Description
Creamy Mentaiko Pasta is a luxurious Japanese-inspired dish featuring spaghetti coated in a rich, buttery sauce made with spicy cod roe, garlic, and heavy cream. Enhanced with soy sauce and lemon juice for depth, this flavorful seafood pasta is garnished with green onions, shredded nori, and optional chili flakes for a gentle kick. Perfect for a comforting yet elegant meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 ounces spaghetti
Sauce
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons mentaiko (spicy cod roe), removed from sac
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions
- 1 sheet nori, shredded
- Optional: 1 teaspoon chili flakes for extra heat
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
- Prepare Sauce Base: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and melt the butter with olive oil. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Add Mentaiko: Reduce heat to low and gently stir in the mentaiko, allowing its flavor to infuse without overheating and curdling.
- Create Creamy Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and soy sauce, stirring continuously to combine into a smooth sauce.
- Toss Pasta: Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with the sauce. Gradually add the reserved pasta water as needed to loosen and achieve a silky texture.
- Season: Season the pasta with salt, black pepper, and a splash of lemon juice to brighten the flavors. Toss again to blend.
- Serve: Plate immediately and garnish with chopped green onions, shredded nori, and chili flakes if desired for additional heat.
Notes
- Mentaiko can be substituted with tarako (plain cod roe) for a milder flavor.
- Do not overcook the sauce to maintain its creamy texture and prevent separation.
- Reserve pasta water carefully; it helps in adjusting the sauce consistency perfectly.
