This Miso Noodle Soup in a Jar is the ultimate quick, healthy, and flavorful meal. Featuring tender tofu, earthy shiitake mushrooms, and crisp bok choy, this soup is layered in a jar for a convenient, on-the-go option. The miso paste and fresh ginger give the broth a deep, umami-packed flavor, while rice vermicelli noodles soak up all the deliciousness. Perfect for meal prep, this soup-in-a-jar concept allows you to prepare multiple servings in advance and simply heat when ready to eat. It’s a nourishing and satisfying meal that will keep you warm during the colder months. The rich flavors and hearty textures make it a delightful choice for lunch or a light dinner.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 12 ounces extra-firm tofu
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup sliced green onions
- 3 tablespoons white miso paste
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon vegetable stock base
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 1/2 cups cooked rice vermicelli noodles
- 1 cup thinly sliced shiitake mushrooms
- 1 cup thinly sliced baby bok choy
Directions:
- Cut tofu into 1/2-inch planks. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook tofu, turning halfway through, until golden, 6 to 8 minutes. Cut tofu into cubes.
- Stir together green onions, miso paste, garlic, stock base, and ginger in a small bowl. Divide evenly among 3 microwave-safe pint-size canning jars with lids.
- Layer evenly with rice vermicelli noodles, tofu, mushrooms, and bok choy. Chill, covered, for up to 5 days.
- To serve, let the jar stand at room temperature for 10 minutes or run under warm water for 1 minute. Add 1 cup of water to the jar until nearly full. Microwave uncovered for 3 minutes.
- Carefully screw on the lid (the jar will be very hot). Let stand for 5 minutes. Invert the jar to combine the ingredients. Eat directly from the jar or transfer to a bowl.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 256 kcal | Servings: 3 servings
The Miso Noodle Soup in a Jar is a modern twist on traditional Japanese miso soup, bringing together the comforting flavors of miso broth, tofu, shiitake mushrooms, and bok choy in a portable, easy-to-prepare format. This recipe is not only convenient for meal prepping but also offers a wholesome, nutrient-packed option for busy individuals who want to enjoy a homemade meal without spending too much time in the kitchen.
Origins of Miso Soup
Miso soup has deep roots in Japanese cuisine, where it is traditionally served as a side dish with rice, fish, and pickles. Miso, a fermented soybean paste, is the star ingredient, giving the soup its distinctive umami flavor. In Japan, miso soup can vary depending on the region and season, with different types of miso (white, red, or mixed) and various vegetables or proteins being used. It’s a dish that can be as simple or as complex as one desires, yet it always carries the comforting warmth and depth that miso imparts. The addition of ingredients like tofu, mushrooms, and bok choy in this jar version elevates the dish, making it not just a side but a complete, satisfying meal.
The Convenience of a Jar Meal
The idea of preparing meals in a jar has become increasingly popular in recent years, particularly for those with busy lifestyles. The concept allows you to prep multiple servings of a dish in advance, store them in jars, and heat them up whenever needed. For this miso noodle soup, the jar acts as both a storage container and a cooking vessel, making it extremely convenient. Simply add boiling water, microwave, and your meal is ready in minutes. This ease of preparation makes it ideal for weekday lunches, quick dinners, or even a nutritious option when traveling.
Using microwave-safe jars means you don’t have to transfer the contents to another container, saving time on both cooking and cleaning. Plus, the jars can be reused, contributing to a more sustainable approach to meal preparation. By assembling the ingredients in layers, you can ensure that the flavors remain fresh, and the noodles, vegetables, and tofu are perfectly cooked when heated.
Nutritional Benefits
One of the standout features of this miso noodle soup is its nutritional profile. At around 256 calories per serving, it’s a light but filling meal that provides a good balance of macronutrients. The tofu offers a rich source of plant-based protein, perfect for vegetarians and vegans. Tofu is also a great source of calcium and iron, making it a valuable addition to any diet, especially for those who don’t consume animal products.
