Dairy-Free Mentaiko Pasta

Indulge in the rich, bold flavors of Dairy-Free Mentaiko Pasta—a creative twist on the classic Japanese-inspired dish! This recipe transforms traditional creamy mentaiko pasta into a luscious, dairy-free version using full-fat coconut milk, delivering a velvety texture without compromising on flavor. The spicy cod roe (mentaiko) brings its signature umami kick, while a touch of soy sauce, rice vinegar, and freshly squeezed lemon juice adds depth and brightness to the dish. Tossed with perfectly al dente spaghetti or linguine, every bite is a harmonious blend of creamy, tangy, and savory elements. Finished with a garnish of seaweed flakes and scallions for an extra layer of texture and aroma, this 25-minute meal is perfect for busy weeknights or an impressive dairy-free dinner option.

Nutriscore Rating: 58/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:25 mins

Servings: 2

Ingredients

• 250 g spaghetti or linguine
• 2 sacs mentaiko (spicy cod roe)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 200 ml full-fat coconut milk
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp seaweed flakes
• 2 stalks scallions, thinly sliced
• 0.5 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tsp lemon juice

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water and drain the rest.

Step 2

While pasta is cooking, cut open the mentaiko sacs carefully and scrape out the roe with a spoon into a small bowl. Set aside.

Step 3

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.

Step 4

Reduce heat to low and add coconut milk to the skillet, stirring gently to combine with the garlic.

Step 5

Stir in the soy sauce, rice vinegar, and half of the mentaiko. Cook for another minute until the sauce is heated through and slightly thickened.

Step 6

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat with the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water until desired consistency is reached.

Step 7

Mix in lemon juice and season with freshly ground black pepper.

Step 8

Serve the pasta immediately, garnished with remaining mentaiko, seaweed flakes, and sliced scallions.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(646.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1300.6

Total Fat 87.0g	0%
Saturated Fat 49.6g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 100mg	0%
Sodium 2156.0mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 96.3g	0%
Dietary Fiber 10.8g	0%
Total Sugars 9.3g
Protein 40.2g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 119.3mg	0%
Iron 11.1mg	0%
Potassium 1168.7mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 58.9%

Protein: 12.1%

Carbs: 29.0%