The noodle, properly pulled, can take a soup from “good” to “that meal your friends talk about ten years later.” Called “the ultimate noodle” by Ken Albala, and he would know, the pulled noodle inspires artistry even before the cooking starts—we’ve all seen expert pullers putting dance moves, twisting, bashing, whipping, and stretching into the process. The Pulled Noodle Workout is no doubt on the way. But until then, let Ken set you up with the techniques you need to add this homemade noodle staple to your soup toolbox.

Learn more techniques in Noodle Soup: Recipes, Techniques, Obsession by Ken Albala.