Ramen Meal Prep Jars (No Stove Needed — Just Microwave or Add Boiling Water)
Can you meal prep ramen? Absolutely! These easy ramen meal prep jars make it simple to enjoy a cozy, nourishing meal anytime. Just layer the ingredients in advance, store them in the fridge, and when hunger strikes, all you need is hot water or a quick microwave session. It’s the perfect grab-and-go lunch for busy workdays or chilly evenings when you want something warm and comforting fast.
If you love noodle dishes, there are plenty of other delicious options to try! For something light and refreshing, check out this Thai Vermicelli Noodle Soup, or if you’re craving bold flavors, this peanut butter ramen noodle salad is a must.
Why You’ll Love This Meal Prep Recipe
If you’re a fan of quick, cozy meals that don’t compromise on flavor, you’re going to love these ramen meal prep jars! They’re:
- Quick and easy – Just 10 minutes of prep and no cooking until you’re ready to eat!
- Meal-prep friendly – Store these jars in the fridge for 3–4 days.
- Customizable – Add your favorite veggies, tofu, or spice level.
- Healthier than instant ramen – Made with real ingredients, no artificial flavors.
- Perfect for lunch on the go – Great for work, school, or travel.
Ingredient Notes
Before you start layering your ramen jars, here’s a quick guide to the key ingredients and how to customize them based on what you have at home. Full ingredients with measurements can be found in the printable recipe card below!
- Ramen Noodles: Use any vegan-friendly ramen brand you like—Koyo, Lotus Foods, or the Nissin Soy Sauce flavor are all great options. If you’re gluten-free, swap in rice noodles or millet ramen. Breaking the noodle block before layering helps it fit into the jar more easily and cook evenly later.
- Ramen Seasoning Packet or Vegetable Bouillon: The seasoning packet adds depth and umami to the broth. If you prefer less sodium or want a whole-food alternative, use ½ teaspoon of low-sodium vegetable bouillon or a spoonful of homemade miso paste instead.
- Miso Paste: Miso adds that signature savory flavor and helps the broth taste rich. You can substitute with soy sauce or tamari (for gluten-free), but miso gives a more complex, restaurant-style flavor.
- Ginger Powder: A pinch of ginger powder brings warmth and brightness to the broth. If you have fresh ginger, grate about ½ teaspoon instead—it will add an extra layer of flavor.
- Red Pepper Flakes: Totally optional, but great for a bit of heat! You can swap with chili paste, sriracha, or omit entirely for a milder version.
- Sesame Oil: Just a tiny drizzle gives your soup that classic ramen aroma and richness. If you’re oil-free, simply skip it—the soup will still be flavorful thanks to the miso and seasonings.
- Veggies (Mushrooms, Snap Peas, Green Onions): This combo keeps things fresh, crisp, and colorful. Feel free to use what you have—bok choy, shredded cabbage, spinach, bell peppers, or broccoli all work beautifully. Use thinly sliced veggies for quicker cooking once hot water is added.
- Extra-Firm or Super Firm Tofu: Adds plant-based protein and a satisfying bite. Tofu that requires no pressing, like Hodo’s Extra-Firm Tofu works great!
Tips & Variations
Once you’ve mastered the base recipe, the fun begins! These simple tweaks let you adjust the spice, texture, and nutrition to match your taste. Whether you want extra heat, crunch, or greens, these ideas will help you customize your ramen jars your way:
- Adjust the spice: Add chili paste, sriracha, or hot sesame oil.
- Add crunch: Top with sesame seeds, chopped peanuts, or crispy onions after cooking.
- Boost the veggies: Toss in baby spinach, kale, or shredded cabbage before adding hot water.
- Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free ramen or rice noodles instead.
How To Make
Here’s the step-by-step process to make these easy ramen meal prep jars.
Step 1: Break the dry ramen block in half and place it at the bottom of a wide-mouth mason jar or other microwave-safe glass container.
Step 2: Add your flavor boosters right on top of the noodles — the seasoning packet or bouillon, red pepper flakes, ginger powder, miso paste, and sesame oil.
