Name: Sichuan Ramen Cup of Noodles with Cabbage & Tofu
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 6 teaspoons Sichuan chile-bean sauce (toban djan) or chile-garlic sauce; 6 teaspoons tahini; 1.5 teaspoons reduced-sodium vegetable bouillon paste (see Tip); 1.5 teaspoons Chinese rice wine; 1.5 teaspoons packed light brown sugar; 0.75 teaspoon black vinegar (see Tip); 3 cups shredded napa cabbage; 9 ounces extra-firm tofu, cut into 1/2-inch cubes (about 1 1/2 heaping cups); 0.75 teaspoon Sichuan peppercorns, coarsely ground; 1.5 cups cooked black or brown rice ramen noodles (see Tip); 1.5 teaspoons toasted sesame seeds; 3 cups very hot water, divided

Sichuan Ramen Cup of Noodles with Cabbage & Tofu

4.5

(2)

The Sichuan province in the southwestern corner of China is known for its fiery dishes. Here, the richness of tahini tempers the spicy chile paste in this cup-of-noodles-style mason jar soup recipe. You can grind the Sichuan peppercorns in a spice grinder or mortar and pestle, or crush them with the bottom of a heavy skillet.

By Sarah DiGregorio

Updated on March 5, 2020

Prep Time:

15 mins

Additional Time:

10 mins

Total Time:

25 mins

Servings:

Yield:

3 servings

Nutrition Profile:

Heart Healthy Low-Calorie High Fiber Dairy-Free Diabetes Appropriate Egg Free Vegetarian Vegan Low Sodium Nut-Free High Calcium Bone Health Healthy Aging

Jump to Nutrition Facts

Ingredients

6 teaspoons Sichuan chile-bean sauce (toban djan) or chile-garlic sauce
6 teaspoons tahini
1 ½ teaspoons reduced-sodium vegetable bouillon paste (see Tip)
1 ½ teaspoons Chinese rice wine
1 ½ teaspoons packed light brown sugar
¾ teaspoon black vinegar (see Tip)
3 cups shredded napa cabbage
9 ounces extra-firm tofu, cut into 1/2-inch cubes (about 1 1/2 heaping cups)
¾ teaspoon Sichuan peppercorns, coarsely ground
1 ½ cups cooked black or brown rice ramen noodles (see Tip)
1 ½ teaspoons toasted sesame seeds
3 cups very hot water, divided

Directions

Add 2 teaspoons each chile-bean sauce (or chile-garlic sauce) and tahini, 1/2 teaspoon each bouillon paste, rice wine and brown sugar and 1/4 teaspoon vinegar to each of three 1 1/2-pint canning jars. Layer 1 cup cabbage, 3 ounces tofu (about 1/2 cup), 1/4 teaspoon ground peppercorns and 1/2 cup ramen noodles into each jar. Top each with 1/2 teaspoon sesame seeds. Cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
To prepare each jar: Add 1 cup very hot water to the jar, cover and shake until the seasonings are dissolved. Uncover and microwave on High in 1-minute increments until steaming hot, 2 to 3 minutes. Stir well. Let stand a few minutes before eating.

Tips

Tips: Great for flavoring soups, stews and sauces, bouillon paste has a spoonable consistency that makes it easy to portion just the amount you need. To keep sodium in check, opt for reduced-sodium offerings.

For 1 1/2 cups cooked noodles, start with 3 to 4 ounces dry. Boil the noodles about 1 minute less than the package directions so they are slightly underdone. Drain and rinse well with cold water before assembling in jars.

Black vinegar--or ching-kiang vinegar--adds a rich, smoky flavor to many Chinese dishes. Look for it in Asian markets and specialty food shops. Balsamic, sherry or white vinegars can be used as substitutes.

To make ahead: Prepare through Step 1. Refrigerate covered jars for up to 3 days.

Equipment: Three 1 1/2-pint wide-mouth canning jars

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

396	Calories
12g	Fat
61g	Carbs
19g	Protein

Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 3
Calories 396
% Daily Value *
Total Carbohydrate 61g	22%
Dietary Fiber 11g	41%
Total Sugars 3g
Protein 19g	38%
Total Fat 12g	15%
Saturated Fat 2g	8%
Cholesterol 50mg	17%
Vitamin A 728IU	15%
Vitamin C 12mg	14%
Folate 58mcg	15%
Sodium 578mg	25%
Calcium 292mg	22%
Iron 5mg	29%
Magnesium 54mg	13%
Potassium 337mg	7%

Nutrition information is calculated by a registered dietitian using an ingredient database but should be considered an estimate.

* Daily Values (DVs) are the recommended amounts of nutrients to consume each day. Percent Daily Value (%DV) found on nutrition labels tells you how much a serving of a particular food or recipe contributes to each of those total recommended amounts. Per the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the daily value is based on a standard 2,000 calorie diet. Depending on your calorie needs or if you have a health condition, you may need more or less of particular nutrients. (For example, it’s recommended that people following a heart-healthy diet eat less sodium on a daily basis compared to those following a standard diet.)

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a special diet for medical reasons, be sure to consult with your primary care provider or a registered dietitian to better understand your personal nutrition needs.