Sticky Sesame Ginger Noodle Jar - 10/08/2024

Ingredients (Makes 6 Mason Jars, 500ml each)

For the Sticky Sesame Ginger Sauce:

• 6 tbsp soy sauce
• 3 tbsp maple syrup (or agave nectar)
• 3 tbsp rice vinegar
• 2 tbsp toasted sesame oil
• 2 tbsp tahini (or peanut butter)
• 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp cornstarch (to thicken)
• 3 tbsp water

For the Noodle Base:

• 300g whole wheat noodles (50g per jar)

For the Crispy Tofu:

• 400g firm tofu, pressed & cubed
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tbsp olive oil

For the Fresh Vegetables:

• 1 red bell pepper, julienned
• 1 small carrot, shredded
• 1 small cucumber, julienned
• 6 tbsp chopped spring onions

For the Crunchy Toppings (Add Before Serving):

• 6 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
• 6 tbsp crushed roasted peanuts

For Layering in the Mason Jars:

Bottom Layer (Sauce - Sticky & Flavorful):

• Divide the sticky sesame ginger sauce evenly between the jars (about 1 tbsp per jar).

Second Layer (Noodle Base):

• Add 50g cooked noodles per jar.

Third Layer (Crispy Tofu & Fresh Veggies):

• Layer in crispy tofu, red bell pepper, shredded carrot, cucumber, and spring onions.

Top Layer (Crunchy Toppings - Add Before Serving):

• Toasted sesame seeds and crushed roasted peanuts for extra crunch.

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Sauce:

   • In a small pan over medium heat, whisk together soy sauce, maple syrup, rice vinegar, sesame oil, tahini, ginger, garlic, cornstarch, and water.
   • Stir continuously until thickened (about 3 minutes).
   • Let cool before adding to jars.

2. Cook the Noodles:

   • Boil whole wheat noodles according to package instructions.
   • Rinse with cold water to prevent sticking, then drain.

3. Prepare the Crispy Tofu:

   • Cube pressed tofu and toss with soy sauce and cornstarch.
   • Heat olive oil in a pan and pan-fry tofu until golden brown (5–7 minutes).

4. Chop the Vegetables:

   • Julienne red bell pepper and cucumber, and shred carrot.
   • Chop spring onions.

5. Assemble the Mason Jars:

   • Bottom Layer: Pour sticky sesame ginger sauce into each jar.
   • Second Layer: Add cooked noodles.
   • Third Layer: Layer in crispy tofu, red bell pepper, shredded carrot, cucumber, and spring onions.
   • Top Layer: Store toasted sesame seeds and crushed roasted peanuts separately, adding before serving.

Storage & Serving:

• Vacuum seal the jars with the Perma Jar Vacuum Sealer to keep fresh.
• Store in the fridge until ready to eat.
• Shake the jar well, pour into a bowl, and toss before serving.
• Serve cold or heat up for a warm, comforting meal.

Cooking Time:

⏱ 30 minutes total

Macronutrient Breakdown (Per Jar):

• Calories: ~480 kcal
• Protein: ~22g
• Carbohydrates: ~55g
• Fat: ~18g
• Fiber: ~9g

Average Cost Analysis (Per Jar, Based on UK Supermarkets)

• Soy Sauce (1 tbsp): £0.08
• Maple Syrup (½ tbsp): £0.10
• Rice Vinegar (½ tbsp): £0.08
• Sesame Oil (½ tbsp): £0.12
• Tahini (½ tbsp): £0.15
• Ginger (⅙ tbsp): £0.05
• Garlic (⅙ clove): £0.03
• Cornstarch (½ tsp): £0.02
• Whole Wheat Noodles (50g): £0.20
• Firm Tofu (⅙ pack): £0.40
• Red Bell Pepper (⅙): £0.10
• Carrot (⅙): £0.05
• Cucumber (⅙): £0.10
• Spring Onions (⅙ bunch): £0.08
• Toasted Sesame Seeds (1 tbsp): £0.10
• Crushed Roasted Peanuts (1 tbsp): £0.12

💰 Total Cost per Jar: ~£1.73
💰 Total Cost for 6 Jars: ~£10.38