Mentaiko pasta, a delightful fusion of Japanese flavors and Italian techniques, has become a beloved dish in Japan. Dive into the story behind mentaiko pasta, learn the secrets to making it perfectly, and discover why it has captured the hearts of so many in Japan and beyond!
What is Mentaiko pasta?
Mentaiko Pasta is a popular Japanese-Italian fusion dish with a flavorful and creamy sauce made with mentaiko (marinated cod roe), butter, and sometimes cream or mayonnaise. The dish typically combines these ingredients with spaghetti or other types of pasta, creating a unique blend of salty, spicy, and umami flavors.
Tips for Making Delicious Mentaiko Pasta
Tip 1: Don’t Overcook the Mentaiko
To preserve the raw flavor of mentaiko, add it at the very end after turning off the heat. This method ensures the rich, fresh taste of mentaiko shines through in your pasta.
Tip 2: Use a Generous Amount of Butter
Butter and mentaiko are a perfect combination! Adding plenty of butter enhances the richness of the dish, complementing both cream-based and Japanese-style sauces.
Tip 3: Put Lots of Mentaiko in It
For a truly flavorful dish, be generous with the mentaiko. Add it both in the sauce and as a topping to maximize the deliciousness of your pasta.
Mentaiko pasta History
Mentaiko pasta traces its origins to the Italian restaurant “Kabe no Ana”, founded in 1953. In 1963, after relocating to Shibuya, the restaurant created Tarako Spaghetti by substituting caviar with tarako (cod roe), an ingredient known as the “red diamond” at the time. This innovation became a signature dish, often garnished with nori seaweed for added flavor.
Today, Kabe no Ana continues to elevate its cod roe pasta dishes, offering seasonal variations like Mentaiko Spaghetti. The restaurant emphasizes premium ingredients, including Hokkaido’s Yamanaka Farm fermented butter and first-harvest Ariake nori, which enhance the dish’s richness and aroma. Their dedication to quality and innovation has cemented their place as the originator of Japanese-style spaghetti.
How to make Mentaiko pasta / Tarako Spaghetti?
Use thick spaghetti (1.8mm or more) to balance the strong flavor of the cod roe. Boil the pasta in a large pot with plenty of water to ensure even cooking. Use high heat, partially cover the pot, and boil for the indicated time or slightly longer.
While the spaghetti boils, carefully peel the cod roe and prepare the butter. Bring the butter to room temperature until it reaches a soft, pomade-like consistency. Combine the cod roe, butter, a little oil, and optional kelp powder in a bowl, mixing gently to coat the cod roe evenly.
Once cooked, drain the spaghetti quickly and thoroughly to prevent excess water from diluting the sauce. Proper draining also ensures the cod roe does not overheat and retains its texture.
Combine the spaghetti and sauce with minimal mixing—use chopsticks to mix about five times and shake the bowl gently. Avoid overmixing to preserve the dish’s heat and moisture.
Representative Types of Mentaiko Pasta
Mentaiko pasta is one of the most popular Japanese noodle dishes because of its convenience and deliciousness. There are various styles that make the most of the flavor of mentaiko, which is enjoyed both at home and in restaurants. Here we will introduce representative types of mentaiko noodles, arrangements to make them even more delicious, and popular ingredients.
Mentaiko Cream Pasta
The rich sauce of thick mentaiko and fresh cream creates a luxurious flavor that melts in your mouth. It is perfect for special occasions or as a reward for yourself after a hard day. It is recommended for those who want to fully enjoy a rich sauce.
Japanese style Mentaiko noodles
The simple seasoning based on soy sauce and butter maximizes the original flavor of mentaiko and pairs well with Japanese condiments such as green onions, shiso leaves, and nori. Recommended for those seeking a refreshing yet deep flavor, it can be enjoyed even when you don’t have much appetite.
Mentaiko Carbonara
By adding Mentaiko to an egg and cheese-based carbonara sauce without the use of fresh cream, it provides a creamy yet spicy kick that adds an accent, making it perfect for those who want to enjoy a slightly more mature flavor that differs from regular carbonara.
Mentaiko Butter Pasta
The rich flavor and depth of butter gently envelop the umami of Mentaiko, allowing you to enjoy the natural deliciousness of the ingredients fully. It is recommended for those who love the taste of butter or want to enjoy pure delicious pasta without any unnecessary additives.
Mentaiko Spaghetti
This is the simplest style, simply mixing Mentaiko with spaghetti, allowing you to taste the flavor of Mentaiko directly. It is recommended for those who are busy or want a quick meal, but still want to enjoy the deliciousness of Mentaiko.
FAQ
Mentaiko pasta can be enhanced not only with simple mentaiko and butter but also by adding vegetables and seafood. For example, broccoli, spinach, shrimp, and squid pair well.
There are two types of mentaiko: karashi mentaiko and tarako. If you like spicy flavors, it’s best to choose karashi mentaiko. Tarako has a milder taste and is popular among children. It’s good to use them according to the dish.
Recommended Restaurants
Kabe No Ana (壁の穴 渋谷本店)
The spaghetti specialty restaurant “Kabe no Ana” opened in 1953. To make spaghetti familiar to Japanese people, the restaurant carried out extensive research and created spaghetti using a variety of Japanese ingredients. The menu thus created became a staple at Kabe no Ana, and eventually spread throughout Japan as “Japanese-style spaghetti.”
Tokyo Tarako Spaghetti ( 東京たらこスパゲティ )
A recommended restaurant for mentaiko pasta particularly features pasta made with fresh mentaiko and finished with a unique recipe. The interior has a stylish and calm atmosphere, making it perfect for dates or meals with friends. Additionally, the menu offers a wide variety of mentaiko types and toppings to choose from, which is appealing to many repeat customers.
Takeaway
Whether you’re a fan of Japanese cuisine or simply love good food. If you find yourself in Japan, don’t miss the chance to try authentic mentaiko pasta made with fresh ingredients. Better yet, pick up some mentaiko to recreate this delicious dish at home and bring a taste of Japan to your table.
If you enjoyed learning about mentaiko pasta, be sure to explore other Japanese fusion dishes and classic Japanese cuisines that offer a similar blend of unique flavors and creativity!
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