From sticky beef to cheesy kimchi, four easy dinners using noodles

Noodles are a budget-friendly, filling, and versatile food choice that can entice even the fussiest of eaters. They can be customized to suit various dietary needs or available ingredients. Noodles serve as an excellent base for slow-cooked beef, with beef chuck being a cost-effective cut that cooks well while you manage other tasks.

Sticky sauce, like in Ismat Awan's recipe, clings to the noodles and provides a delightful contrast to the crispness of pickled celery. Swapping beef chuck for blade, shin, or brisket is also an option.

Heidi Sze's soba noodle salad combines an array of vegetables with a delectable Asian-flavored dressing, sweet and crunchy cashews. While chopping veggies can be time-consuming, pre-chopped or prepped veggies, or a mandolin can expedite the process. Hetty Lui McKinnon's dish pairs kimchi and cheese with udon noodles, creating a spicy, cheesy, and satisfying meal.

Customizing the cheese is possible, making it an approachable dish for those not yet convinced about kimchi. Lastly, Phoebe Thorburn's gluten-free, dairy-free, and plant-based meal can be whipped up in 20 minutes. It features sauteed garlic, ginger, miso, spinach, and other easy-to-find ingredients, topped with spring onions and crispy chili for extra flavor and crunch.