Spaghettini with Fish Roe Dressing
Peer reviewed by UK recipe editorsAuthored by UK recipe editorsOriginally published 17 Jan 2026
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This elegant spaghettini with fish roe dressing is a classic example of Japanese-style pasta, known as Wafu. By combining traditional Italian spaghettini with spicy mentaiko, this high-protein dish delivers a sophisticated balance of salty, creamy, and umami flavours. The heat from the cured pollock roe is beautifully tempered by softened butter, creating a silky sauce that coats the delicate pasta strands without the need for heavy cream.
Ideal for a quick midweek meal or an impressive starter, this recipe relies on fresh, aromatic garnishes like shiso leaves and nori seaweed to provide a fragrant finish. Using just a few high-quality ingredients, you can bring the unique taste of a Tokyo bistro to your home kitchen. Serve it immediately while hot to enjoy the vibrant texture of the fish roe.
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Ingredients for Spaghettini with Fish Roe Dressing
170g uncooked spaghettini
90g mentaiko (see Ingredients Note)
2 tablespoons butter
nori seaweed to taste
shiso leaves or fresh basil and mint leaves to taste
1/2 teaspoons kombu cha powder
soy sauce to season
chopped spring onion or chives to garnish
How to make Spaghettini with Fish Roe Dressing
Boil the spaghettini in a pan of salted water until al dente.
Soften the butter and beat until creamy. Remove the thin membrane form the mentaiko and mix the roe with the butter.
Finely shred the dried seaweed (nori) and the shisho leaves.
When the spaghettini is cooked, drain well. Immediately mix with the mentaiko and the better and season with kombu cha powder and soy sauce.
Put onto a serving plate, sprinkle the dried seaweed and shisho leaves on top and garnish with spring onions or chives.
Disclaimer
While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.
Article history
The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.
17 Jan 2026 | Originally published
Authored by:
UK recipe editors
Peer reviewed by
UK recipe editors

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