Mentaiko Pasta Recipe You’ll Fall in Love With (Creamy, Easy & Irresistible)

I’ll be honest with you—I didn’t even know about mentaiko pasta until a few years ago.

One night, I was looking for something different, something quick but still exciting. That’s when I discovered this Japanese-Italian mix called mentaiko pasta.

The first bite hooked me. It’s creamy, salty, a little spicy, and so comforting. And the best part? It takes less than 20 minutes to make.

If you love easy pasta recipes that feel restaurant-quality, you’re going to love this one just as much as I do.

What is Mentaiko Pasta?

Mentaiko pasta is a Japanese take on pasta using mentaiko (spicy cod roe) mixed with butter or cream, tossed with spaghetti, and topped with nori (seaweed). It’s simple, yet the flavors are bold and unforgettable. The cod roe brings a salty, umami-packed taste that balances beautifully with the creamy base.

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Ingredients You Need

You don’t need anything fancy, just a few key items:

• Spaghetti (or any long pasta you like)
• Mentaiko (spicy cod roe; you can also use tarako for a milder version)
• Butter (for that creamy texture)
• Heavy cream or milk (optional, depending on how creamy you want it)
• Soy sauce (adds depth and umami)
• Nori (seaweed strips) for garnish
• Green onions for freshness

That’s it. Only a handful of ingredients, but they come together perfectly.

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How to Make Mentaiko Pasta (Step by Step)

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Boil spaghetti in salted water until al dente. Save a little bit of the pasta water before draining—it helps blend the sauce later.

Step 2: Prep the Mentaiko

Cut open the mentaiko sac and scrape out the roe into a bowl. Mix it with soy sauce, butter, and cream if you’re using it.

Step 3: Combine Everything

Toss the hot pasta with the mentaiko mixture. The heat from the pasta melts the butter and creates a silky sauce. If it looks dry, add a splash of pasta water.

Step 4: Add Toppings

Finish with shredded nori and chopped green onions. If you like spice, add a little chili oil or more mentaiko.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Quick & Easy – Dinner ready in under 20 minutes.
2. Unique Flavor – Salty, creamy, and a little spicy all at once.
3. Restaurant-Style at Home – Feels fancy but super easy to pull off.
4. Customizable – Adjust creaminess, spice, and toppings to your taste.

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Tips for the Best Mentaiko Pasta

• Use fresh pasta if you can—it soaks up the sauce beautifully.
• Don’t overcook the mentaiko; mix it in off the heat so it stays creamy.
• Balance the saltiness: mentaiko is already salty, so taste before adding extra soy sauce.
• Top with shredded nori—it adds the perfect crunch and umami.

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Variations to Try

• Creamier Version: Add more cream or even a spoonful of mayo (Japanese mayo works best).
• Spicy Kick: Add chili flakes or drizzle with chili oil.
• Seafood Twist: Toss in shrimp or scallops for extra protein.
• Healthier Swap: Use whole wheat pasta and less butter.

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What to Serve with Mentaiko Pasta

This pasta is rich, so it pairs well with light sides:

• A simple green salad with citrus dressing
• Steamed edamame
• Miso soup for a full Japanese-inspired meal

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FAQs About Mentaiko Pasta

Q: What is mentaiko?
A: Mentaiko is spicy cod roe, a popular Japanese ingredient. It’s salty, slightly spicy, and packed with umami.

Q: Can I make it without cream?
A: Yes! Traditional mentaiko pasta doesn’t always use cream. Butter and soy sauce are enough to make it flavorful.

Q: Where can I buy mentaiko?
A: You can find it at Japanese or Asian grocery stores, usually in the freezer section.

Q: Can I use other pasta shapes?
A: Absolutely. Spaghetti is the classic choice, but linguine or angel hair works great too.

Q: Is it very spicy?
A: Mentaiko is mildly spicy, but you can also use tarako (non-spicy cod roe) if you prefer a milder flavor.

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Final Thoughts

Mentaiko pasta is one of those dishes that looks fancy but is incredibly easy to make. The salty, creamy, umami-rich sauce clings to every strand of spaghetti, and the toppings add freshness and crunch.

If you’re tired of the same old pasta dishes, this is the recipe that will surprise you. Once you try it, I promise you’ll make it again and again.