Tahini Ramen Jars

If you’re looking for a healthier alternative to instant ramen, these tahini ramen jars will blow your mind! With a little bit of prep, you can enjoy delicious noodles every day of the week.

I’m a huge fan of instant ramen for its convenience… But let’s face it, ramen packets from the store don’t offer much nutritional value.

In order to combat that, I have resorted to making my own homemade version with these tahini ramen jars. Sure, it’s a little bit more work, but it’s also a whole lot healthier and more filling.

To enhance the flavor, I created a delicious tahini sauce, whereas the veggies and tofu provide a good serving of protein, fiber, and other macronutrients. Once you try this version of instant ramen, you’ll never go back to eating store-bought stuff!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• It’s still very easy! Granted, it’s not as easy as simply soaking noodles with a flavor packet, but it is still very beginner-friendly.
• Once the meal prep is done, it’s actually very convenient. All you have to do is pour some hot water over the noodles or microwave the contents with water, just like regular ramen!
• Nutritionally, this meal provides plenty of fiber, protein, healthy fats, and carbs. Not to mention, including garlic and ginger is great for digestion and the immune system.
• Let me tell you about the flavors in these tahini ramen jars! It’s amazing how just a few ingredients can create such a deep and broad flavor profile. Between the umami of the soy sauce, the sweetness and spice kick of the chili sauce, the aromatic punch of the garlic and ginger, and the creamy, earthy tahini… It’s a PARTY!
• It is very easy to modify this dish according to your taste, allergies, dietary preferences, or even to use up some veggies you have left in your fridge. Scroll down for a comprehensive list of substitutions!

The Evolution of Ramen

Ramen is a popular Japanese dish that typically consists of wheat noodles served in a flavorful broth accompanied by various toppings. It’s considered a staple of Japanese cuisine and has gained international popularity.

The key components of a bowl of ramen include noodles, infused broth, vegetables, and some form of protein (such as seafood, meat, tofu, or egg). The vegetables traditionally include scallions, bamboo shoots, bean sprouts, edamame beans, bok choy, and carrots.

The evolution of this traditional dish into store-bought instant ramen is an interesting story that involves a combination of historical, cultural, and technological factors. 

After World War II, Japan was in a period of rebuilding and economic recovery. In this context, instant noodles were conceived as a way to provide affordable, convenient, and easily stored food to the masses.

The modern instant ramen was invented by a Japanese-Taiwanese inventor named Momofuku Ando. Ando’s key innovation was the use of a flash-frying technique, which dehydrated the noodles, making them shelf-stable and quick to cook. This process involved frying the noodles in hot oil to remove moisture.

In 1971, Ando introduced another groundbreaking product: Cup Noodles. This innovation eliminated the need for a separate bowl or pot for cooking, as the noodles and seasoning were packaged in a foam cup, which could be prepared simply by adding hot water.

As instant ramen spread globally, it adapted to local tastes and preferences. Different regions have their own unique flavors and styles of instant ramen. It also accounted for vegan and vegetarian options available for the consumers.

This recipe for tahini ramen jars utilizes the convenience of instant ramen, along with the fresh ingredients you’d see in traditional dish and a Western spin that includes making the dish vegan-friendly.

How to Make This Recipe

To make the sauce, whisk together tahini, soy sauce, sweet chili sauce, minced garlic and ginger, and bouillon powder. You can do this right in the jar you use to store and eat the ramen.

Then, add tofu, grated carrots, green onions, and cilantro. If you want to use more veggies, feel free to add them at this stage but be sure to leave enough space for the noodles.

Add the noodles and top with sesame seeds. The meal prep is done! Just close your tahini ramen jars and store them in the fridge for 3-5 days.

To enjoy the noodles, take out the jar slightly in advance to let them warm up to room temperature and avoid breakage. 

Then, pour some boiling water into the jar until the noodles are submerged. Allow the contents to sit for 5-8 minutes until the noodles are soft and enjoy!

Hack It!

• The alternative way to cook your ramen is to pour the cold water in and microwave the contents. Of course, you can also transfer the prepped ingredients into a saucepan and cook with water.
• Any swaps and additions are fair game! Gluten-free? Use rice noodles or glass noodles instead. Allergy to sesame? Peanut butter is a great substitution. Soy-free? Liquid aminos instead of soy sauce and seitan or soy-free tofu alternative.
• Same goes for the vegetables you use in this recipe. You can add or swap, depending on what you have available. For instance, spinach, kale, bean sprouts, bell pepper, and edamame go very well with this recipe.
• If you prefer thicker noodles (such as udon or soba), you can pre-cook them and add them to jars already soft. This way, you also don’t have to wait as long after adding hot water.
• You can also pre-bake tofu cubes so that they are more crispy in your ramen.
• Feel free to adjust the spice level to your preference and tolerance.

The Best Jars For This Recipe

I am a big advocate for using what you have available. That said, some types of jars are better suited for this recipe than others.

Firstly, make sure your jar is big enough to fit the ingredients and account for the expansion of the noodles. I would recommend using a jar between 24 and 32 oz.

Secondly, you may prefer to use a wide-mouth jar to make it easy to whisk the sauce and add the ingredients. Especially something as bulky as noodles.

You also want to make sure to use a jar that can withstand heat. Personally, I would recommend using large mason jars that are designed for canning and therefore can handle high temperatures. Typically, these jars are made with thicker glass or even tempered glass.

To store the tahini ramen jars in the fridge, you’ll need something with a lid. And of course, if you’re using the microwave to cook your ramen, be sure to remove a metal lid or any metal detailing. Alternatively, transfer the contents into a microwave-safe container before cooking.

Other Recipes You’ll Love

• Spicy Peanut Noodles
• Thai Noodle Salad
• Mason Jar Soup
• Vegan Ramen Soup Jar
• Noodle Salad with Nut Dressing

For even more healthy, plant-based recipes, check out the PlantYou Planner! It’s a digital meal planner that features over 500 delicious vegan recipes! Every recipe, from breakfast and lunch, to Christmas dinner and Valentine’s dessert, can be adjusted to make enough servings for your household size. What’s more, you can take advantage of the FREE beginner vegan meal plan before you make up your mind.

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