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Flavorful Fish Sauce Pasta

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A quick and easy pasta dish that combines the bold umami flavor of fish sauce with garlic, chili, and fresh lime for a comforting and addictive meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces (225g) spaghetti or linguine
  • 3 tablespoons fish sauce (recommend Red Boat or Three Crabs)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 medium shallot, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon red chili flakes (adjust to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon brown sugar
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • A handful fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped (optional)
  • 2 stalks green onions, thinly sliced
  • Crushed peanuts or toasted sesame seeds (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces (225g) of spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente (usually 8–10 minutes). Reserve ½ cup (120ml) of pasta water before draining.
  2. While pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and chopped shallot. Stir frequently for 2–3 minutes until fragrant and golden, but not burnt.
  3. Stir in 3 tablespoons fish sauce, 1 teaspoon brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon red chili flakes. Cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly.
  4. Add drained pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Pour in ¼ cup (60ml) reserved pasta water and toss to coat the pasta evenly.
  5. Squeeze juice of 1 lime over the pasta, toss again, and remove from heat. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  6. Garnish with chopped cilantro or parsley, sliced green onions, and optional crushed peanuts or toasted sesame seeds. Serve immediately.

Notes

Do not overcook garlic to avoid bitterness. Use reserved pasta water to create a silky sauce. Adjust fish sauce and chili flakes to taste. For gluten-free, substitute pasta with rice noodles. For vegan, substitute fish sauce with coconut aminos or soy sauce.

Nutrition

Keywords: fish sauce pasta, umami pasta, easy pasta recipe, quick dinner, Southeast Asian pasta, garlic pasta, spicy pasta

Find it online: https://zorbmeal.com/flavorful-fish-sauce-pasta-recipe-easy-ultimate-umami-bomb-guide/