Mason Jar Instant Noodles Recipe

Name: Mason Jar Instant Noodles
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 1
Ingredients: 1 (32 ounce) large mouth mason jar; 1/2 cup cubed cooked chicken; 2 baby carrots, shredded; 1/4 cup chopped cabbage; 2 dried shiitake mushrooms, chopped; 1 green onion, chopped; 1 teaspoon sesame oil; 1 teaspoon soy sauce; 1/2 teaspoon Sriracha sauce; 2 ounces thin rice noodles, broken up; 1 chicken bouillon cube; 2 1/2 cups boiling water

Cook Time: 5 minutes

Ingredients

1 (32 ounce) large mouth mason jar with lid
1/2 cup cubed cooked chicken
2 baby carrots, shredded
1/4 cup chopped cabbage
2 dried shiitake mushrooms, chopped
1 green onion, chopped
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon soy sauce
1/2 teaspoon Sriracha sauce
2 ounces thin rice noodles, broken up
1 teaspoon chicken bouillon cube
2 1/2 cups boiling water

Directions

Step 1: Start by placing the cubed chicken at the bottom of the mason jar.

Step 2: Add the shredded carrots, chopped cabbage, dried shiitake mushrooms, and chopped green onion on top of the chicken.

Step 3: Drizzle the sesame oil, soy sauce, and Sriracha sauce over the ingredients in the jar.

Step 4: Next, add the broken-up rice noodles into the jar.

Step 5: Crumble the chicken bouillon cube and sprinkle it over the noodles and vegetables.

Step 6: Seal the mason jar with its lid and refrigerate until ready to use.

Step 7: When ready to serve, pour 2 1/2 cups of boiling water into the mason jar.

Step 8: Screw the lid tightly onto the jar and let it sit for about 5 minutes to allow the ingredients to soften and blend.

Step 9: After 5 minutes, open the jar, stir everything thoroughly, and enjoy your homemade soup!

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Nutrition Information	Amount	% Daily Value
Calories	334	-
Total Fat	14g	18%
Saturated Fat	3g	16%
Cholesterol	64mg	21%
Sodium	1021mg	44%
Total Carbohydrate	32g	12%
Dietary Fiber	6g	22%
Total Sugars	9g	-
Protein	20g	41%
Vitamin C	22mg	25%
Calcium	104mg	8%
Iron	3mg	18%
Potassium	720mg	15%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

The Origins of Mason Jar Instant Noodles

Mason Jar Instant Noodles are a modern twist on traditional Asian noodle soups. While instant noodles themselves were first invented in Japan in 1958 by Momofuku Ando, the concept of layering ingredients in a jar is a recent innovation born from the need for portable, convenient meals. This method allows the preparation of fresh ingredients ahead of time, making it easy to enjoy a hot, flavorful soup without compromising on nutrition or taste. The Mason jar, originally designed for home canning in the United States, provides a practical and visually appealing vessel for this dish.

Regional Variations

Although the recipe has global appeal, its roots are heavily influenced by East Asian cuisine. In Japan, ramen-style ingredients are common, while in Korea, variations often include kimchi or gochujang for a spicier flavor. Southeast Asian versions may incorporate lemongrass, coconut milk, or fish sauce, reflecting local tastes. The versatility of this recipe allows home cooks to experiment with regional vegetables, proteins, and seasonings, creating a customized experience that can be tailored to any palate.

Differences from Similar Dishes

Mason Jar Instant Noodles stand apart from traditional instant noodles and pre-packaged ramen in several ways. First, the ingredients are fresh rather than dehydrated, offering superior flavor and texture. Second, the jar method separates the noodles from the liquid until ready to eat, preventing sogginess and ensuring the noodles maintain their ideal bite. Unlike classic takeout soups, these jars are pre-portioned, easy to store, and can be refrigerated for several days without losing quality.

Common Serving Settings

These noodle jars are perfect for on-the-go meals, office lunches, and picnic settings. They are often enjoyed in casual environments where portability and convenience are valued, but they have also made appearances in trendy cafes and meal-prep services. Some restaurants even use the jar as a presentation tool, highlighting the layered ingredients for an appealing visual effect before the hot water is added.

Fun and Interesting Facts

The Mason jar method of meal prep has gained popularity on social media for its aesthetic appeal and ease of preparation.
Layering ingredients strategically in the jar helps control the cooking time, ensuring vegetables and proteins are cooked just right once hot water is added.
This technique can reduce single-use packaging waste, as jars are reusable and environmentally friendly.
Some chefs have created gourmet versions using seafood, specialty mushrooms, or homemade broths to elevate the simple instant noodle concept.

FAQ about Mason Jar Instant Noodles Recipe

Mason jar instant noodles can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days. Make sure the jar is tightly sealed to prevent air from getting in and affecting the ingredients.

Yes, you can substitute the rice noodles with other types of noodles, like ramen or soba noodles. Just make sure to break them into smaller pieces so they fit easily in the mason jar.

Yes, the mason jar noodles can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for later use. Just add boiling water when you're ready to eat. It’s an excellent meal prep option.

While it's technically possible to freeze the jar, the texture of the noodles and vegetables may suffer when thawed. It's better to store them in the fridge and consume them within a few days for the best quality.

Absolutely! You can adjust the spice level by adding more or less Sriracha sauce, or you can omit it entirely if you prefer a milder taste. You can also add chili flakes or fresh chilies if you want more heat.

Yes, you can use fresh vegetables instead of dried ones. However, dried shiitake mushrooms offer a stronger, concentrated flavor. If using fresh, make sure to chop them finely so they fit in the jar and cook properly.

To reheat the noodles, just pour hot water over them in the mason jar, seal the lid, and let it sit for 5 minutes as you would when preparing it fresh. Stir the noodles before eating. If you’ve refrigerated them, they should heat up well.

Yes, you can add more protein to the recipe. Options like tofu, shrimp, or even additional cooked chicken can be added. Just make sure to adjust the amount of water or bouillon to balance the flavor.

You should use a 32-ounce wide-mouth mason jar to ensure there's enough space for all the ingredients. A wide-mouth jar makes it easier to fill and empty the ingredients.

If you don’t have a mason jar, you can use any airtight container, such as a glass jar, a food storage container, or even a large cup with a lid. Just make sure it’s large enough to hold all the ingredients and that it can be sealed tightly to keep everything fresh.