What Is Mentaiko?
Mentaiko is seasoned pollock roe with a gently spicy, savory flavor. It is a popular Japanese pasta ingredient because it makes a rich-tasting sauce with just a few pantry staples.
Tips for the Best Mentaiko Pasta
- Remove the membranes: Scraping out the roe creates a smooth sauce with no chewy bits.
- Use the heat of the pasta: Toss the mentaiko with piping-hot spaghetti instead of cooking it directly, so its delicate flavor stays bright.
- Taste before adding more salt: Saltiness varies by brand, so the small amount of soy sauce is enough for most mentaiko.
- Add pasta water gradually: A little starchy water helps the butter and roe cling beautifully to every strand.
Substitutions
- Mentaiko: You can substitute tarako (salted pollock roe). For a little heat, add a tiny pinch of chili powder or cayenne pepper.
- Shiso leaves: Use thinly sliced scallions instead, or simply leave them out.
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Mentaiko Pasta (Japanese Spicy Cod Roe Pasta)
This Japanese-born pasta uses a generous amount of mentaiko for rich, savory flavor. With only butter, soy sauce, and a little pasta water, the mentaiko truly shines. The butter softens the heat, making it an easy and approachable recipe even if you are trying mentaiko for the first time.
Ingredients
For boiling the pasta
Instructions
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Prepare the mentaiko
Use a knife or fork to scrape the roe into a bowl, then discard the membranes.
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Make the sauce
Add the butter and soy sauce to the bowl with the mentaiko.
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Cook the spaghetti
Bring the water and salt to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to the package directions. Reserve 2 tbsp of pasta water before draining.
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Toss
Add the piping-hot spaghetti to the bowl. Toss quickly until the butter melts and the sauce coats the noodles. Add the reserved pasta water a little at a time to adjust the consistency, if needed.
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Finish and serve
Divide the pasta between two plates and top with thinly sliced shiso.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 2
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 520kcal
Mentaiko Pasta, Japanese Spicy Cod Roe Pasta, Mentaiko Spaghetti, Tarako Pasta, Japanese Pasta, Easy Japanese Recipes
