Dive into a Japanese Kitchen Staple: Butter Miso Tuna and Cabbage Pasta
An iconic fusion of staple pantry items and unique Japanese flavors, the Butter Miso Tuna and Cabbage Pasta is a delightful dish offering a symphony of taste. Hailing from Japan, it's a perfect blend of comfort food and culinary excellence that can turn any ordinary meal into an extraordinary experience.
Unveiling the Magic Ingredients
- 200g of Spaghetti
- 140g of Green Cabbage (approximately 3 leaves)
- 70g of canned Albacore Tuna (ideally packed in olive oil)
- 2 cloves of Garlic
- 15g of Miso paste
- 15g of Unsalted Butter
- 2 teaspoons of Soy Sauce
- 2 teaspoons of Mirin
- 1 tablespoon of extra virgin Olive Oil
- Freshly Ground Black Pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon salt for cooking pasta
- 60 ml of Reserved Pasta Water
Nutritional Information per 100g Serving
This delightful pasta offers:
- Calories: 265
- Carbohydrate: 38.8g
- Cholesterol: 13.5mg
- Fat: 7g
- Protein: 10.7g
- Saturated Fat: 2.3g
- Serving Size: 100g
- Sodium: 351.9mg
- Sugar: 3.3g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4.7g
The nutritional values can vary depending on the brand of ingredients used.
Let's Get Started!
- Start with boiling 4 quarts of water in a large pot. As it starts boiling, add the kosher salt and spaghetti.
- While the pasta is cooking, let's prepare the other ingredients. Thinly slice your peeled garlic cloves and cut the cabbage into 1-inch square pieces after removing the tough core.
- Next, drain the canned tuna. You can optionally break it into smaller pieces.
- In a large frying pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic to start infusing. Ensure the garlic is well-coated with oil.
- Once the garlic starts sizzling, add the cabbage and stir for about 2 minutes.
- Add the canned tuna and mix it well with the cabbage.
- Time to introduce some flavor! Add freshly ground black pepper, unsalted butter, and miso. Stir well until the butter melts completely.
- Take out 60 ml of pasta water and add it to the frying pan.
- Give it a good stir to ensure the miso is dissolved completely.
- Now, add the soy sauce and mirin.
- When the spaghetti is done, drain and add it to the pan. Mix everything well.
- Season your pasta with freshly ground pepper. Taste and add salt if needed.
- Voila! Your Butter Miso Tuna and Cabbage Pasta is ready to serve!
Dish Complementing Delights
This hearty dish pairs excellently with a refreshing cucumber salad or a light miso soup. For wine enthusiasts, a glass of Sauvignon Blanc complements the flavors of the dish.
Making it Your Own
If you can't find certain ingredients or prefer something else, here are some alternatives:
- Cabbage can be substituted with frozen peas or other greens of your preference.
- Vegan or vegetarian? Replace canned tuna with deep-fried firm tofu, tofu puffs, or more vegetables.
What's the Deal with Miso?
Miso paste is a traditional Japanese seasoning offering a unique sweet-savory umami flavor. There are different types of miso, and each type has a varying level of saltiness, so remember to taste and adjust accordingly.
Cooking Tips and Tricks
- Use a pair of tongs to transfer the cooked pasta directly to the pan. It helps retain the pasta water on the noodles, which contributes to the flavor.
- Taste your miso before adding it to the dish as the saltiness varies with different types and brands.
FAQ
Can I use any other type of pasta?
Yes, you can use any pasta of your choice.
How can I make it spicier?
You can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or freshly chopped chilies to the pasta.
Can I use other types of canned fish?
Yes, feel free to use canned sardines or anchovies.
Can I store leftovers?
Certainly! Store in an airtight container and refrigerate. It tastes even better the next day.
Adding the Finishing Touches
Butter Miso Tuna and Cabbage Pasta is more than just a meal, it's a journey into the heart of Japanese home cooking. Its blend of rich flavors and simple preparation is a testament to the beauty of Japanese cuisine. So, what are you waiting for? Put on your chef's hat and transport your taste buds to Japan!