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Enjoy a refreshing meal with Boiled Okra and Japanese Somen Noodles. Fresh okra and thin noodles come together in a light, savory broth—perfect for when you want something cool and easy!

Looking for simple cold dishes? Try my Somen Salad, Cold Ramen Noodle Salad, or Zaru Udon!

Boiled okra with somen noodles served on a bowl.

I’ll walk you through the ingredients and step-by-step instructions. I hope you enjoy it!

Why You Will Love This Recipe

This boiled okra with somen noodles is a light meal that won’t leave you feeling heavy.
Super easy to make, perfect for busy weeknights!
Okra is packed with fiber and nutrients, making this dish healthy and delicious.

Somen Noodles

Somen noodles are skinny, white Japanese noodles made from wheat flour. They are often served cold, especially during the hot summer months. Due to their long, thin shape, somen noodles are also a traditional gift in Japan. They symbolize a wish for long-lasting relationships.

Recipe Ingredients

You’ll need the following ingredients to make this Boiled Okra with Somen Noodles:

Okra: When selecting okra, choose bright green colors and a surface covered in downy hairs, indicating freshness. Additionally, make sure the stem is freshly cut and free of dark spots.
Somen noodles can be found at a Japanese grocery store. They are quick to boil in less than 5 minutes.
Mentsuyu is a versatile noodle soup base made from soy sauce, mirin, and dashi. It can be found at Asian grocery stores or you can make your own at home. Check out our homemade mentsuyu recipe, including a vegan version.
Rice vinegar adds a refreshing touch to the soup. If rice vinegar isn’t available, you can substitute it with mild vinegar for a similar sourness.

How To Make Boiled Okra with Japanese Somen Noodles: STEP BY STEP

Here are some quick visual instructions! For the video and all the detailed ingredients and instructions, go to the printable recipe card below.

Step 1

Trim the stems off the okra.

Step 2

Boil okra and slice them.

Step 3

Combine mentsuyu and rice vinegar.

Step 4

Boil the somen noodles, then drain and cool them down.

Serve in a bowl and enjoy the refreshing combination of okra and somen noodles!

Recipe Tips

To preserve its texture, avoid overcooking okra. Cook until tender (less than 2 minutes) to prevent it from becoming slimy and losing its firmness.
For an extra cool touch, serve the noodles in a bowl with a few ice cubes.
For a make-ahead dish, cook the noodles, okra, and mentsuyu in advance and store them separately in the fridge. Assemble just before serving to keep everything fresh.

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Boiled Okra with Japanese Somen Noodles served in a bowl.

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