Mason Jar Noodle Meal Prep (Printable)

Layered noodle jars with protein, fresh vegetables, and savory sauce, perfect for quick, nutritious meals on the go.

# Components:

→ Noodles

01 - 7 oz dried ramen or rice noodles

→ Protein

02 - 7 oz cooked chicken breast, tofu, or cooked shrimp, diced

→ Vegetables

03 - 1 cup shredded carrots
04 - 1 cup thinly sliced red or yellow bell peppers
05 - 1 cup baby spinach or kale
06 - ½ cup thinly sliced scallions
07 - ½ cup bean sprouts

→ Sauce

08 - 4 tbsp soy sauce (substitute tamari for gluten-free)
09 - 2 tbsp rice vinegar
10 - 2 tbsp sesame oil
11 - 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
12 - 2 tsp Sriracha or chili sauce (optional)
13 - 1 clove garlic, minced
14 - 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated

→ Toppings (optional)

15 - 2 tbsp chopped cilantro
16 - 2 tbsp chopped roasted peanuts or cashews
17 - 1 tbsp sesame seeds
18 - Lime wedges

# Method:

01 - Boil noodles according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water to halt cooking. Set aside.
02 - Whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey, Sriracha (if using), garlic, and ginger in a small bowl until combined.
03 - Divide the sauce evenly among four large mason jars (approximately 25 fl oz each).
04 - In each jar, layer diced protein over the sauce, followed by carrots, bell peppers, spinach or kale, scallions, and bean sprouts. Top with cooked noodles.
05 - Seal jars tightly and refrigerate until ready to serve.
06 - To serve, remove lid, add desired toppings, pour in ½ cup hot water, let sit for 2–3 minutes, then stir and enjoy directly from the jar or in a bowl.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • You get a warm, satisfying meal in three minutes flat by just adding hot water—no microwave, no fussing.
  • The sauce stays separate until serving, so everything tastes crisp and intentional, not soggy.
  • Once you nail the layering, you can customize every jar based on what's in your fridge or what you're craving that week.
02 -
  • Hot water temperature matters more than you'd think—boiling water will wilt your fresh vegetables into submission, so use water that's hot enough to steam but not aggressively bubbling.
  • The order of layering isn't just for show; keeping the sauce at the bottom means your noodles stay firm and don't absorb all the liquid before you're ready to eat.
  • If you're meal prepping more than four days out, skip the fresh herbs and toppings until serving time, or they'll fade into nothing.
03 -
  • Keep sesame seeds and chopped nuts separate until you're ready to eat—they'll go soggy and lose their personality within hours.
  • A squeeze of fresh lime right into the jar before eating transforms everything, adding a brightness that makes the whole dish feel brand new.
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