Japanese-Style Miso Carbonara

Highlighted under: International Recipe Collection

Experience a delightful fusion of Italian and Japanese cuisine with this Japanese-Style Miso Carbonara. Creamy, rich, and umami-packed, this pasta dish features perfectly cooked noodles enveloped in a savory miso sauce, blended with crispy bacon and finished with a sprinkle of aromatic nori. It’s an exciting twist on a classic recipe that will wow your taste buds and impress dinner guests.

Anna Johnson

Created by

Anna Johnson

Last updated on 2025-11-27T04:00:26.859Z

This recipe is a unique blend of flavors that showcases the versatility of miso in pasta dishes.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Unique fusion of Italian and Japanese flavors
  • Rich and creamy texture
  • Easy to prepare and delicious

A Perfect Balance of Flavors

Japanese-Style Miso Carbonara is a culinary adventure that marries the rich, creamy textures of traditional Italian carbonara with the savory umami notes of Japanese miso. The use of miso paste as a key ingredient introduces a depth of flavor that is both unexpected and delightful. This dish embodies the essence of two beloved cuisines, creating a unique taste that will keep you coming back for more.

The addition of crispy bacon enhances the overall experience, providing a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the silky sauce. Each bite is a harmonious blend of flavors that work together in perfect harmony, making this dish an exceptional choice for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.

Easy Preparation for a Gourmet Experience

One of the best aspects of Japanese-Style Miso Carbonara is its simplicity. The recipe involves straightforward steps, making it accessible even for novice cooks. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your home. This makes it an ideal option for quick weeknight dinners or when you want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen.

The cooking process is efficient, requiring minimal preparation time. By cooking the bacon, preparing the pasta, and making the sauce simultaneously, you can have this delicious dish ready in no time. It’s an excellent way to enjoy gourmet flavors without the fuss.

Garnishing for Presentation and Flavor

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients:

Ingredients

  • 200g spaghetti
  • 100g bacon, diced
  • 2 tablespoons miso paste
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 egg yolk
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Nori flakes for garnish
  • Chives for garnish

Make sure all ingredients are fresh for the best flavor.

Instructions

Follow these steps to make your pasta:

Cook the Bacon

In a large pan over medium heat, cook the diced bacon until crispy. Remove and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pan.

Cook the Pasta

In a pot of boiling salted water, cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water.

Make the Sauce

In the same pan with bacon fat, add the miso paste, cream, and egg yolk. Mix well until combined and creamy.

Combine Everything

Add the drained spaghetti to the sauce along with reserved pasta water. Toss to combine, then add the cooked bacon. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Garnish and Serve

Serve hot, garnished with nori flakes and chopped chives.

Enjoy your Japanese-Style Miso Carbonara!

Perfect Pairings

When serving your Japanese-Style Miso Carbonara, consider pairing it with a light salad to balance the meal. A simple arugula salad drizzled with a citrus dressing can provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pasta. Alternatively, a side of garlic bread can complement the dish nicely, allowing guests to savor every bite.

For beverages, a chilled sake or a light white wine such as Pinot Grigio can enhance the dining experience. The crisp flavor of these drinks can cleanse the palate and highlight the unique flavors of the carbonara.

Storage and Reheating Tips

If you find yourself with leftovers, store your Japanese-Style Miso Carbonara in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The dish is best enjoyed fresh, but it can be comfortably stored for up to two days. Just be sure to keep the garnishes separate to maintain their texture and flavor.

When reheating, do so gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or cream to restore its creamy texture. Avoid using the microwave, as it can cause the dish to become tough or dry. With these tips, you can enjoy this delicious fusion dish even a second time around.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other types of noodles?

Yes, feel free to substitute with your favorite noodles.

→ Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?

Yes, you can replace bacon with sautéed mushrooms or tofu.

Japanese-Style Miso Carbonara

Experience a delightful fusion of Italian and Japanese cuisine with this Japanese-Style Miso Carbonara. Creamy, rich, and umami-packed, this pasta dish features perfectly cooked noodles enveloped in a savory miso sauce, blended with crispy bacon and finished with a sprinkle of aromatic nori. It’s an exciting twist on a classic recipe that will wow your taste buds and impress dinner guests.

Prep Time15 minutes
Cooking Duration20 minutes
Overall Time35 minutes

Created by: Anna Johnson

Recipe Type: International Recipe Collection

Skill Level: Intermediate

Final Quantity: 4 servings

What You'll Need

Ingredients

  1. 200g spaghetti
  2. 100g bacon, diced
  3. 2 tablespoons miso paste
  4. 1/2 cup heavy cream
  5. 1 egg yolk
  6. Salt and pepper to taste
  7. Nori flakes for garnish
  8. Chives for garnish

How-To Steps

Step 01

In a large pan over medium heat, cook the diced bacon until crispy. Remove and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pan.

Step 02

In a pot of boiling salted water, cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water.

Step 03

In the same pan with bacon fat, add the miso paste, cream, and egg yolk. Mix well until combined and creamy.

Step 04

Add the drained spaghetti to the sauce along with reserved pasta water. Toss to combine, then add the cooked bacon. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 05

Serve hot, garnished with nori flakes and chopped chives.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 680
  • Protein: 25g
  • Carbohydrates: 85g
  • Fat: 30g