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Mentaiko Pasta (Japanese Spicy Cod Roe Pasta)

Japanese mentaiko pasta topped with shiso
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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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Cook Time 15 mins
Total Time 15 mins
Courses:
Difficulty: Beginner
Servings: 2
Calories: 520
Description
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
  • 200 g spaghetti
  • 80 g mentaiko (spicy pollock roe)
  • 10 g butter
  • 1 tsp soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp pasta cooking water
  • 4 shiso leaves (thinly sliced)
    • For boiling the pasta
  • 1.5 L water
  • 1 tsp salt
Instructions
  1. 1
    Prepare the mentaikoScraping mentaiko roe from the membrane for Japanese mentaiko pasta

    Use a knife or fork to scrape the roe into a bowl, then discard the membranes.

  2. 2
    Make the sauceMentaiko, butter, and soy sauce in a bowl for Japanese mentaiko pasta

    Add the butter and soy sauce to the bowl with the mentaiko.

  3. 3
    Cook the spaghettiSpaghetti cooking in boiling water

    Bring the water and salt to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to the package directions. Reserve 2 tbsp of pasta water before draining.

  4. 4
    TossSpaghetti being tossed with mentaiko sauce

    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.

  5. 5
    Finish and serveJapanese mentaiko pasta topped with shiso

    Divide the pasta between two plates and top with thinly sliced shiso.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 2

Amount Per Serving
Calories 520kcal
Keywords: Mentaiko Pasta, Japanese Spicy Cod Roe Pasta, Mentaiko Spaghetti, Tarako Pasta, Japanese Pasta, Easy Japanese Recipes
Read it online: https://easyjapanesecookinglab.com/recipe/mentaiko-pasta-japanese-spicy-cod-roe-pasta/