Low Sodium Mentaiko Pasta
Indulge in the rich, savory flavors of Low Sodium Mentaiko Pasta, a lighter twist on the beloved Japanese-Italian fusion dish. This recipe combines tender spaghetti with a creamy mentaiko (cod roe) sauce, made silky smooth with unsalted butter, heavy cream, and a hint of low-sodium soy sauce for balance. A splash of lemon juice adds brightness, while nori strips and green onions lend an authentic, umami-packed garnish. Ready in just 25 minutes, this quick and satisfying dish is perfect for weeknights or special occasions. Whether you’re cutting back on sodium or simply craving a comforting, restaurant-quality meal at home, this pasta recipe captures the essence of bold flavors with minimal salt.
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Ingredients
- 200 grams spaghetti
- 80 grams mentaiko (cod roe)
- 30 grams unsalted butter
- 50 milliliters heavy cream
- 2 teaspoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 sheet seaweed (nori), cut into strips
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 0.5 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Directions
Step 1
Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta well, reserving a cup of the pasta water.
Step 2
While the pasta is cooking, prepare the mentaiko by slicing open the cod roe sac and gently scraping out the roe with a spoon. Discard the sac.
Step 3
In a large skillet over medium-low heat, melt the unsalted butter along with olive oil. Add the heavy cream and stir until combined.
Step 4
Add the scraped mentaiko roe to the cream and butter mixture. Stir gently to avoid breaking the roe, allowing it to slightly cook until it thickens, about 2 minutes.
Step 5
Mix in the low-sodium soy sauce, lemon juice, and freshly ground black pepper. Stir well.
Step 6
Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss to combine the pasta with the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to reach the desired consistency.
Step 7
Remove from the heat and toss in half of the chopped green onions, saving the rest for garnish.
Step 8
Plate the pasta and garnish with the remaining green onions and nori strips.
Step 9
Serve immediately, enjoying the subtle blend of flavors in this light and flavorful dish.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (396.2g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 936.2 |
| Total Fat 61.5g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 28.8g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 1.3g | |
| Cholesterol 196.4mg | 0% |
| Sodium 1557.7mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 64.7g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 4.0g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 2.1g | |
| Protein 29.5g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 160IU | 0% |
| Calcium 54.4mg | 0% |
| Iron 4.8mg | 0% |
| Potassium 374.4mg | 0% |
Source of Calories