10 Minute Meal Mentaiko Pasta Recipe

Get ready to dive into a culinary adventure with my favorite secret weapon for impressing dinner guests: a creamy, umami-packed mentaiko pasta that combines the comforting embrace of spaghetti with the bold, savory punch of mentaiko.

I love making meals that are quick but full of flavor, and mentaiko pasta is a perfect case in point. With spaghetti, creamy butter, and savory mentaiko, it’s an umami-laden dish that’s hard to beat.

It’s a meal that I enjoy making for myself, not just because I love it, but because it’s chock-full of good-for-you nutrients from the protein in mentaiko and the seaweed that’s part of it. All of that good nutrition, along with a large helping of fats and carbs, makes this dish more than worth the scant ten minutes it takes to prepare.

10 Minute Meal Mentaiko Pasta Recipe Ingredients

• Spaghetti: A source of carbohydrates, providing energy and serving as the pasta base.
• Olive Oil: Contains healthy fats and adds a smooth richness to the dish.
• Mentaiko: Spiced cod roe that offers umami flavor and a protein boost.
• Heavy Cream: Contributes to the pasta’s creamy texture and provides richness.
• Soy Sauce: Adds a savory depth and subtle saltiness to enhance flavor.
• Nori: Offers a hint of the sea with a chewy texture; rich in minerals.

10 Minute Meal Mentaiko Pasta Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 200g spaghetti
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 sacs of mentaiko (approximately 70g)
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• Salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Nori (seaweed) strips, for garnish
• Chopped green onions, for garnish

How to Make this 10 Minute Meal Mentaiko Pasta Recipe

1. Put a big pot of salted water on to boil and cook the spaghetti according to the package directions until it’s just shy of done, or al dente. Before draining the pasta, reserve a cup of the water it was cooked in.

2. When the pasta is cooking, open the mentaiko sacs carefully and then scrape the roe into a small bowl.

3. In a big frying pan, warm the olive oil and butter over medium heat until the butter is fully melted and starts foaming.

4. Combine the mentaiko with melted butter and oil in the pan. Stir gently.

5. Add the heavy cream and soy sauce, stirring constantly to create a smooth sauce.

6. Add the pan to the drained spaghetti, which tosses to coat the mentaiko sauce evenly on the pasta. If the sauce is too thick, add the reserved pasta water a little at a time, and toss, until you reach the desired consistency.

7. Taste and adjust the salt and freshly ground black pepper until the flavor of the pasta is well-balanced and delicious.

8. Place the mentaiko pasta onto serving plates or into a large serving bowl.

9. Add strips of nori and chopped green onions as the finishing touch for increased flavor and texture.

10. Enjoy the quick melding of creamy, savory flavors that balance beautifully with each other. Serve right away.

10 Minute Meal Mentaiko Pasta Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Large pot
2. Strainer or colander
3. Measuring cups and spoons
4. Frying pan
5. Small bowl
6. Kitchen knife
7. Cutting board
8. Spatula or wooden spoon
9. Tongs or pasta fork
10. Mixing bowl (optional, for combining ingredients before adding to the pan)
11. Serving plates or large serving bowl

FAQ

• What is mentaiko?Mentaiko is an ingredient from Japan, consisting of marinated pollock or cod roe, usually seasoned with chili peppers for a spicy kick.
• Can I use another type of pasta?Certainly! You can swap out the spaghetti for any long-cut pasta, like linguine or fettuccine.
• What is the purpose of soy sauce in this recipe?Soy sauce contributes umami and takes the savory flavors of mentaiko, butter, and cream to the next level.
• Is there a substitute for heavy cream?You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce might lose some of its richness.
• How do I prepare the mentaiko?To make mentaiko, slice open the sacs gently with a knife and scrape out the roe with a spoon.
• Can I make this pasta dish vegetarian?Because mentaiko is fish roe, you would need a vegetarian substitute to replicate its flavor profile.
• How can I store leftovers?Permit the pasta to cool, after which you should place it in an airtight storage container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 2 days.

10 Minute Meal Mentaiko Pasta Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Fettuccine or Linguine: Substitute these if you want a different texture in your next spaghetti dish.
Avocado oil: Use for a delicate flavor that complements many dishes. If you want a more neutral oil while still getting healthy fats, try using grapeseed oil.
Heavy cream: Substitute half-and-half or crème fraîche for a lighter or tangier option.
Soy sauce: Tamari or coconut aminos may be used as a gluten-free alternative.
Nori strips: Consider using furikake to provide a somewhat different flavor profile.

Pro Tips

1. For the best flavor, use fresh mentaiko if you can find it. It tends to have a more delicate taste compared to packaged versions, enhancing the overall dish.

2. When reserving pasta water, ensure you scoop it out just before draining the pasta. This starchy water is perfect for adjusting the sauce consistency, as it helps the sauce adhere better to the pasta.

3. To prevent the mentaiko sauce from splitting, add the heavy cream slowly and gently stir over low heat before combining with the pasta.

4. Toasting the nori strips lightly in a dry pan before garnishing the pasta can enhance the aroma and flavor, providing a slight crunch that complements the creamy sauce.

5. For an added depth of flavor, consider incorporating a splash of dashi or a sprinkle of bonito flakes into the sauce, as both ingredients pair well with mentaiko and soy sauce, enriching the umami profile of the dish.