodle bowl in a convenient portable jar. Featuring cooked noodles, diced protein such as chicken, tofu, or shrimp, and layers of crisp vegetables with a tangy soy-ginger dressing, it’s perfect for quick lunches or light dinners. The meal is assembled ahead of time for easy grab-and-go meals, just add hot water before eating to enjoy warm, flavorful noodles.
Ingredients
Noodles & Protein
- 7 oz dried ramen or rice noodles
- 7 oz cooked chicken breast, tofu, or cooked shrimp, diced
Vegetables
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup thinly sliced red or yellow bell peppers
- 1 cup baby spinach or kale
- 1/2 cup thinly sliced scallions
- 1/2 cup bean sprouts
Sauce
- 4 tbsp soy sauce (use tamari for gluten-free)
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 2 tsp Sriracha or chili sauce (optional)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
Toppings
- 2 tbsp chopped cilantro
- 2 tbsp roasted peanuts or cashews, chopped
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
- Lime wedges
Instructions
- Cook Noodles: Prepare the dried ramen or rice noodles according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain them thoroughly and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set the noodles aside for layering.
- Prepare Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey or maple syrup, Sriracha or chili sauce if using, minced garlic, and grated fresh ginger until the sauce is well combined and smooth.
- Distribute Sauce: Evenly divide the prepared sauce among four large mason jars, each approximately 25 fluid ounces in size. This forms the flavorful base layer for each jar.
- Layer Ingredients: Into each jar, carefully layer the diced cooked protein over the sauce, followed by shredded carrots, thinly sliced bell peppers, baby spinach or kale, scallions, and bean sprouts. Lastly, top each jar with the cooled cooked noodles, keeping the noodles at the top to prevent sogginess during storage.
- Seal and Refrigerate: Secure the lids tightly on the mason jars and place them in the refrigerator. The jars can be stored and prepped in advance, making them ideal for meal prep.
- Serve: When ready to eat, remove the lid from a jar, add your preferred toppings like chopped cilantro, roasted peanuts or cashews, and sesame seeds. Pour approximately 1/2 cup of hot water into the jar, then let it sit for 2 to 3 minutes to warm and soften the noodles. Stir well before enjoying directly from the jar or transferring to a bowl.
Notes
- Use tamari soy sauce for a gluten-free version.
- Adjust the spice level by omitting or increasing the amount of Sriracha or chili sauce according to taste.
- For vegetarian or vegan options, substitute chicken or shrimp with tofu and use maple syrup instead of honey.
- Do not add hot water until ready to eat to keep the texture of the noodles and vegetables fresh.
- These jars can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Use lime wedges at serving time to add fresh acidity.
