* Frozen Mentaiko Paste, 500g

Mentaiko originated in Korea but gained popularity in Japan in the 1800s after Japanese were repatriated from Korea and started making mentaiko themselves.

Mentaiko not only goes well with rice alone, but it also complements alcohol, and is a great topping for seafood, pasta, potato salad, and baguette.

Many cafe menus in Singapore now boost a selection mentaiko dishes such as mentaiko pasta, mentaiko fries, mentaiko prawns which can be easily replicated at home once you have the ingredients on hand.

How to Make Mentaiko Mayo

Mentaiko mayo is a popular sauce in Japan. It’s often used with fried food, vegetables, and even rice. 

Ingredients required :

• Mentaiko

• Mayonnaise

Steps:

• Add in the required amount of mentaiko paste into a bowl.

• Add Japanese mayonnaise to taste.

• Mix well.

Pro tip: Mentaiko doesn’t keep very well, so it’s advised to only make as much as you can eat in a sitting. If you have leftovers, put them in the coldest part of the fridge and eat them the same day.

How to Make Mentaiko Pasta 

Mentaiko pasta is a very popular fusion dish in Japan. It’s a creamy, salty, and spicy dish that many people enjoy.

Ingredients required for 1 serving:

• 115 g spaghetti or some other pasta

• 1 tbsp salt

• Mentaiko paste

• 1 tbsp whole milk

• 1 tbsp whipping cream

• 1 tbsp melted and unsalted butter

• 1 tsp soy sauce

• Ground black pepper

Steps:

• Put salt in a large pot of water and bring it to a boil.

• Cook the spaghetti or pasta in it until al dente.

• Put the milk, whipping cream, butter, soy sauce, and ground pepper in a bowl and mix well.

• Add mentaiko paste as required with the other ingredients.

• Mix the sauce again.

• Add the cooked pasta to the bowl and mix it with the sauce, then serve.

Pro tip: If you want an even richer pasta, try doubling the cream in the recipe.