Tamari Garlic Pasta with Parmesan

Instructions

1. Prepare the Pasta

   2 min hands-on9 min waiting

   • Cook the pasta in boiling salted water until al dente.
   • Reserve some pasta cooking water before draining.

2. Infuse Garlic Oil

   2 min hands-on4 min waiting

   • Thinly slice the garlic.
   • Heat some olive oil in a wide pan over low heat.
   • Add the garlic slices and cook until softened and fragrant, avoiding browning.

3. Build the Aromatics Base

   2 min hands-on4 min waiting

   • Finely chop the ginger and scallions.
   • Add them to the pan with the garlic.
   • Pour in the remaining olive oil and cook until the aromatics are softened.

4. Incorporate Liquid Seasoning

   1 min hands-on2 min waiting

   • Add some reserved pasta water to the pan.
   • Stir in the soy sauce and salt.
   • Let the mixture simmer to create a silky sauce.

5. Combine Pasta and Sauce

   3 min hands-on

   • Transfer the cooked pasta into the pan with the sauce.
   • Toss the pasta over medium heat until it absorbs the sauce and becomes glossy.
   • Add more reserved pasta water if needed for consistency.

6. Add Fresh Herbs

   1 min hands-on

   • Roughly chop the cilantro leaves.
   • Stir them into the pasta just before serving.

7. Plate and Garnish

   2 min hands-on

   • Divide the pasta into serving bowls.
   • Top each portion with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
   • Serve immediately.
   • Cooking tips:
   • To preserve the bright green color and fresh flavor of the cilantro, stir it in at the very end, just before serving.
   • Use low heat when cooking the garlic and aromatics to prevent bitterness and ensure a delicate, balanced flavor.
   • The pasta water is crucial for creating a silky sauce due to its starch content—don't skip reserving it!
   • Adjust the amount of soy sauce to taste, keeping in mind that it adds both saltiness and umami depth.