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Milk Street Noodles: Secrets to the World's Best Noodles, from Fettuccine Alfredo to Pad Thai to Miso Ramen
It's time to twirl and slurp bowls of pasta, ramen, spaetzle, lo mein, and more with 125 recipes for noodles from around the world, from the James Beard Award-winning team at Milk Street
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 ragu, spicy North African couscous and buttery Turkish noodles flecked with feta. The world of noodles also includes cool salads, steaming soups, plump dumplings and bowls of well-sauced shapes of all kind. Noodles are a perfect canvas for spring and summer vegetables, as well as hearty wintertime baked casseroles. And if speed is your need, try hoisin-ginger noodles or our cheesy one-pan cacio e pepe, both ready in 20 minutes.
We include guides to using the noodles you have on hand, and show how to make classic noodles from scratch—from homemade udon and hand-cut wheat noodles to fresh egg pasta, orecchiette and potato gnocchi.
What's for dinner? Use your noodle.
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 ragu, spicy North African couscous and buttery Turkish noodles flecked with feta. The world of noodles also includes cool salads, steaming soups, plump dumplings and bowls of well-sauced shapes of all kind. Noodles are a perfect canvas for spring and summer vegetables, as well as hearty wintertime baked casseroles. And if speed is your need, try hoisin-ginger noodles or our cheesy one-pan cacio e pepe, both ready in 20 minutes.
We include guides to using the noodles you have on hand, and show how to make classic noodles from scratch—from homemade udon and hand-cut wheat noodles to fresh egg pasta, orecchiette and potato gnocchi.
What's for dinner? Use your noodle.
295 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 25, 2023
105 people are currently reading
237 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
July 31, 2023
Again, wishing half stars were an option as I'd rate this latest Milk Street cookbook 3.5 stars. With this latest offering, the former America's Test Kitchen alum focuses on all things noodles. Will you truly learn secrets to the world's best noodles? Maybe not but you will find a very nice assortment of noodle recipes with clear and easy to follow instructions, and pretty color photos of all the noodle dishes. Most interesting tip I learned was how to "ramenize" vermicelli to get a chewier noodle (add 4 tsp of baking soda to 2 qts of boiling water before adding 10 oz pasta).
The first section of the book is a primer on making several noodles (e.g., udon, egg, wheat, orecchiette) and gnocchi (three versions even, one of which uses instant potato flakes to speed things up!). The rest of the book provides a plethora of noodle recipes. Less experienced cooks and fans of Milk Street/ATK will likely appreciate this book more than non-fans or seasoned cooks.
The first section of the book is a primer on making several noodles (e.g., udon, egg, wheat, orecchiette) and gnocchi (three versions even, one of which uses instant potato flakes to speed things up!). The rest of the book provides a plethora of noodle recipes. Less experienced cooks and fans of Milk Street/ATK will likely appreciate this book more than non-fans or seasoned cooks.
May 20, 2023
This is a very thorough cookbook about all things noodles. The first chapter called "Pasta Primer" gives recipes and info about the different types of noodles used throughout the cookbook. Then the noodle recipes are divided by type - cool dishes, noodle soups, Italian classics, one-pan pastas, etc. Most of the recipes seem pretty straightforward with basic ingredients. And of course you don't have to make your own fresh pasta to use, but that is definitely worth doing sometimes. Overall, a solid cookbook for the noodle lovers out there.
November 14, 2023
Christopher Kimball is a food genius. Recipes in here aren't rocket science but the creative flavor combinations and the "why use this noodle here" and "or just substitute this one there" are so interesting. I made 4 or 5 of the recioes and they were all winners (and very few ingredients, bowls/pans). The fettucine alfredo which was billed as much lighter than what we usually see (this one has no cream) was still too rich for us, but cacio e pepe was perfect. Many different food cultures are represented - not just Italy! I have asked for a copy for Christmas and can't wait!
December 13, 2023
This isn’t just a cookbook. I mean it is…but it’s so much more…
Milk Street Noodles: Secrets to the World's Best Noodles, from Fettuccine Alfredo to Pad Thai to Miso Ramen by Christopher Kimball is a tribute cookbook to some of the finest pasta dishes you are ever likely to try and a few more you may not be aware of.
