Homemade Ramen Noodle Jars

If you or your kids love those store-bought instant ramen cups but want a healthier, homemade alternative, this recipe is for you!

With just a few simple ingredients, you can prep your own DIY ramen noodle jars that are free from excessive sodium and preservatives—plus, they’re budget-friendly and customizable to your family’s taste.

Why Make Your Own Ramen Noodle Jars?

Instant ramen may be convenient, but those little packets are packed with unhealthy additives and sky-high sodium levels. When you make your own, you get to:

• Control the ingredients (no mystery additives!)
• Choose high-quality seasonings
• Pack in extra veggies for added nutrition
• Adjust sodium levels to your preference
• Save money by prepping multiple servings at once

These jars make a fantastic quick lunch or dinner, and they’re easy to take on the go. Just add hot water, let it sit, and enjoy!

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe requires just four basic ingredients:

1. Noodles – Use a very thin pasta like angel hair or parboiled noodles that cook quickly.
2. Vegetables – Freeze-dried or dehydrated mixed vegetables work great.
3. Thickener – Arrowroot powder, cornstarch, or potato starch to give the broth a heartier texture.
4. Flavoring – Chicken or beef bouillon powder for that classic ramen taste.

Additional Optional Ingredients:

• Protein – Add freeze-dried chicken, tofu, or cooked shredded meat.
• Seasonings – Garlic powder, onion powder, or a pinch of chili flakes for extra flavor.
• Fresh Add-Ins – Toss in green onions or a boiled egg when serving for extra freshness.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Choose Your Noodles

For this recipe, we recommend thin noodles that cook quickly, like angel hair pasta or capellini. If you can find pre-portioned noodle nests, those work perfectly!

Simply place 1–2 nests in each jar, breaking them up slightly to help them cook faster.

Step 2: Add Your Vegetables

Freeze-dried mixed vegetables are a great option because they rehydrate quickly and retain their texture.

If you don’t have freeze-dried veggies, dehydrated vegetables work too—just note that they take longer to rehydrate.

• Use 1/2 cup freeze-dried veggies per jar.
• If using dehydrated veggies, use 1/4 cup, as they expand when rehydrated.

Step 3: Add Your Thickener

To give your broth a little body, add 1 tablespoon of arrowroot powder, cornstarch, or potato starch to each jar. This will help thicken the broth slightly, making it feel more like the comforting ramen you know and love.

Step 4: Add Flavoring

For a simple but delicious broth, add 1 heaping tablespoon of chicken or beef bouillon powder to each jar. If you prefer a vegetarian option, you can use vegetable bouillon or a homemade seasoning blend.

Step 5: Seal and Store

Once your jars are assembled, seal them with lids. If you want to store them long-term (several months), consider vacuum sealing them to keep the ingredients fresh.

How to Cook Your Ramen Jars

When you’re ready to eat, simply:

1. Add boiling water – Use equal parts water to dry ingredients (e.g., 2 cups of water for a jar containing 2 cups of dry ingredients).
2. Let it sit – If using a thermos or covered container, let it sit for about 10–15 minutes. If cooking on the stovetop, simmer for 5–7 minutes.
3. Stir and enjoy! Add fresh toppings like green onions, sesame seeds, or a soft-boiled egg for extra flavor.

Final Tips

• Make a big batch – Prep multiple jars at once so you always have a quick meal on hand.
• Customize flavors – Try different seasoning blends, add miso paste, or throw in some spice for a kick.
• Perfect for meal prep – These jars stay fresh for weeks, making them ideal for busy schedules.

By making your own homemade ramen noodle jars, you can enjoy a healthier, more nourishing alternative to store-bought instant noodles—all while saving money and feeding your family wholesome meals!