Milk Street: Noodles by Christopher Kimball

Nearly every culture serves some sort of noodle, from fettuccine, ramen and spaetzle to lo mein, gnocchi and udon. So we traveled the world to learn the secrets to the best pad Thai, Italian ragù, spicy North African couscous and buttery Turkish noodles flecked with feta cheese. In Italy, we were taught the real fettuccine Alfredo—so much lighter, simpler and satisfying than what we knew. In Sapporo, Japan, we learned to develop the deep umami flavors of miso ramen with minimal time and effort. And from Ho Chi Minh to Lima, we learned the art of the quick noodle stir-fry, from Vietnamese shrimp noodles to Peruvian chicken and pasta. Noodles are a perfect canvas for spring and summer vegetables, as well as hearty wintertime baked casseroles. And if speed is the need, try hoisin-ginger noodles or our cheesy one-pan cacio e pepe, both ready in 20 minutes. What’s for dinner? Use your noodle.