Viral Seaweed Pasta Recipe

This fusion pasta brings Asian flavors to the table with salty, umami-rich seaweed as the star of the sauce. Toasted sesame seeds and Parmesan add a nutty depth, while egg yolk makes the sauce silky and creamy. The viral seaweed pasta recipe is a fun, modern twist that is easy to love.

Origin

The viral seaweed pasta is a modern recipe inspired by the savory seaweed used in Japanese and Korean cooking. It is a creative twist that brings together Italian pasta and Asian umami flavors in one satisfying dish.

Why You’ll Love This Viral Seaweed Pasta

• Umami Flavor: Roasted nori, sesame oil, soy sauce, and Parmesan create a delicious savory sauce.
• Easy to make at home: You don’t need fancy ingredients or complicated techniques to recreate this viral seaweed pasta. Just blend, mix, toss, and serve!
• Quick: This recipe comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

• Spaghetti
  • The main base in this recipe
• 3 sheets roasted nori (seaweed)
  • Adds a deep, rich and umami flavor
• 1 tbsp sesame seeds
  • Adds nuttiness
• Soy sauce, for the pasta water
  • Brings umami depth
• 1 egg yolk
  • Helps create a creamy sauce
• Reserved pasta water, as needed
  • Helps emulsify the sauce
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • Brings umami depth
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • Adds nuttiness
• ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • Gives it a nice cheesy flavor
• Shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • Main protein
• Chili oil, for cooking the shrimp
  • Adds heat and sears the shrimp

Click on the images for the direct link to the ingredients/tools I used:

Instructions

Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add a splash of soy sauce. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.

Before draining, reserve some pasta water. Add the roasted nori sheets and sesame seeds to a blender. Blend until finely crushed.

Transfer the crushed seaweed mixture to a large bowl. Add the egg yolk, soy sauce, sesame oil, Parmesan cheese, and a splash of reserved pasta water. Mix until smooth and creamy.

Add the hot, drained spaghetti to the seaweed sauce. Toss well until the noodles are evenly coated. Gradually add more reserved pasta water as needed to create a silky sauce.

Heat chili oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 2–3 minutes per side, or until pink and fully cooked.

Plate the seaweed pasta and top with the cooked shrimp. Finish with extra Parmesan cheese, sesame seeds, or chili oil if desired.

Cooking Tips for Viral Seaweed Pasta

Use good-quality nori: Roasted nori sheets provide a rich, savory umami flavor.

Blend the seaweed finely: Blend the nori sheets and sesame seeds until they form a fine powder.

Reserve plenty of pasta water: Save at least ½ cup of pasta water before draining.

Toss the pasta while hot: Add the hot spaghetti directly to the seaweed sauce and toss immediately. The residual heat helps cook the egg and melt the Parmesan.

8. Don’t overcook the shrimp: Cook shrimp for about 2–3 minutes per side, until opaque and cooked through.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Viral Seaweed Pasta

Not blending the seaweed finely enough: Large pieces of seaweed can create an uneven texture.

Forgetting to reserve pasta water: Pasta water helps bind the egg yolk, Parmesan, and seaweed together.

Overcooking the shrimp: Shrimp cook quickly and can become rubbery if left in the pan too long. Cook just until opaque and cooked through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of seaweed should I use for seaweed pasta?

Roasted nori sheets work best for this recipe. They have a savory and umami flavor.

What pasta works best for this recipe?

I chose spaghetti because it holds the seaweed sauce nicely. You can also use linguine, fettuccine, or your favorite pasta shape.

What to Serve with Viral Seaweed Pasta

Miso Soup: A warm bowl of miso soup adds a comforting element without overpowering the seaweed pasta.

Ingredient Substitutions

• Spaghetti → Linguine, fettuccine, or angel hair pasta
• Roasted nori sheets → Plain roasted seaweed snacks
• Parmesan cheese → Pecorino Romano
• Shrimp → Scallops, salmon, or tofu

If you enjoyed this viral seaweed pasta recipe, you might also like my shrimp scampi pasta or my lemon garlic pata recipe.

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