Mason Jar Instant Gochujang Noodles

A top-down view of two completed Mason Jar Instant Gochujang Noodles on a wooden serving board. Various other ingredients surround them in small dishes. The dishes are on a blue counter with a blue napkin.If you’re looking for a fun, make-ahead lunch idea to take to the office or just have in your fridge…

The post Mason Jar Instant Gochujang Noodles appeared first on The Defined Dish.

A top-down view of two completed Mason Jar Instant Gochujang Noodles on a wooden serving board. Various other ingredients surround them in small dishes. The dishes are on a blue counter with a blue napkin.

If you’re looking for a fun, make-ahead lunch idea to take to the office or just have in your fridge to make life easier on a busy day, these Mason Jar Instant Gochujang Noodles are just the thing!

Three completed Mason Jar Instant Gochujang Noodles on a wooden serving board. Various other ingredients surround them in small dishes. A fork is visible twirling some noodles.

It can be hard to find time to feed yourself nutritious food when you’re busy, but these Mason Jar Instant Gochujang Noodles are super simple to prep, and make for a delicious lunch option. By waiting to add the broth until right before eating, you ensure that lunch only takes a few minutes to put together and it’s ultra-fresh. No soggy noodles around here!

A top-down view of two completed Mason Jar Instant Gochujang Noodles on a wooden serving board. Various other ingredients surround them in small dishes. The dishes are on a blue counter with a blue napkin.

The rich flavors in these noodles are absolutely delicious, and are sure to make you excited to reach for your meal prep every day! Plus, between the chicken, bone broth, and edamame, this meal is packed with protein, so you’ll stay full throughout the day too.

Ingredients:

  • Toasted Sesame Oil
  • Gochujang Paste
  • Coconut Aminos
  • Rice Vinegar
  • Fish Sauce
  • Ginger
  • Garlic
  • Rotisserie Chicken
  • Frozen Edamame
  • Matchstick Carrots
  • Green Onions 
  • Maifun or Thin Vermicelli Rice Noodles
  • Baby Bok Choy
  • Cilantro
  • Black Sesame Seeds
  • Chicken Bone Broth (or sub chicken broth)
Three completed Mason Jar Instant Gochujang Noodles on a wooden serving board. Various other ingredients surround them in small dishes. The dishes are on a blue counter with a blue napkin.

step-by-step:

Step one: make the sauce

In the bottom of each mason jar, combine 1 teaspoon sesame oil, 1 tablespoon gochujang paste, 2 tablespoons coconut aminos, 1 teaspoon rice vinegar, 1 teaspoon fish sauce, ½ teaspoon minced ginger, 1 minced garlic clove. Whisk until well combined.

Step two: prep the mason jars

To each jar, add ½ cup of shredded chicken, 1/3 cup of shelled edamame, ¼ cup matchstick carrots, 1 sliced green onion, a bundle of rice noodles, ½ cup baby bok choy, 1 tablespoon cilantro, 1 teaspoon sesame seeds.

step three: store or serve!

Store in the fridge for up to 3 days in the fridge. When ready to eat, simply bring 2 cups of broth to a rolling boil on the stovetop (or heat in the microwave until it’s piping hot) and pour over the contents in mason jar, stir and let rest to slightly cool and so the noodles soften, 3 to 5 minutes!

Three completed Mason Jar Instant Gochujang Noodles on a wooden serving board. Various other ingredients surround them in small dishes. The dishes are on a blue counter. Broth is being poured into the mason jars from a clear glass measuring cup.

Recipe FAQs:

Can I use veggies other than the ones listed?

Absolutely! These noodles are super customizable based on the ingredients you have on hand. I also love adding shredded purple cabbage, thinly sliced bell pepper, a soft-boiled egg, or even some bean sprouts!

Can I add kimchi to these noodles?

I love to add chopped kimchi! But, if you don’t have it available, the gochujang paste adds a ton of quick, delicious flavor.

can I substitute chicken broth if I don’t have bone broth?

You sure can! I love using bone broth for the increased protein, but chicken or veggie broth work here, too!

I can’t wait to hear what you think about this fun lunch idea! Comment below after you try them.

Looking for more lunch ideas? Check these out!

