Tarako Spaghetti - Simply Tasty Japanese Pasta

Tarako Spaghetti (たらこスパゲッティ) is one of the simplest yet most flavorful Japanese-style pastas. Made with salted cod roe (tarako), butter, and a hint of garlic, this dish comes together in just 15 minutes and has become a go-to favorite in our household—especially with my kids! The rich, umami-packed roe coats each noodle perfectly, and the garlic and green onions add just the right amount of savory kick.

If you have a piece of tarako or mentaiko (spicy cod roe) in the fridge, give this easy pasta a try for lunch or a quick dinner. It’s comforting, flavorful, and only takes a handful of ingredients.

What is Tarako?

Tarako is salted cod roe, a popular ingredient in Japanese cuisine often enjoyed grilled or mixed into rice and pasta. Mentaiko is its spicy cousin, seasoned with chili. Both are great in pasta, but tarako has a milder, creamier flavor that’s perfect for kids or those who prefer less heat.

RECIPE

Servings: 2

Time: 15 min

Ingredients:

2 servings spaghetti
1 pcs tarako (or mentaiko)
2 cloves garlic
2 stalks green onion
1 tbsp butter
Olive oil (for sautéing)
Toppings: shredded nori (kizami nori seaweed), chopped green onion

Instructions:

Boil the Pasta
Bring a large pot of water to a boil, add salt, and cook the spaghetti according to package instructions.
Before draining, reserve ½ cup of pasta water.
Prep the Ingredients
While the pasta is cooking, slice the garlic and green onions
Carefully remove the tarako roe from its membrane using a knife or spoon.
Sauté the Garlic
In a pan, heat a generous amount of olive oil and sauté the garlic over medium heat until fragrant.
Toss the Pasta
Add the drained spaghetti to the pan.
Then stir in the butter, tarako, and green onion.
Once the butter melts, add a splash of the reserved pasta water.
Toss everything together quickly until the roe evenly coats the noodles and becomes slightly creamy.
Add Toppings and Serve
Transfer to plates and top with shredded nori and extra green onions. Enjoy warm!

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Tips & Variations

Use mentaiko for a spicier version with a little extra heat.
Add a splash of soy sauce or a squeeze of lemon juice for added depth.
For an even creamier texture, stir in a tablespoon of Japanese mayo at the end.

Why We Love Tarako Spaghetti

This dish is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can create something truly comforting. It’s quick, kid-approved, and brings together Japanese flavors in a familiar Western format. My kids especially love the gentle saltiness of tarako paired with buttery noodles—it's one of those meals they always ask for seconds of!