Sesame Ginger Umami Pasta

Instructions

1. Prepare the Vegetables

   5 min hands-on

   • Finely slice the scallions, separating the green tops from the white parts, and roughly chop both.
   • Reserve half of the green tops for garnish.
   • Peel and thinly slice the ginger, stack the slices, cut into thin strips, and dice into small pieces.

2. Boil the Pasta

   2 min hands-on7 min waiting

   • Bring a medium-sized pot of salted water to a rolling boil.
   • Cook the pasta until slightly undercooked, stirring occasionally.

3. Toast the Sesame Seeds

   2 min hands-on

   • In a dry pan over medium heat, add the sesame seeds.
   • Toast for 2–3 minutes, stirring frequently, until golden and fragrant.
   • Transfer to a small bowl and set aside.

4. Create the Aromatic Base

   3 min hands-on

   • Heat olive oil in a medium-sized pan over medium-high heat.
   • Add the diced ginger and sauté for 30 seconds, stirring constantly, until fragrant.
   • Add the white parts of the scallions and cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened but not browned.

5. Build the Sauce

   2 min waiting

   • Reduce the heat to low.
   • Stir in honey, soy sauce, and a small pinch of salt.
   • Simmer for 2 minutes to meld the flavors.

6. Combine Pasta and Sauce

   2 min hands-on

   • Transfer the pasta directly from the boiling water to the pan with the sauce, allowing some pasta water to cling.
   • Add a few tablespoons of pasta water to the pan.
   • Toss the pasta continuously to coat it in the sauce and achieve a silky texture.

7. Finish the Dish

   2 min hands-on

   • Turn off the heat and stir in sesame oil, toasted sesame seeds, a squeeze of lemon juice, reserved green onion tops, a pinch of dried chile flakes, and black pepper.
   • If the pasta looks dry, add more pasta water and toss again.

8. Incorporate Parmesan

   1 min hands-on

   • Fold in the grated Parmesan cheese, mixing until it melts into the sauce.
   • Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or lemon juice as needed.

9. Serve

   2 min hands-on

   • Divide the pasta onto plates or bowls.
   • Garnish with additional Parmesan, toasted sesame seeds, and green onion tops.
   • Serve immediately.
   • Cooking tips:
   • Reserve extra pasta water before draining to adjust the sauce consistency later if needed.
   • Toast the sesame seeds carefully; they can burn quickly if left unattended.
   • Use fresh lemon juice for a brighter, tangier flavor.
   • For added umami, sprinkle a touch of soy sauce over the finished dish just before serving.