Noodle Soup in a Jar

BySerena Ball, MS, RD
23 Comments

Easy make-ahead ramen noodle soup in a jar is a lunch solution that's healthy and super-filling - and it's fresher than the instant noodles in a cup.

Prep Lunch ahead of time: Noodle Soup in a Jar | @TspCurry DIY noodles

"What should I pack for lunch?”

For me, the answer was soup! And noodles. But it's tricky to pack.

Then I thought of making a homemade version of those packaged cups of noodles.

Using a mason jar, I added:

  • Ramen noodles from a package
  • Homemade chicken broth
  • Vegetables
  • Spices
  • Sesame seeds
  • Squirt of Sriracha

...and let it set overnight in the fridge. At lunchtime, I simply added hot water like I used to do to those store-bought cups of instant noodles ...when I worked in a real office, and had coworkers who did the same.

Isn't that a great idea?

Soup in a Jar - Easy for lunch | @tspcurry

Except, I discovered that another smarter person already thought of it...two years ago. That would be the brilliant Kenji Alt-Lopez who posted his DIY Instant Noodles on his awesome site SeriousEats. Luckily, his version is quite a bit different from mine and uses some fancy ingredients I don't usually have on hand. And my Noodle Soup in a Jar is all about the convenience - especially when I can prep four lunches at a time.

Ramen noodle soup in a jar | @TspCurry DIY noodle soup

Here's how I made my Noodle Soup in a Jar budget-friendly, quick and healthy...without mushy noodles:

  • Dried ramen noodles (the inexpensive Maruchan-brand package is fine.) But ditch the sodium-bomb flavor pack that comes with the noodles.
  • Frozen vegetables + whatever protein is on-hand: Cooked chicken, shrimp, tofu, even canned tuna was delish
  • Boxed or homemade chicken broth - but only ½ cup to avoid mushy noodles - and potential spillage on the way to work/school.
  • Simple spices - DON'T forget the toasted seasame seeds. They totally make the soup and add great nutrition.
  • If you need a little more saltiness, pack some reduced-sodium soy sauce packets[bctt tweet="A fresher lunch than instant noodles in a cup: Noodle Soup in a Jar via @TspCurry #TheRecipeReDux" via="no"]

Fresh and easy to prep-ahead for lunch: Noodle Soup in a Jar | @tspcurry DIY instant noodles

My kids' school does allow glass mason jars - and some eco-conscious moms are packing lunches in jars. My kids loved these soups.

And the bonus: No pots to wash! This has come in very handy as I'm embarking on a little DIY kitchen remodel....more to come. (:

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Ramen noodle soup in a jar | @TspCurry DIY noodle soup

Noodle Soup in a Jar

  • Author: Serena Ball
  • Yield: 4 jars 1x
Print Recipe

Description

Easy make-ahead ramen noodles in a jar is healthy, fresh and a super-filling lunch solution.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 (3 oz) package of ramen noodle soup
  • 2 cups homemade or canned chicken stock
  • 1 ½ cup frozen mixed vegetables
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 2 teaspoons low-sodium soy sauce
  • 2 teaspoons toasted sesame seeds
  • 4 squirts sriracha sauce
  • 8 ounces tofu, cooked chicken, shrimp, or tuna

Instructions

  1. Divide the noodles from the package of ramen into four 1-pint jars; discard spice packet.
  2. Divide chicken broth, mixed vegetables, garlic powder, soy sauce, sesame seeds, sriracha sauce and tofu/meat between 4 jars.
  3. Seal jars with a lid and ring band. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  4. To serve, let jar come to room temperature for about 1 hour before serving. Add boiling hot water to the 12-ounce line. Seal jar and let set for about 3 minutes. Stir and enjoy!

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What are your creative packed lunch ideas? Please share!If you need more inspiration, check out all of our ReDuxers 'what to pack for lunch' lunches below:


More Soups and Salads

23 Comments

  2. We are heading into winter here in Australia, so cosy lunch ideas like this will be perfect.

    1. Ahh yes...Aussie winters are all about soup...I remember from when I lived there in college. (: THanks Nina!

  3. This is a great idea! Have your kids taken them to school and been able to have a teacher/aide add the boiling water for them? Just curious- been awhile since I've been in school 😉

    1. What I do is add boiling water in the morning to a thermos - then just dump the mason jar contents in quick and seal...as my kids are all still in elementary school. I love that the lunch is already prepped! But my niece has access to boiling water in her high school cafeteria. Great question Jess!

  4. What a fantastic idea! My husband LOVES ramen noodles and what a great way to make them healthier for a quick, satisfying lunch!

    1. Thanks Ann. I gotta tell you, I'm loving that these are made ahead on Sundays...and I'm good for lunch for a few days. (: Hope you get a chance to make for your hubby! (:

  5. This is brilliant! I just saw the idea to make a pho in a jar, but this one looks so much easier!

  6. This is my favorite idea EVER! You are a genius. I know Ramen noodles are super trendy albeit salty ... so I love how you used them here without the packets!

    1. Thanks Liz! These are almost as good as the bowl of Ramen I had at the trendy Ramen bar here in St. Louis...I say almost...because the trendy bowl had seaweed in it and homemade dashi too: My faves! I could add both to this recipe too...but I'll admit I've never made dashi. Maybe I should try, I've read it's super easy. (:

  7. Really such a creative recipe here Serena! I may have to have 6 squirts of sriracha, but I can definitely see this on my menu! I really should make more mason jar salads, you and Alex both have me wanting to this month!!

    1. Ha! the number of squirts was based on my kids' tastes...but I'm glad to see you're already changing this recipe to your own tastes! 6 squirts would be delish!

  8. I love this idea for a quick on-the-go lunch! The different additions of protein is a great idea!

    1. My kids love the tofu and chicken...I like tuna or shrimp with lots of Sriracha! (: Thanks Rachel!

  9. I LOVE THIS! I adore ramen noodles...so really, you had me there. I've been getting the Lotus Food brown rice version which makes me feel a bit more virtuous. 🙂

    1. What a great tip Sarah! I will totally look for the Lotus Food brand. Thanks for sharing.

    1. Ha! HA! Glad you like it (and wish I could think of a funny pun to say so.)

  12. This is such an awesome idea! :]! I've done something similar, except we used a different kind of noodle since we were out of packaged ramen, haha. I love how portable this is! :]

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