Seafood Cacio e Pepe: A Rich Ocean’s Embrace
Seafood Cacio e Pepe Recipe
A delightful twist on the classic Cacio e Pepe, this recipe infuses the traditional pasta with the fresh, oceanic flavors of seafood. Elevate your home cooking with this restaurant-worthy dish.
Main Ingredients
- 2 fresh scallops
- High-quality cheese (Parmigiano Reggiano or Pecorino Romano recommended)
- Spaghetti (enough for a 500-won coin size portion)
- 6 plump shrimp
Seasoning & Others
- Herb salt (to taste)
- Flavorful butter
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Herb salt (to taste)
- Flavorful butter
- Freshly ground black pepper
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Begin by preparing a generous pot of water for cooking the pasta. Once boiling, add a pinch of salt and cook the spaghetti until al dente, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Reserve about 1 to 2 ladlefuls of the starchy pasta water for later use in creating the sauce.
Step 2
To achieve a creamy sauce, finely grate your chosen cheese. Freshly grinding black pepper will enhance its aroma. Combine the grated cheese and pepper in a bowl beforehand for easier incorporation during cooking.
Step 3
Have your finely grated cheese and pepper mixture ready, just like this.
Step 4
Melt the butter in a wide pan over medium-low heat. If desired, add a bit of minced garlic to release its fragrance. (Optional: For a unique flavor kick, you can add a small amount of your prepared wasabi sauce). Sauté gently, ensuring nothing burns, to create a fragrant sauce base.
Step 5
Add the prepared seafood (scallops and shrimp) to the pan and cook with the aromatics until just cooked through. Be careful not to overcook the seafood, as it can become tough. Cook just long enough to preserve their natural sweetness and texture.
Step 6
Add the cooked spaghetti to the pan with the seafood and sauce base. Sprinkle in the pre-mixed cheese and pepper. Gradually add the reserved pasta water, stirring vigorously, to emulsify the sauce. The starch from the pasta water will help create a smooth, luscious, and coating sauce.
Step 7
Voilà! Your delicious Seafood Cacio e Pepe is ready. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy this exquisite taste of the sea.
