Pin It A fusion pasta dish featuring crispy pan-seared salmon, al dente spaghetti, and a savory Japanese-inspired sauce with soy, mirin, and fresh scallions. This recipe blends Japanese flavors with classic pasta for a satisfying meal.
Last summer, I was inspired to create this salmon pasta while experimenting with Japanese condiments in my kitchen. The savory balance of soy and mirin with fork-tender salmon was an instant hit for my friends around the dinner table.
Ingredients
- Salmon fillets: 4 pieces, skin-on, about 150 g each
- Spaghetti: 350 g
- Vegetable oil: 2 tablespoons
- Garlic: 3 cloves, finely minced
- Scallions: 2, thinly sliced (plus extra for garnish)
- Soy sauce: 3 tablespoons
- Mirin: 2 tablespoons
- Sake: 1 tablespoon (optional)
- Unsalted butter: 1 tablespoon
- Sesame oil: 1 teaspoon
- Toasted sesame seeds: 1 tablespoon
- Lemon wedges: optional, for serving
Instructions
- Cook the pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook spaghetti until al dente. Drain and reserve ½ cup pasta water.
- Prepare the salmon:
- Pat salmon fillets dry and season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Pan-fry salmon:
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Place salmon skin-side down and cook 3 to 4 minutes until crispy. Flip and cook another 2 to 3 minutes until just cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté aromatics:
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add garlic and half the scallions and sauté about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Make the sauce:
- Add soy sauce, mirin, sake (if using), and butter. Stir until butter melts and sauce thickens slightly.
- Combine pasta:
- Add drained pasta to the skillet and toss to coat. Add reserved pasta water as needed. Drizzle with sesame oil.
- Add salmon:
- Flake salmon into large pieces and gently fold into pasta (or serve fillets on top).
- Finish and serve:
- Divide among plates, sprinkle with remaining scallions and toasted sesame seeds. Serve with lemon wedges if desired.
Pin It My family loves helping garnish the finished plates with scallions and sesame seeds, making dinner not just delicious but a fun activity together.
Required Tools
Large pot, skillet, tongs, knife and cutting board.
Allergen Information
This dish contains fish, soy, wheat (from soy sauce and spaghetti), and sesame. Always check product labels for allergens and substitute as needed.
Nutritional Information
Each serving provides about 525 calories, 20 g total fat, 52 g carbohydrates, and 33 g protein.
Pin It Garnish with extra scallions and finish with lemon for a fresh touch. Enjoy this fusion pasta hot from the pan for best flavor.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do you achieve crispy salmon skin?
Pat the salmon dry, season, and cook skin-side down in hot oil for 3–4 minutes until the skin turns golden and crisp.
- → Can you use other noodles instead of spaghetti?
Yes, udon or soba noodles work well and offer a different texture for this fusion dish.
- → What can substitute sake in the sauce?
You may omit sake or replace it with a little white wine or simply opt for extra mirin.
- → How do I keep the pasta from clumping?
Toss pasta immediately with the sauce and add reserved pasta water to maintain a silky consistency.
- → Is this meal gluten-free?
Use tamari instead of soy sauce and gluten-free noodles for a wheat-free version; always check labels.
- → What are suitable side dishes?
Pair with steamed greens, Asian-style slaw, or enjoy solo for a complete meal.