If you you like pasta and noodles and their kin…this book is literally food porn. Your taste buds will salivate with every delicious picture. Your stomach will ache at every delectable dish. Your lips will wish to taste each pasta treat in this book…
The first chapter covers a wide range of different noodle types…and their preparation…along with ample hand kneading photos. What follows afterwards is a heavy focus on various culinary cuisine that is noodle themed. While there is obviously a heavy focus on Asian and Italian inspired dishes, you will also find recipes with other cultural origins.
While the recipes are not as intense as other cookbooks, they provide a mix of alternate preparation options as well as anecdotes regarding the origins of various dishes.
Dont read this on an empty stomach…
Milk Street Noodles: Secrets to the World's Best Noodles, from Fettuccine Alfredo to Pad Thai to Miso Ramen by Christopher Kimball is a tribute cookbook to some of the finest pasta dishes you are ever likely to try and a few more you may not be aware of.
If you you like pasta and noodles and their kin…this book is literally food porn. Your taste buds will salivate with every delicious picture. Your stomach will ache at every delectable dish. Your lips will wish to taste each pasta treat in this book…
The first chapter covers a wide range of different noodle types…and their preparation…along with ample hand kneading photos. What follows afterwards is a heavy focus on various culinary cuisine that is noodle themed. While there is obviously a heavy focus on Asian and Italian inspired dishes, you will also find recipes with other cultural origins.
While the recipes are not as intense as other cookbooks, they provide a mix of alternate preparation options as well as anecdotes regarding the origins of various dishes.
Dont read this on an empty stomach…
February 5, 2024
These cookbooks from Christopher Kimball of Milkstreet are amazing. Before Christmas 2023 I ordered a half dozen or so and they are saving me money rather than the opposite. They are fulled with unique multi cultural exotic, tasty recipes that keep you at home in your kitchen instead of dropping tons of money at over priced restaurants, which is still fun once in a while of course. I’ve made several dishes already actually and most are not complicated despite using and learning new approaches and techniques derived from various ethnicities. I read through each like a book but of course one is actually never “finished” with a good cookbook. These cookbooks are interesting and fascinating with gorgeous photography. He offers deep discounts periodically so splurge and treat yourself unless you prefer bland boring food. Really educational too.
June 30, 2023
Everything I ever wanted to know about making and cooking and eating noodles from Milk Street's Christopher Kimball. Gorgeous photos accompany all the recipes and how-to's.
Asian Noodles/Italian noodles, in recipes nicely divided into sections like "Cool Noodles" (salads), "Noodle Soups" , "Italian Classics", "One Pan Pastas" and more.
Recipes include how to make your own Udon noodles!!😮
Some recipes seem a little more time consuming than I like, but I would certainly love to try everything in this book without hesitation.
Asian Noodles/Italian noodles, in recipes nicely divided into sections like "Cool Noodles" (salads), "Noodle Soups" , "Italian Classics", "One Pan Pastas" and more.
Recipes include how to make your own Udon noodles!!😮
Some recipes seem a little more time consuming than I like, but I would certainly love to try everything in this book without hesitation.
July 22, 2023
I love reading cookbooks as books. On Goodreads, I focus on how enjoyable a cookbook is to read as well as how doable the recipes seem for me. I have a love of cooking, a diverse and adventurous spirit, and a limited budget and equipment. This book is great. I love making noodles. My husband especially loves Asian noodles. My kids and I are up for most noodle and pasta
I love the diversity of the recipes, and I love the fact that I already keep many of the ingredients in stock. I instantly made a list of 20+ recipes to try!
I love the diversity of the recipes, and I love the fact that I already keep many of the ingredients in stock. I instantly made a list of 20+ recipes to try!
May 1, 2023
Send noods.
Yet another winner from Milk Street. While some recipes do call for potentially difficult to source/pricey ingredients, substitutions do look fairly straightforward. There are a lot of flavor profiles in many recipes that look innovative but not fussy. I’ll definitely be ordering a physical copy of this for myself and one or 2 extra to give as gifts to fellow noodle lovers.
Yet another winner from Milk Street. While some recipes do call for potentially difficult to source/pricey ingredients, substitutions do look fairly straightforward. There are a lot of flavor profiles in many recipes that look innovative but not fussy. I’ll definitely be ordering a physical copy of this for myself and one or 2 extra to give as gifts to fellow noodle lovers.
