Mentaiko Pasta
Mentaiko Pasta is a delightful fusion dish that combines the savory umami of marinated cod roe with al dente spaghetti, creating a unique breakfast option. This healthy Japanese dish is both satisfying and packed with flavors that energize your morning.

20 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Japanese
450 kcal
Ingredients
- Spaghetti - 160 grams
- Mentaiko (marinated cod roe) - 80 grams
- Olive oil - 2 tablespoons
- Garlic (minced) - 2 cloves
- Nori (seaweed) - 2 sheets, cut into strips
- Chives (finely chopped) - 2 tablespoons
- Butter - 1 tablespoon
- Salt - to taste
- Black pepper - to taste
- Lemon zest - 1 teaspoon
Steps
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil and butter in a large pan over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic to the pan and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Once the spaghetti is cooked, reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta and add it to the pan with the garlic.
- Add the mentaiko to the pasta, stirring gently to combine. If the mixture is too dry, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until desired consistency is reached.
- Season with salt, black pepper, and lemon zest. Toss well to distribute the flavors.
- Remove from heat and serve immediately, garnished with nori strips and chopped chives.
Nutrition
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 20 g
- Carbs: 60 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
- Total Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Water: 0.25 L
Health Benefits
- High in omega-3 fatty acids from mentaiko, beneficial for heart health.
- Rich in protein, supporting muscle repair and growth.
Tags
JapaneseHealthyBreakfast