Skip to content

Japan · Food

Tarako Pasta

40 min
550 kcal
2 servings

By eatmundo · August 3, 2026

Tarako Pasta🇯🇵AI-generated image

Same ingredients, elsewhere in the world

1 match

This dish doesn't have a strong Mundo Match yet — but here's the closest ingredient overlap we found across the world's cuisines. The percentage is the share of ingredients the two recipes have in common.

Same technique: Noodle55 recipes from 12 countries

A delightful Japanese-Italian fusion dish featuring savory cod roe tossed in a buttery, umami-rich sauce. It is simple, elegant, and ready in minutes.

According to eatmundo's ingredient comparison, the closest dish to Tarako Pasta from another cuisine is Cacio e Pepe (Italy): the two share 22% of their ingredients.

Ingredients

tick what you already have - the rest goes on your shopping list
Adapt this recipe:
2 servings

How to Make It

  • 1

    Boil 2 liters of salted water in a large pot.

  • 2

    Cook 200g spaghetti until al dente, about 8 minutes.

  • 3

    While pasta cooks, scrape the roe from the sacs into a bowl.

  • 4

    Mix the roe with 30g softened butter and 1 tbsp soy sauce in a large mixing bowl until creamy.

  • 5

    Drain the pasta, reserving 2 tbsp of cooking water, and add it immediately to the sauce bowl.

  • 6

    Toss vigorously with the pasta water to create a silky emulsion.

  • 7

    Garnish with finely shredded nori and thinly sliced shiso leaves.

  • 8

    Serve immediately while the pasta is hot and glossy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Tarako Pasta?

Tarako Pasta is a Japanese-style pasta dish consisting of spaghetti tossed in a sauce of salted cod roe, butter, and soy sauce. Typically garnished with shredded nori and shiso, it is commonly consumed as a quick lunch or dinner.

Can I use Mentaiko instead?

Yes, Mentaiko is simply spicy Tarako and works beautifully in this recipe.

Should I cook the roe?

No, the residual heat from the pasta gently cooks the roe to the perfect texture.

What is the best pasta shape?

Thin spaghetti or spaghettini works best to coat evenly with the delicate sauce.

Is salt necessary?

Be cautious with added salt as both the roe and soy sauce are naturally quite salty.

All Mundo matches

Italy

Keep exploring