Step 3: Layer in the mushrooms, snap peas (or your favorite veggies), tofu cubes, and green onions.
Step 4: Screw the lid on tightly and refrigerate for up to 3–4 days.
When You’re Ready to Eat
Microwave Method:
- Add room temperature water until the noodles are covered (about 2 cups).
- Microwave for 4 minutes, being careful when handling the hot jar.
- Stir well, let cool slightly, then dig in!
Boiling Water Method:
- Pour in boiling water to cover the noodles.
- Stir gently, cover, and let sit for 5 minutes.
- Stir again and enjoy warm, cozy ramen goodness!
Storage Tips
Keep your meal prep jars in the fridge for up to 4 days. They travel well and are perfect for quick weekday lunches. Just remember to add the water right before heating or serving — don’t store them with liquid added.
FAQs
Yes! These jars are perfect for meal prep. You can assemble them up to 3–4 days in advance and store them in the fridge. Just wait to add water until you’re ready to eat.
Definitely. You can swap traditional ramen noodles for rice noodles, soba, or even whole wheat spaghetti if you prefer. Just make sure they’re the quick-cook kind so they’ll soften properly when hot water is added.
No problem! You can substitute soy sauce or tamari for a similar salty, savory flavor. It won’t have quite the same depth, but it’ll still be delicious.
Nope! If you’re using extra-firm tofu, you can add it directly to the jar. If you prefer crispy tofu, you can air fry or bake it first and add it when serving.
More Easy Meal Prep Recipes
If you make this ramen meal prep jars recipe, please leave a star rating and let me know what you think in the comments below! I love reading your comments!
Ramen Meal Prep Jars (No Stove Needed — Just Add Boiling Water or Microwave)
Equipment
- 1 wide mouth mason jar Or other microwave-safe glass meal prep container.
Ingredients
- 1 block ramen noodles, uncooked, about 3 oz, vegan flavor (such as Nissan Soy Sauce flavor or Koyo brand)
- 1 packet ramen seasoning, that comes with the ramen (or swap out for vegetable bouillon)
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
- ¼ teaspoon ginger powder
- 1 teaspoon miso paste, or soy sauce or tamari
- ¼ teaspoon sesame oil
- ¼ cup mushrooms, sliced
- ¼ cup snap peas, chopped (or other veggies like broccoli, bok choy, bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach, or cabbage)
- ¼ cup tofu, cubed, very firm, such as Hodo Foods tofu
- ¼ cup sliced green onions
- 2 cups water, to cover noodles (room temperature if microwaving, or boiling water).
Instructions
- Add the Uncooked Noodles: Break the ramen noodle block into the bottom of a quart-sized wide mouth mason jar (or other microwave-safe glass container).
- Layer the Flavor Base: Add the ramen seasoning packet contents, red pepper flakes, ginger powder, miso paste, and sesame oil.
- Add Protein and Veggies: Layer on the mushrooms, snap peas, tofu, and green onions.
- Close the lid tightly and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
When You're Ready to Eat
- Microwave Instructions: Add room temperature water and microwave for 4 minutes. Be careful when removing from the microwave, it will be very hot. Mix well and let sit until cooled enough to eat. Stir again and dig in!
- Boiling Water Instructions: Pour in boiling water until noodles are covered, stir gently, and cover. Let sit for 5 minutes. Stir again, and enjoy!
Notes
- Adjust the spice: Add a spoonful of chili paste, sriracha, or hot sesame oil.
- Add Crunch: Sprinkle sesame seeds, chopped peanuts, or crispy onions on top after cooking.
- Boost the Veggies: Toss in fresh spinach or kale before adding hot water.
- Made it Gluten-Free: Simply use gluten-free quick-cook noodles!
Nutrition
You may also like...
Enter to Win Our Monthly Giveaway!
New winner every month! Drop your name below for a chance to win hundreds of dollars of vegan prizes from our brand partners. You’ll also receive our weekly e-newsletter with plant-based recipes galore!
Leave a Comment