Miso Carbonara

Name: Miso Carbonara
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: Serves approximately four people
Cuisine: Fusion
Ingredients: 8 ounces spaghetti; 4 slices turkey bacon; 1 tablespoon miso paste; 1 teaspoon red chili flakes; 1 teaspoon black pepper; ½ cup reserved pasta water; 2 eggs; 2 egg yolks; 1 cup parmigiano reggiano cheese (plus more for garnish); Fresh parsley for garnish

Published: December 31, 2025

by Aileen Reed

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Umami Explosion: The inclusion of miso paste provides a deep, savory flavor that elevates the dish.
Quick and Easy: With just 25 minutes of total cooking time, this recipe is perfect for busy nights.
Versatile Ingredients: You can easily swap out ingredients to suit your taste or dietary preferences.
Crowd-Pleaser: Whether it’s a family dinner or a gathering with friends, everyone will enjoy this unique pasta dish.
Garnish Options: The addition of fresh parsley not only adds color but also enhances the overall flavor profile.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start making your Miso Carbonara, gather the necessary tools for an efficient cooking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Large pot
Skillet
Mixing bowl
Whisk

Importance of Each Tool

Large pot: Essential for boiling spaghetti evenly without overcrowding.
Skillet: Used for sautéing turkey bacon and combining all ingredients seamlessly.
Mixing bowl: Ideal for whisking eggs and miso together to achieve a smooth sauce.
Whisk: Helps incorporate the eggs and cheese without creating lumps in your sauce.

Ingredients

For the Pasta

8 ounces of spaghetti

For the Sauce

4 slices of thick turkey bacon (cut into small pieces)
1 tbsp of miso paste
1 tsp of red chili flakes
1 tsp of freshly ground black pepper
1/2 cup of hot reserved pasta water
2 eggs
2 egg yolks
1 cup plus more for garnish parmigiano reggiano cheese
Finely chopped green parsley (for garnish)

How to Make Miso Carbonara

Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.

Step 2: Prepare the Turkey Bacon

In a skillet, cook the turkey bacon over medium heat until crispy.
Remove from heat and set aside, leaving some drippings in the pan.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, egg yolks, miso paste, red chili flakes, black pepper, and half of the cheese until well combined.
Gradually add in reserved hot pasta water while whisking to create a creamy sauce.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Add cooked spaghetti to the skillet with turkey bacon over low heat.
Pour the egg mixture over the pasta and quickly toss to coat everything evenly.
Serve immediately with remaining cheese sprinkled on top and garnish with finely chopped parsley.

Enjoy your delicious Miso Carbonara!

How to Serve Miso Carbonara

Miso carbonara is a delightful fusion dish that brings together the richness of traditional carbonara and the umami depth of miso. There are several ways to enhance your serving experience.

Garnish Ideas

Chopped Parsley: Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and brightness.
Grated Cheese: Sprinkle extra parmigiano reggiano for an extra cheesy bite.

Pairing Suggestions

Green Salad: A light green salad with a citrus vinaigrette complements the creamy pasta.
Garlic Bread: Crunchy garlic bread provides a satisfying contrast to the creamy texture.

Serving Temperature

Hot: Serve immediately after cooking for the best flavor and texture.
Room Temperature: If serving later, allow it to cool slightly and enjoy as a pasta salad.

How to Perfect Miso Carbonara

To achieve the best flavor and texture in your miso carbonara, follow these helpful tips.

Bold Use of Miso: Choose a high-quality miso paste for a more robust umami flavor.
Perfect Pasta Cooking: Cook spaghetti al dente; it will continue cooking in the sauce.
Reserve Pasta Water: Keep some hot pasta water handy to adjust sauce consistency as needed.
Timing is Key: Combine hot pasta with egg mixture quickly to ensure a creamy sauce without scrambling the eggs.

Best Side Dishes for Miso Carbonara

Complement your miso carbonara with delicious side dishes that enhance the meal. Here are some great options:

Roasted Vegetables: Season and roast seasonal veggies like zucchini or bell peppers for added nutrition.
Edamame Beans: Lightly salted edamame makes for a protein-packed snack that pairs well with pasta.
Cucumber Salad: A refreshing cucumber salad with sesame dressing balances the richness of the main dish.
Miso Soup: Serve traditional miso soup as an appetizer to extend the Japanese theme of your meal.
Grilled Asparagus: Lightly grilled asparagus adds a crunchy texture and earthy flavor.
Seaweed Salad: A tangy seaweed salad offers a unique taste that complements the flavors of miso carbonara.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding mistakes can elevate your Miso Carbonara experience. Here are some common pitfalls to steer clear of:

Bold Ingredient Substitution: Using the wrong type of pasta can affect the texture. Stick with spaghetti for the best results.
Bold Overcooking the Pasta: Cooking pasta too long will make it mushy. Aim for al dente to maintain a perfect bite.
Bold Ignoring Pasta Water: Skipping reserved pasta water may lead to a dry dish. This starchy water adds creaminess and helps bind ingredients.
Bold Not Mixing Quickly: Failing to combine sauce and pasta rapidly can lead to clumping. Work swiftly to achieve a smooth consistency.
Bold Skipping Garnishes: Neglecting fresh herbs like parsley removes a burst of flavor. Always finish with a sprinkle for added freshness.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Allow the dish to cool completely before sealing.

Freezing Miso Carbonara

Freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
To prevent freezer burn, wrap tightly in plastic wrap before placing in a container.

Reheating Miso Carbonara

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Spread the pasta on a baking sheet and cover with foil for about 15 minutes.
Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Stovetop: Heat gently over low heat, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common queries regarding Miso Carbonara that might help you:

What is Miso Carbonara?

Miso Carbonara is a fusion dish combining traditional carbonara flavors with umami-rich miso paste, creating a unique and savory pasta experience.

Can I use other types of noodles?

Yes! While spaghetti is traditional, you can substitute with fettuccine or even gluten-free pasta if preferred.

Is Miso Carbonara suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This dish stores well and can be made ahead of time, making it perfect for quick meals throughout the week.

How can I customize Miso Carbonara?

Feel free to add vegetables like peas or spinach for extra nutrition or switch up the protein by using chicken or turkey bacon.

Final Thoughts

Miso Carbonara offers an exciting twist on classic Italian cuisine by incorporating rich umami flavors. It’s versatile enough for customizations—add your favorite proteins or veggies! Try this recipe today, and enjoy a delightful culinary journey.