This Smoked Salmon Carbonara is a fun twist on the classic dish! It combines creamy pasta with savory smoked salmon and a sprinkle of cheese. Yum!
Who needs bacon when you’ve got delightful smoked salmon? I love how quick it is to whip up, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner. Pair it with a salad, and you’ve got a hit!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: I love using spaghetti for this recipe, but you can switch it up with fettuccine, linguine, or even whole wheat pasta if that’s your preference.
Smoked Salmon: The star of the dish! If you can’t find smoked salmon, try using cooked shrimp or even grilled chicken as an alternative.
Eggs: Fresh eggs are essential for that creamy sauce. If you’re avoiding eggs, consider using a plant-based egg substitute or a bit of silken tofu blended until smooth.
Parmesan Cheese: If you’re out of Parmesan, Pecorino Romano works well too. For a vegan option, nutritional yeast can give a cheesy flavor.
Heavy Cream: This adds richness, but you can skip it for a lighter dish. Just use a bit more pasta water to achieve creaminess.
How Do I Get the Sauce Creamy Without Scrambling the Eggs?
Creating a creamy sauce without scrambling the eggs can be tricky. Here’s how you do it:
- First, mix your eggs and cheese in a bowl and set it aside. This mixture will thicken the sauce.
- When you add the pasta to the skillet, remove it from the heat.
- Pour the egg mixture slowly while tossing the pasta. The heat from the pasta will gently cook the eggs into a sauce.
- If it looks too thick, add reserved pasta water gradually to reach desired creaminess.
And remember, keep tossing to avoid lumps for a silky finish! Enjoy crafting your pasta dish!
Smoked Salmon Carbonara
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz (340g) spaghetti or your favorite pasta
- Salt for cooking the pasta
For the Sauce:
- 6 oz (170g) smoked salmon, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 3 large egg yolks
- 1 large whole egg
- 1 cup (100g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional, for extra creaminess)
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For Garnish:
- Fresh dill and/or flat-leaf parsley, chopped
- Extra Parmesan cheese, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Smoked Salmon Carbonara will take about 20 minutes to prepare. It’s a quick dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights, with just enough time to cook the pasta and create a creamy sauce without any fuss. Let’s get cooking!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until it’s al dente. Remember, al dente means the pasta is cooked but still has a slight bite to it. Once done, reserve about 1 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the rest and set the pasta aside.
2. Prepare the Egg Mixture:
While the pasta is cooking, take a small bowl and whisk together the egg yolks, whole egg, grated Parmesan cheese, and a pinch of black pepper. If you’re using heavy cream for extra richness, add that in too! Set this mixture aside; it’ll be the base of our creamy sauce.
3. Sauté the Garlic:
Next, grab a large skillet and heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté it gently for about 1 minute until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to let it brown or burn, as that can give a bitter flavor.
4. Add the Smoked Salmon:
Now, add the pieces of smoked salmon to the skillet. Stir lightly to warm the salmon through for about 1-2 minutes. This step enhances the flavors, making sure the salmon is delightful in your dish.
5. Combine Pasta with Salmon:
Once the salmon is warmed, remove the skillet from the heat. Add the drained pasta right into the skillet, tossing everything together to mix the salmon and garlic evenly with the pasta.
6. Create the Creamy Sauce:
Slowly pour the egg and cheese mixture over the pasta, all while tossing quickly and continuously. This stirring motion helps prevent the eggs from scrambling, allowing the residual heat from the pasta to create a smooth, creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add the reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach the desired consistency.
7. Season and Adjust:
Give your pasta a taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. A touch more black pepper can enhance the flavors beautifully.
8. Serve and Garnish:
Time to serve! Plate your Smoked Salmon Carbonara right away, garnishing with fresh dill and/or parsley, and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top. Enjoy the creamy, delicious flavors!
Enjoy your elegant and creamy Smoked Salmon Carbonara!
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While spaghetti is a classic choice for carbonara, you can use fettuccine, linguine, or even whole wheat pasta. Choose your favorite to make the dish your own!
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Dill or Parsley?
No worries! If you’re out of fresh herbs, you can substitute with dried herbs or simply omit them. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes can also add a nice kick!
Can I Make This Recipe Without Eggs?
Yes! If you want to avoid eggs, you can use a plant-based egg substitute or a little silken tofu blended until smooth to create a creamy sauce. Just keep in mind that the flavor will change slightly.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of water or broth to help loosen the sauce.