Ultimate Chicken Taco Salad

Jalapeño Tuna Melt

Grilled Steak and Chimichurri Pasta Salad

A side view of two completed Mason Jar Instant Gochujang Noodles on a wooden serving board. Various other ingredients surround them in small dishes. The dishes are on a blue counter.
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Mason Jar Instant Gochujang Noodles

Servings 4 mason jars
Calories 620kcal

Ingredients

  • 4 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
  • 4 tablespoons gochujang paste
  • 8 tablespoons coconut aminos
  • 4 teaspoons rice vinegar
  • 4 teaspoons fish sauce
  • 2 teaspoons minced ginger
  • 4 garlic cloves minced
  • 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
  • 1 1/3 cup shelled frozen edamame
  • 1 cup matchstick carrots
  • 4 green onions sliced very thin on the diagonal
  • 6 ounces maifun or thin vermicelli rice noodles
  • 1 ½ cups roughly chopped baby bok choy
  • 4 tablespoons minced cilantro
  • 4 teaspoons black sesame seeds
  • 8 cups chicken bone broth or chicken broth

Instructions

  • In the bottom of each mason jar, combine 1 teaspoon sesame oil, 1 tablespoon gochujang paste, 2 tablespoons coconut aminos, 1 teaspoon rice vinegar, 1 teaspoon fish sauce, ½ teaspoon minced ginger, 1 minced garlic clove. Whisk until well combined.
  • To each jar, add ½ cup of shredded chicken, 1/3 cup of shelled edamame, ¼ cup matchstick carrots, 1 sliced green onion, a bundle of rice noodles, ½ cup baby bok choy, 1 tablespoon cilantro, 1 teaspoon sesame seeds.
  • Store in the fridge for up to 3 days in the fridge. When ready to eat, simply bring 2 cups of broth to a rolling boil on the stovetop (or heat in the microwave until it’s piping hot) and pour over the contents in mason jar, stir and let rest to slightly cool and so the noodles soften, 3 to 5 minutes!

Notes

For mason jars, I recommend these!
I use a carton of Kettle and Fire Bone Broth per each instant noodle, the size is exactly 2 cups, I love the flavor and it’s got a bonus in protein!

Nutrition

Calories: 620kcal | Carbohydrates: 59g | Protein: 58g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 114mg | Sodium: 1861mg | Potassium: 541mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 6698IU | Vitamin C: 20mg | Calcium: 127mg | Iron: 3mg

Food Photography and Styling by Eat Love Eats.

The post Mason Jar Instant Gochujang Noodles appeared first on The Defined Dish.

Vegan Fettuccine Alfredo

This vegan fettuccine alfredo tastes decadent, but the creamy sauce is filled with healthy plant-based ingredients. It’s an easy dinner…

This vegan fettuccine alfredo tastes decadent, but the creamy sauce is filled with healthy plant-based ingredients. It’s an easy dinner in under 30 minutes!

Vegan Fettuccine Alfredo

Dinnertime just got easier with this vegan fettucine alfredo! It may be plant-based, but this recipe is a winner with everyone from kids to meat lovers—it’s just that good!

Why we love this recipe: This recipe has been a fan-favorite for years! The sauce is made with nutrient-dense cauliflower and protein-packed cashews instead of dairy, but it comes out unbelievably creamy. Make it with any type of noodle it’s an easy 30-minute plant based dinner we’ve been enjoying for years!

“I never leave comments on blog posts, but this vegan alfredo hit different. I’m an awful cook and this recipe was SO EASY. It tasted AMAZING. For the first time in a while the whole family sat down to grab a serving and enjoy it with me!” -Kara

“This is the best vegan alfredo sauce! It’s my new go-to. It had just the right amount of creaminess and the seasoning is on point!” -Maeghan

Vegan alfredo sauce

Ingredients in vegan fettuccine alfredo

Did you know that blending up veggies and cashews can make a creamy sauce that tastes like dairy? For this vegan alfredo sauce, Alex and I used cauliflower to make a white sauce similar to our cauliflower sauce but without the Parmesan cheese. Here are the ingredients you’ll need:

  • Cauliflower: This cruciferous vegetable makes the body of this sauce.
  • Cashews: Cashews make the sauce creamy and add plant based protein, which makes it filling and satisfying.
  • Garlic and onion powder: These flavorings round out the savory profile.
  • Olive oil and vegetable broth: Olive oil is used for sauteing, and veggie broth for simmering the sauce.

Cook the ingredients for 10 minutes on the stove, then blend them until a creamy sauce forms and mix that with the noodles. You’ve got vegan fettuccine alfredo, an easy plant based dinner recipe in 30 minutes!

