Baking Soda Transforms Pasta Into Another Beloved Noodle Dish

Italian pasta can be turned into Japanese ramen noodles with the help of baking soda. The technique is approved by experts like "Top Chef" finalist Shota Nakajima.

Ramen noodles contain kansui, an alkaline mineral powder that makes noodles springy and firm. Baking soda is also alkaline, so adding a pinch to pasta water does the same.

Not only does baking soda alter the pasta’s structure, it also deepens its color, giving it a more authentic ramen aesthetic. It’s not a dead ringer, but it works in a pinch.

Although all pasta shapes can be changed with baking soda, stringy shapes mimic ramen the best. When cooking the pasta, add a tablespoon of baking soda for every 4 cups of water.