Description
Enjoy a luxurious twist on classic carbonara with this Smoked Salmon Carbonara recipe. Combining creamy Parmesan and egg yolks with delicate smoky salmon, this pasta dish offers a rich yet balanced flavor perfect for a quick gourmet meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Protein
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 4 oz cold-smoked salmon, sliced into strips
Sauce
- 3 large egg yolks
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Cooking & Seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or unsalted butter
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti until al dente following the package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta water before draining the pasta.
- Prepare Sauce Mixture: In a medium bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and grated Parmesan cheese until smooth. Set this mixture aside for later use.
- Sauté Garlic: Heat olive oil or unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant but not browned, which develops flavor without bitterness.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained spaghetti directly into the skillet with the sautéed garlic. Turn off the heat immediately to prevent scrambling the eggs. Quickly pour in the egg and cheese mixture, tossing rapidly to coat each strand evenly and create a creamy texture.
- Create Creamy Sauce: Gradually add the reserved pasta water a little at a time while tossing to loosen the sauce and achieve a silky, smooth consistency that clings to the pasta.
- Incorporate Smoked Salmon: Gently fold in the smoked salmon strips, letting the residual heat subtly warm the salmon without cooking it further, preserving its delicate texture and smoky flavor.
- Season: Taste and season the dish with salt and freshly cracked black pepper according to your preference.
- Serve: Transfer the pasta to plates and garnish with optional chopped fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately for optimal texture and flavor.
Notes
- Do not cook the egg mixture over direct heat to avoid scrambled eggs; residual pasta heat is sufficient.
- Reserve enough pasta water to adjust sauce consistency as needed.
- Use cold-smoked salmon for best flavor and texture without overcooking.
- Fresh parsley adds a bright color and fresh flavor but can be omitted if preferred.
- This dish is best served immediately to maintain the creamy sauce texture.
