Savory Mentaiko Pasta with a Kick
Savory Mentaiko Pasta with a Kick
Easy Mentaiko Pasta for Solo Diners: Simple Ingredients, Guaranteed Deliciousness
Designed with solo diners in mind, this recipe uses minimal ingredients to create a pasta dish that’s big on flavor! Experience the rich taste and delightful pop of mentaiko.
Main Ingredients- Bacon strips 3-4
- Onion 1/2
- Garlic cloves 5-6
- Mentaiko (Spicy cod roe) 2 pieces
For Boiling Pasta- Olive oil 3 Tbsp
- Salt 1.5 Tbsp
- Olive oil 3 Tbsp
- Salt 1.5 Tbsp
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare the ingredients that will add depth of flavor to your pasta. Slice the onion into thin strips or chop it roughly. Cut the bacon into bite-sized pieces (about 1-2 cm). You can also slice the garlic thinly or mince it, according to your preference. Thinly sliced garlic will infuse a deeper aroma, while minced garlic is convenient for sautéing. You can adjust the thickness to your liking. Thicker bacon pieces offer a more satisfying chew, but may require a slightly longer cooking time.
Step 2
Now it’s time to cook the spaghetti. Fill a large pot with plenty of water. Once the water comes to a rolling boil, add 3 tablespoons of olive oil and 1.5 tablespoons of salt. The olive oil helps prevent the pasta from sticking together, and the salt seasons the pasta from the inside out. Once the water is boiling vigorously, add the spaghetti and cook it for 1-2 minutes less than the time indicated on the package, aiming for an al dente texture. (Typically, for pasta about the thickness of a nickel, this is around 8-10 minutes).
Step 3
Heat about 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a frying pan over low heat. Add the thinly sliced or minced garlic and sauté gently until fragrant. As the garlic starts to turn golden, add the onions and continue to cook until they become translucent. Once the onions begin to show some color, add the bacon and cook until it’s nicely browned and crispy. Be careful not to overcook, as this can make the onions mushy and diminish their texture. Sauté until they retain a pleasant bite.
Step 4
Add the cooked spaghetti and about 1-2 ladles of the reserved pasta water to the pan with the sautéed ingredients. Stir and cook over low heat for another 1-2 minutes, allowing the pasta water to emulsify with the ingredients and create a light sauce that coats the pasta. Turn off the heat and let it cool slightly. Prepare the mentaiko by slitting one side of the sac (skin) and gently scraping out the roe with the back of a knife. Add the mentaiko roe to the pasta and toss thoroughly to combine. (It’s important to turn off the heat before adding the mentaiko to preserve its delicate flavor and texture).
Step 5
And there you have it – a delicious Mentaiko Pasta! The delightful pop of the mentaiko, combined with the savory bacon and aromatic garlic, creates an exceptional dish. For an extra layer of flavor, feel free to sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese. To complement this wonderful pasta, I prepared homemade pickles, crispy cheese sticks, a refreshing beverage, and garlic bread for a truly complete and satisfying meal. Give it a try – you won’t regret it!
