Mentaiko Pasta (Spicy Cod Roe Spaghetti Sauce)

Name: Mentaiko Pasta (Spicy Cod Roe Spaghetti Sauce)
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Japanese
Ingredients: 200 g dry spaghetti (1.6-1.8mm thickness recommended); 2000 ml water; 1 tbsp salt; 80 g spicy cod roe (mentaiko) (or plain tarako for non spicy option); 20 g butter (room temperature/soft); 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp Japanese soy sauce (koikuchi shoyu); 1 pinch ground black pepper; 1 tbsp whole milk; 1 tsp grated parmesan cheese (or other hard cheese); ¼ tsp sugar; ⅛ tsp smoked paprika powder (optional, can omit); perilla leaves (shiso) (shredded, or substitute with kizami nori); lemon (optional); lemon zest (optional)

Instructions

Prep:5minCook:10min

Mentaiko Pasta is a popular Japanese-style spaghetti dish made with spicy cod roe sauce and topped with fragrant shiso leaves. It's so simple but seriously delicious!

Updated at: Tue, 04 Nov 2025 05:44:46 GMT