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Napolitan Japanese ketchup spaghetti on a plate with parmesan cheese

Napolitan (Japanese Ketchup Spaghetti)

Japan's beloved postwar comfort pasta — thick spaghetti tossed with sausage, vegetables, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and a finishing knob of butter.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 2 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Japanese

Ingredients
  

  • 200 g thick spaghetti 2.2mm preferred
  • 4–5 wiener sausages sliced diagonally
  • 1 onion sliced
  • 1 carrot cut into thin strips
  • 1/2 bunch shimeji mushrooms separated
  • 1 green pepper sliced
  • 4–5 tbsp ketchup plus extra for topping
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 10 g butter
  • oil for frying
  • salt and pepper
  • parmesan cheese to serve

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti — for 2.2mm pasta, around 16 minutes. Cook through but not mushy.
  2. Heat oil in a wide frying pan over medium-high heat. Add sausage and brown lightly. Then add the onion, carrot, shimeji, and green pepper. Stir-fry for 4–5 minutes until the onion is translucent. Season with salt and pepper.
  3. Push the vegetables to the sides and add the ketchup directly into the middle. Let it sit for 10–15 seconds to caramelise. Stir in the Worcestershire sauce.
  4. Drain the pasta and add directly to the pan. Toss to coat. If dry, add a splash of pasta cooking water.
  5. Drizzle a little extra ketchup over the top and fold it in. Add the butter and toss until melted into the sauce.
  6. Plate immediately and top generously with parmesan cheese. Eat while hot.