Miso itself is packed with beneficial probiotics due to its fermentation process. These probiotics can aid in digestion and promote gut health. Miso is also rich in essential minerals like zinc, manganese, and copper, as well as vitamins such as B12, which is crucial for energy production and neurological function.
The inclusion of shiitake mushrooms and baby bok choy adds both flavor and nutrition to the dish. Shiitake mushrooms are known for their immune-boosting properties and are a good source of fiber, vitamin D, and B vitamins. Bok choy, a type of Chinese cabbage, is low in calories but high in vitamins C, A, and K, as well as folate and calcium. Together, these ingredients make the soup not only flavorful but also a powerhouse of nutrients.
The rice vermicelli noodles add the carbohydrate component to the dish, providing energy without being too heavy. These gluten-free noodles are a popular choice in many Asian dishes and cook quickly, making them ideal for this jar recipe.
Flavors and Customization
One of the joys of this miso noodle soup is its versatility. While the recipe calls for tofu, mushrooms, and bok choy, you can easily customize it based on your preferences or what you have on hand. For a heartier meal, you might add cooked chicken or shrimp. If you prefer more greens, spinach or kale can be used in place of bok choy. The rice vermicelli noodles can also be substituted with soba noodles, udon noodles, or even zoodles (zucchini noodles) for a low-carb option.
The flavor profile of the soup is primarily driven by the miso paste, which is rich, savory, and slightly tangy. White miso, the milder of the miso varieties, is used in this recipe, but you could experiment with red or mixed miso for a deeper, more intense flavor. The addition of garlic and ginger enhances the broth with a warm, spicy undertone, while the vegetable stock base helps to round out the flavors.
For an extra layer of umami, you could add a splash of soy sauce or tamari. A drizzle of sesame oil before serving can also add a delightful nutty flavor. And for those who like a bit of heat, a few drops of chili oil or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes can transform the dish into a spicier, more robust soup.
Perfect for Meal Prep and Storage
Miso Noodle Soup in a Jar is ideal for meal prep because the ingredients can be prepared in advance and stored in the fridge for up to five days. This makes it easy to assemble multiple jars at the beginning of the week, ensuring that you have a nutritious, homemade meal on hand at all times. The ingredients stay fresh in the jar, and the flavors meld together as they sit, enhancing the taste of the soup when it’s finally heated.
Because the jars are sealed, the soup can be easily transported, making it perfect for taking to work or on the go. Just pop it in the microwave, and you have a delicious meal ready in minutes. The portability and convenience make it an excellent option for those who lead busy lives but still want to enjoy healthy, homemade food.
Sustainability and Reducing Waste
The use of jars in this recipe also touches on the growing trend of reducing waste and embracing more sustainable kitchen practices. By opting for reusable glass jars, you eliminate the need for single-use plastics or containers. This is a small but meaningful step towards a more eco-friendly kitchen. Additionally, using jars allows for precise portion control, which can help reduce food waste by ensuring that you prepare only what you need.
Conclusion
In today’s fast-paced world, finding recipes that are both convenient and nutritious can be challenging. The Miso Noodle Soup in a Jar strikes the perfect balance by offering a quick, easy-to-prepare meal that doesn’t compromise on flavor or health benefits. With its nutrient-dense ingredients like tofu, shiitake mushrooms, and bok choy, this soup is a well-rounded option that provides a good source of protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
The jar method simplifies meal prep and storage, making it a great choice for those with busy schedules who still want to enjoy a homemade meal. Plus, it’s highly customizable, allowing you to adjust the ingredients to suit your taste or dietary preferences. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week, looking for a quick lunch option, or simply craving a comforting bowl of soup, Miso Noodle Soup in a Jar is a recipe worth adding to your repertoire.
With the growing interest in sustainable cooking practices, this recipe also highlights the benefits of using reusable jars, helping you reduce your environmental impact while still enjoying a delicious, wholesome meal. It’s not just about convenience; it’s about making smart, conscious choices in the kitchen that benefit both your health and the planet.