Vegan Fettuccine Alfredo

Noodle ideas

There are lots of other options for pasta in this vegan fettuccine alfredo, especially if you eat a gluten free diet. Here are some options you could try:

  • Standard pasta: This recipe is best with fettucine, but you can use any long noodle like spaghetti or bucatini as a substitute.
  • Legume pasta: Pasta made from lentils is becoming easy to find at your local grocery, made from black beans, lentils, or chickpeas. Alex and I have tried a few brands and found the texture is a little tough for us—but other people rave about it!
  • Zucchini noodles (zoodles) or spaghetti squash: Making this pasta with vegetable noodles like zucchini noodles or roasted spaghetti squash would also be tasty! You can make your own or they’re easy to find prepackaged.
Vegan Fettuccine Alfredo

How to cook pasta to al dente

The most important part of any fettuccine alfredo is cooking the past to al dente, in our opinion! Al dente in Italian means “to the bite,” and refers to pasta that is still firm on the inside when cooked. The ideal texture is a tender exterior balanced by a firm bite with a fleck of white at its core. Here’s how to cook pasta to al dente:

  • Boil the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water.
  • While cooking, check pasta continually for doneness.
  • As soon as the pasta has a tender exterior but a fleck of white at its core, drain it! Even a few seconds can be the difference between al dente and limp noodles.
Vegan alfredo sauce in blender

What to do with leftover alfredo sauce

The sauce for this vegan fettuccine alfredo makes 6 cups total. For Alex and my taste, we like this recipe with 5 cups of vegan alfredo sauce for 1 pound of pasta. What to do with 1 cup leftover sauce? Store leftover sauce for 3 to 5 days refrigerated. Then, here are a few ideas of how to use it up:

Dietary notes

This vegan fettuccine alfredo recipe is vegetarian, vegan, plant-based, and dairy-free. For gluten-free, use gluten-free, legume or zucchini noodles.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use a different type of pasta besides fettuccine?

Absolutely! While fettuccine is the traditional choice, you can use any type of pasta you prefer. Spaghetti, linguine, or even short pasta shapes like penne or rotini can work well with the creamy alfredo sauce.

Can I make vegan fettuccine alfredo gluten-free?

Yes, you can easily make it gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer delicious gluten-free fettuccine options.

How do I store leftover vegan fettuccine alfredo?

Store leftover alfredo sauce and pasta separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 5 days. When reheating, add a splash of plant-based milk to the sauce to loosen it up, and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

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Vegan fettucine alfredo

Vegan Fettuccine Alfredo


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

5 from 12 reviews

  • Author: Sonja Overhiser
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 8
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Description

WOW! This vegan fettuccine alfredo tastes decadent, but the creamy sauce is filled with healthy plant based ingredients. An easy dinner in under 30 minutes!


Ingredients

  • 1 pound fettuccine noodles (use gluten-free, legume, or zucchini noodles if desired)
  • 4 garlic cloves
  • 1 small head cauliflower (1 1/2 to 2 pounds), enough for 6 cups florets
  • 4 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 cup raw unsalted cashews
  • 2 cups vegetable broth
  • ⅛ teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/8 + ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • Pinch nutmeg
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • Finely chopped parsley, to serve

Instructions

  1. Mince the garlicChop the cauliflower.
  2. Make the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Boil the pasta until it is al dente (start tasting a few minutes before the package recommends: you want it to be tender but still a little firm on the inside). Then drain the pasta and return it to the pot.
  3. Meanwhile, start the sauce: Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven, pot, or saucepan (that has a cover) over medium heat. Add the cauliflower and cashews and saute for 4 minutes until lightly browned. Add the garlic and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant. Add the vegetable broth, onion powder, black pepper, nutmeg and ½ teaspoon kosher salt. Bring to a simmer, then cover and cook 6 to 7 minutes on medium high heat until the cauliflower is tender when pierced with a fork.
  4. Blend the sauce: Carefully transfer the contents to a blender and add the remaining ½ teaspoon kosher salt and ¼ teaspoon more black pepper. Blend on high until a smooth sauce forms.
  5. Serve: Pour about 5 cups into 1 pound pasta (1 cup will be left over), or use it to taste. Top with finely chopped parsley and serve immediately. Store leftover sauce for 3 to 5 days refrigerated. 
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Pasta

Ramen Noodle Salad

This easy ramen noodle salad is so fresh and colorful! Veggies and crunchy ramen noodles are tossed in a homemade dressing that’s bursting with zesty and refreshing flavors. The best side dish for summer or everyday dinners!

This easy ramen noodle salad is so fresh and colorful! Veggies and crunchy ramen noodles are tossed in a homemade dressing that’s bursting with zesty and refreshing flavors. The best side dish for summer or everyday dinners!