Natto is a dish made from fermented soybeans and is a large part of Japanese cuisine. Often served as part of a traditional Japanese breakfast, this healthy superfood can also be a nutritious snack during the day, or a comforting dish before going to bed. While some enjoy eating natto as a simple cold dish, there are many different ways to serve natto, from mixing it with other ingredients to adding it to salads and soups.
You can easily find natto in an Asian supermarket, or you can make your own homemade natto, and enjoy the multitude of health benefits it delivers. You can also try eating natto in a number of different ways, such as some of the suggestions described below.
1. Mix with Other Condiments
If the taste of natto on its own seems a bit lacking, a number of different condiments can be mixed with the fermented soybeans to make some intriguing and delicious flavor combinations. It can be an acquired taste for many, and adding some of the suggested condiments may also take some getting used to. However, you’re going to find a favorite amongst them! Some condiments you might consider trying include:
- Rice Vinegar
- Soy Sauce
- Tare (Eel) Sauce
- Hot Mustard
- Shichimi Togarashi
- Shredded Nori
- Katsuobushi (bonito flakes)
- Sesame Oil
2. Add to a Salad
There are many types of salads you can create and enhance by adding natto, along with some other healthy and flavorful ingredients. Increasing the levels of umami. Consider a salad of chopped or shredded root vegetables mixed with natto, and topped with shredded, dried seaweed such as nori, and katsuobushi (bonito flakes).
3. Mix with Other Ingredients
Some of these ingredients could also be added to a salad, but they’ll work just fine mixed with the natto on their own as well, serving as a nutritious and flavorful small meal or snack.
- Rice
- Tuna Fish
- Mushrooms
- Spread it on toast
- Add it to omelets
4. Add to Soup
Mix some natto into miso soup or a dashi broth. You can also add other ingredients to the broth for a more filling and healthy meal, such as mushrooms, kelp or vegetables.
5. Use Natto as a Sauce or Marinade
Mixing natto with other ingredients such as soy sauce, ginger, togarashi, honey, brown sugar or other common barbecue sauce ingredients can result in a delicious marinade or sauce for steaks, fish, pork or lamb. You can even use it as a glaze for burgers before grilling, or a topping afterward in place of ketchup.
Of course, there are many more options for enjoying natto not included here. Feel free to experiment with other seasonings and ingredients in your pantry or the refrigerator, and you will find some new and creative ways to eat natto.
