Spicy & Savory Oyster Sauce Pasta
Easy & Flavorful Oyster Sauce Pasta Recipe: A Perfect Balance of Spice and Umami
In my childhood, I loved tomato pasta; in my early twenties, it was cream pasta, and now, my favorite is oil pasta! My taste preferences seem to change with age. I used to dislike spicy food, but now I enjoy it immensely. This recipe takes the simplicity of oil pasta and elevates it by adding oyster sauce and chili flakes (peperoncino) for a delicious spicy kick. The flavor is truly outstanding! Let me guide you through making this delightful spicy pasta with oyster sauce.
Ingredients- 1 portion pasta (approx. 100g)
- 5 peperoncino (or dried chili peppers)
- 1/2 onion, thinly sliced
- 2 Tbsp oyster sauce
- 3 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Once boiling, add about 1/2 Tbsp of coarse salt to season the water. (This seasons the pasta from within, making it more flavorful.)
Step 2
Add the pasta (about 100g) to the boiling water. Cook it for about 1 minute less than the time indicated on the package for al dente texture. (A portion about the size of a coin is typically considered one serving.)
Step 3
While the pasta cooks, heat 3 Tbsp of olive oil in a deep pan over medium-low heat. Add 1 Tbsp minced garlic, 1/2 sliced onion, and 5 peperoncino. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. You can adjust the amount of peperoncino to your spice preference or omit it entirely.
Step 4
Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and immediately add it to the pan with the sautéed ingredients. Toss everything together quickly for about 30 seconds to coat the pasta with the oil. Add about 1/4 cup of the reserved pasta water to help emulsify the sauce and keep the pasta moist.
Step 5
Reduce the heat to low. Stir in 2 Tbsp of oyster sauce and continue to toss for another minute until everything is well combined. The oyster sauce usually provides enough saltiness, but taste and adjust with a pinch of salt or pepper if needed, according to your preference. Your delicious spicy oyster sauce oil pasta is now ready!
