Natto, a traditional Japanese dish with a history dating back over a thousand years, holds a unique place in Japanese food culture. This fermented soybean dish is famous for its distinct aroma, sticky texture, and a taste that divides opinions. But don’t let that put you off! Despite its acquired taste, natto is well-known for its great nutritional benefits and is a staple in Japanese households. Do you want to get to know ancient Japanese food culture better? Than you have to give Natto a try. To make it easier for you, in this blog, I’ll delve into creative ways to enjoy it, beyond the traditional bowl of rice, natto and raw egg.
- Natto on Toast:
Begin your natto journey with a twist on a classic breakfast option. Spread natto on toasted bread, adding a drizzle of soy sauce, a sprinkle of sesame seeds, and/or some tomato and avocado for an extra layer of flavor. The toast adds a crunchy contrast to the gooey texture of the natto, creating a delightful combination. You can even top it off with (vegan) cheese (which is available at almost all supermarkets in Japanese cities nowadays!). - Natto Salad:
Incorporate natto into your salads for a fresh lunch or dinner option. Toss it with some fresh vegetables, greens, and for example a mustard dressing. The nutty and savory flavor of natto adds depth to the salad, and the salad and dressing give more flavour to the natto. - Natto Fried Rice:
This one might be my favorite. Elevate your fried rice by mixing in natto. SautΓ© cooked rice with vegetables, vegan sausages, and natto, seasoned with soy sauce, sesame oil and a hint of garlic. The fermentation of natto infuses the dish with a rich umami flavor, transforming a simple fried rice into a satisfying and protein rich meal. - Natto Sushi Rolls:
Natto roll is actually one of the oldest sushi variations in Japanese culture. Embrace the sushi enthusiast in you by incorporating natto into homemade sushi rolls. Combine natto with avocado, cucumber, and a splash of soy sauce before rolling it up in nori and sushi rice. The result is a healthy sushi roll, adding some variety to the usual veggie rolls. - Korean Bibimbap:
Draw inspiration from Korean cuisine and top up your bibimbap with some natto. Fill your bowl with steamed rice and add some natto, sautΓ©ed and fresh vegetables (beansprouts, spinach, carrot), tofu and a good spoon of gochujang sauce (Korean red chili paste, mixed with sesame oil, sugar, soy sauce and water). Mix it all together for a delicious blend of flavours and you will hardly notice the stickiness of natto. - Natto Wraps:
For a quick and healthy take-away snack, create natto wraps by spreading natto on nori sheets and adding your favorite ingredients like sliced cucumbers, avocado, grated carrots or pickled radishes. Roll them up and enjoy a convenient and nutritious snack on the go. - Natto Soup:
Transform your favorite soup into a hearty and nourishing dish by adding natto. Whether it’s miso soup, ramen, or a simple vegetable broth, the addition of natto adds some tanginess and proteins. It’s really delicious and easy to eat, and you might never leave the natto out again…
I hope this simple guide to eating Japanese natto has shown you that with its distinctive taste and nutritional benefits, it is a versatile ingredient that can be enjoyed in various ways beyond the traditional rice bowl. By experimenting with natto in toast, salads, fried rice, sushi, wraps, and soups, you can discover a more approachable way of eating this iconic Japanese dish. Try it some time and maybe after enjoying a couple of these variations you can give the traditional rice, raw egg and natto bowl a go!
