Natto
Fermented Soybeans
Natto is a traditional Japanese breakfast food made from fermented soybeans. It is known for its strong smell, sticky, stringy texture, and umami flavor. While divisive, it's highly nutritious and a staple in Japanese cuisine.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 Natto pack(Typically contains a small container of natto beans, a packet of soy sauce (tare), and a packet of Japanese mustard (karashi).)
- 1 packet Karashi mustard(Included in the natto pack. Adjust to your spice preference.)
- 1 packet Soy sauce or Tare sauce(Included in the natto pack. Tare is a sweeter, richer soy sauce blend often used for natto.)
- 1-2 stalks Green onion(Finely chopped, optional garnish for added freshness and flavor.)
- 1 bowl Cooked short-grain rice(Hot, freshly cooked rice is ideal for serving.)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare your serving bowl: If serving with rice, place a generous portion of hot, cooked short-grain rice into a separate bowl. Have your optional chopped green onions ready.
⏱️ 1 minute - 2
Open the natto pack carefully. Remove the small packets of soy sauce (tare) and karashi mustard. Set them aside. Discard any plastic film covering the beans.
⏱️ 1 minute - 3
Stir the natto beans vigorously with chopsticks. Aim for at least 20-30 stirs. You'll notice the beans becoming increasingly sticky and developing long, thin strings (the 'neba-neba' texture). This process aerates the beans and enhances their flavor and texture.
⏱️ 2 minutes - 4
Add the contents of the soy sauce (tare) packet and the karashi mustard packet to the stirred natto. Mix thoroughly until the seasonings are evenly incorporated. Continue stirring for another 10-15 seconds.
⏱️ 1 minute - 5
Serve the seasoned natto immediately over the hot rice. If using, sprinkle the chopped green onions over the top as a garnish.
⏱️ 30 seconds
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓The key to good natto is vigorous stirring. Don't be shy – the more you stir, the better the texture and flavor development.
- ✓Natto has a unique flavor and aroma that can be an acquired taste. Start with a small amount of mustard and soy sauce if you're new to it.
- ✓Natto is incredibly nutritious, rich in protein, fiber, vitamins, and probiotics.
- ✓For a less intense flavor, some people prefer to mix natto with other ingredients like chopped kimchi or a raw egg yolk before serving.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add a raw egg yolk (or a whole egg for a richer consistency) and mix it in with the natto for extra creaminess.
- Incorporate chopped kimchi for a spicy and tangy kick.
- Use natto as a filling for sushi rolls (maki) or hand rolls (temaki).
- Mix with finely chopped shiso leaves or myoga ginger for added herbal notes.