Here’s the kicker: noodles continue to cook even after you drain them. The trapped heat in the water clinging to them keeps going for another minute or two. If you want them just right, drain them a tiny bit underdone. Shock them in cold water if you’re making a cold salad or stir-fry; that stops the cooking instantly.
Otherwise, toss them in sauce right away. The sauce coats them, cools them down, and saves you from overdone sadness. It’s a team sport.