July 24, 2023
Who would have thought there were so many varieties of noodles? Kimball first shows you how to make your own fresh ones or you can skip straight to the recipes. Beautiful pictures and many tempting recipes I can’t wait to try.
September 6, 2023
Noodles seem to be having a moment, this is the second book I have read about noodles, and it’s a good one. Incorporating many culinary traditions and types of noodles there is a lot to learn here. Recommended.
October 10, 2025
A very solid noodle recipe book if you understand the Milk Street philosophy. Less useful for beginners, and includes many recipes that are found in other Milk Street books. For beginners, start with the Tuesday Night series.
May 7, 2023
I made two recipes from this book. So delish!
June 24, 2023
A keeper !
Read
August 4, 2023Not rating. I just didn't see anything that I wanted to make, that I didn't already have a recipe for. Good for new noodle makers just starting out though..
October 27, 2023
If you love pasta, this is a great cookbook. It encompasses many different cuisines.
November 7, 2023
Lots of great recipes. The noodles seem easy to make.
February 28, 2025
Fabulous recipes!
So many noodles, so little time! Wonderful collection of noodle recipes from a cross-section of cultures. Thank you Milk Street for sharing your culinary gifts!
So many noodles, so little time! Wonderful collection of noodle recipes from a cross-section of cultures. Thank you Milk Street for sharing your culinary gifts!
October 2, 2025
This book twirls spaghetti, pulls ramen, and basically shrink-wraps the whole globe into one glorious carb bomb.
Christopher Kimball’s Milk Street Noodles is the culinary equivalent of an all-you-can-eat boarding pass: 125 recipes swing from butter-silky Fettuccine Alfredo to wok-sizzled Pad Thai and steamy Miso Ramen, with pit stops for spaetzle, lo mein, and even humble instant packs upgraded to VIP status. Published in April 2023, it clocks in at 300-plus pages of can-do instructions and glossy photos that’ll make you “accidentally” order a nine-pound pasta delivery at midnight.
What I love is the Milk Street confidence boost: each recipe reads like a cool coworker leaning over your shoulder saying, “Relax, hit ‘send,’ then add more parmesan.” The steps are bulletproof without feeling bossy, and Kimball’s pro tips (hello, food-processor fresh pasta) shave minutes off fiddly techniques—ideal when hanger is seconds from DEFCON 1. Whether you’re a bacon-all-the-things carnivore or living your best veggie life, there’s equal love here, meaning nobody gets left slurpless.
Initially I slapped a safe four stars on this cookbook, but after months of late-night ramen hacks and weeknight udon that beat takeout on speed dial, the spine is splattered, the rating’s a firm five, and the only real complaint is my jeans begging for mercy. Cozy? Yep. Globe-trotting? Absolutely. Practical? To the last noodle.
Verdict: an essential passport to planet Pasta—buy it, stain it, and prepare to carb-hug the world. 🍜✈️
Christopher Kimball’s Milk Street Noodles is the culinary equivalent of an all-you-can-eat boarding pass: 125 recipes swing from butter-silky Fettuccine Alfredo to wok-sizzled Pad Thai and steamy Miso Ramen, with pit stops for spaetzle, lo mein, and even humble instant packs upgraded to VIP status. Published in April 2023, it clocks in at 300-plus pages of can-do instructions and glossy photos that’ll make you “accidentally” order a nine-pound pasta delivery at midnight.
What I love is the Milk Street confidence boost: each recipe reads like a cool coworker leaning over your shoulder saying, “Relax, hit ‘send,’ then add more parmesan.” The steps are bulletproof without feeling bossy, and Kimball’s pro tips (hello, food-processor fresh pasta) shave minutes off fiddly techniques—ideal when hanger is seconds from DEFCON 1. Whether you’re a bacon-all-the-things carnivore or living your best veggie life, there’s equal love here, meaning nobody gets left slurpless.
Initially I slapped a safe four stars on this cookbook, but after months of late-night ramen hacks and weeknight udon that beat takeout on speed dial, the spine is splattered, the rating’s a firm five, and the only real complaint is my jeans begging for mercy. Cozy? Yep. Globe-trotting? Absolutely. Practical? To the last noodle.
Verdict: an essential passport to planet Pasta—buy it, stain it, and prepare to carb-hug the world. 🍜✈️
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews