Mango & Cucumber Soba Noodle Recipe – Quick Asian Inspired Meal

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Mango & Cucumber Soba Noodle Recipe – Quick Asian Inspired Meal

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, you’re always on the lookout for a quick, flavorful meal that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen. This Mango & Cucumber Soba Noodle recipe is exactly that. It’s a vibrant, refreshing dish that’s perfect for a light lunch, a speedy dinner, or even a potluck. I first made this when I was craving something bright and summery, and it’s been a staple ever since!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is a winner for so many reasons. It’s incredibly fast – ready in under 20 minutes! The combination of sweet mango, cool cucumber, and savory soba noodles is just chef’s kiss. Plus, it’s easily adaptable to your preferences, whether you’re vegan, gluten-free, or just want to add a little extra spice. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy Asian-inspired flavors without a ton of fuss.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this deliciousness:

• 9.5 oz soba noodles
• 1 cucumber, peeled into thin strips
• 2 ripe mangoes, peeled and sliced into thin strips
• 2 teaspoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon mirin
• ?? teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 small red onion, finely chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, thinly sliced or chopped
• 1 tablespoon oil
• Salt to taste
• Furikake seasoning, to garnish

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! A few little tips can make all the difference:

• Soba Noodles: These buckwheat noodles are the star! They have a slightly nutty flavor and a wonderful texture. You can find them in most supermarkets these days. If you’re gluten-free, be sure to check the package – some soba noodles contain wheat flour. 100% buckwheat soba is your best bet! (approx. 270g)
• Mirin: This is a Japanese sweet rice wine. It adds a lovely subtle sweetness and shine to the sauce. If you can’t find it, a dry sherry with a pinch of sugar can work in a pinch. (approx. 15ml)
• Furikake Seasoning: Oh, furikake! This is a Japanese seasoning blend typically made with dried fish, seaweed, sesame seeds, and sugar. It’s an umami bomb and adds so much flavor. You can find it online or in Asian grocery stores. Don’t skip it if you can help it!

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking!

1. First, bring a pot of water to a boil. Add the soba noodles and cook for about 4 minutes, or until they’re tender but still slightly firm. Drain them immediately and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
2. While the noodles are cooking, let’s prep the veggies. In a mixing bowl, combine the thinly sliced cucumber and mango strips.
3. Now, heat the oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, until it’s fragrant. Be careful not to burn it!
4. Add the finely chopped red onion to the skillet and cook for another minute, until it starts to soften.
5. Pour in the soy sauce, mirin, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir everything together and cook for about a minute, letting the flavors meld.
6. Add the cooked soba noodles to the skillet and toss to coat them evenly with the sauce. Make sure every strand is covered!
7. Transfer the noodles to the bowl with the cucumber and mango. Toss gently to combine everything.
8. If the mixture looks a little dry, drizzle with a tiny bit of olive oil and toss again.
9. Finally, garnish with a generous sprinkle of furikake seasoning, sesame seeds, or some fresh cilantro. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Expert Tips

• Don’t overcook the soba noodles! They should be al dente – slightly firm to the bite.
• Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. A little extra soy sauce or mirin can make all the difference.
• For a more intense garlic flavor, use a garlic press.

Variations

This recipe is super versatile! Here are a few ideas to spice things up:

• Vegan Adaptation: Simply use a vegan Worcestershire sauce. Many brands are available now!
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use tamari instead of soy sauce. Tamari is a gluten-free soy sauce alternative.
• Spice Level: My friend loves to add a teaspoon of chili garlic sauce to the sauce for a fiery kick.
• Summer Noodle Salad Adaptation: This is amazing cold! Make it ahead of time and chill for a refreshing summer noodle salad.

Serving Suggestions

This soba noodle dish is great on its own, but it also pairs well with:

• Edamame
• Spring rolls
• A side of pickled ginger
• A light miso soup

Storage Instructions

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The noodles may absorb some of the sauce, so you might want to add a splash of water or soy sauce when reheating.

FAQs

Let’s answer some common questions:

• What are soba noodles made of and are they healthy? Soba noodles are traditionally made from buckwheat flour, which is a good source of fiber and minerals. They’re generally considered a healthy noodle option!
• Can I use other types of noodles instead of soba? You can! Udon noodles or even spaghetti would work in a pinch, but the flavor and texture will be different.
• What is furikake and where can I find it? Furikake is a Japanese seasoning blend. You can find it online, in Asian grocery stores, or sometimes in the international aisle of your supermarket.
• Can this dish be made ahead of time? Yes! You can cook the noodles and prep the veggies ahead of time. Just toss everything together right before serving.
• How can I adjust the sweetness of the sauce? Add a little more or less mirin to control the sweetness. A tiny squeeze of honey can also do the trick!