Iron Chef Shellie
 

Mentaiko Pasta (Spaghetti with Spicy Cod’s Roe)

I've tried the NISSIN pasta sauce packet before after falling in love with mentaiko in Osaka a few years ago, but this homemade version is definitely more delicious, and so easy to make.

This blog post is part of my special series to journal the Umai cookbook, from cover to cover :)

Cooking Umai – Cover to Cover

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Mentaiko Pasta (Spaghetti with Spicy Cod’s Roe)

I first encountered mentaiko in Osaka. We followed our noses to a small bakery that made these cut-open baguettes smothered in mentaiko butter, it was amazing. We went back multiple times, and I even rushed there when they opened (around 11am) to grab one before flying home.

For this dish, I could only find tarako. The difference between tarako (salted cod/pollock roe) and mentaiko (spicy cod/pollock roe) comes down to seasoning, mentaiko is flavoured with dashi, red chilli peppers, and more. That said, tarako still worked really well.

I’ve since placed a big order with a Japanese online grocer and have some mentaiko on the way for another recipe.

These are the store bought packets you can just stir in when feeling extra lazy!

Chapter: Easy Lunches
Page: 43
Ingredient Total: 8
Make it again? Yes

A delicious, umami-rich dish, definitely worth trying!

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Mentaiko Pasta (Spaghetti with Spicy Cod’s Roe)

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Shellie Froidevaux

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