If you've ever had natto—the sticky, fermented soybean delicacy from Japan—you probably have a strong opinion about it. Whether you love it or are still warming up to it, one thing is certain: natto is a nutritional powerhouse, packed with probiotics, protein, and vitamin K2. And while it’s often enjoyed with just a simple bowl of rice, there are plenty of other exciting ways to incorporate natto into your cooking. In this blog post, I'll share five easy recipes to make cooking with natto both fun and delicious!
1. Natto Fried Rice
Fried rice is a versatile dish, and natto adds a satisfying texture and a unique umami flavor. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover rice.
Ingredients:
1 cup cooked rice (preferably a day old)
1 pack of natto
1 egg
1/4 cup chopped green onions
1/2 cup mixed vegetables (like peas, carrots, and corn)
1 tbsp soy sauce
1/2 tbsp sesame oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Heat the sesame oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
Add the egg and scramble it until it's just set.
Stir in the mixed vegetables and cook until they’re tender.
Add the rice and break up any clumps, mixing well with the vegetables.
Stir in the natto, soy sauce, salt, and pepper, cooking until everything is evenly mixed and hot.
Garnish with green onions and serve hot.
2. Natto and Avocado Toast
Natto and avocado might seem like an unusual combination, but their creamy textures and contrasting flavors make this toast a surprisingly satisfying breakfast or snack.
Ingredients:
1 slice of whole-grain bread, toasted
1/2 avocado
1 pack of natto
1/2 tsp soy sauce
1/2 tsp wasabi (optional)
A squeeze of lemon juice
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Mash the avocado and spread it evenly on the toasted bread.
In a small bowl, mix the natto with soy sauce and wasabi (if you like a bit of kick).
Spread the natto mixture over the avocado.
Finish with a squeeze of lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
3. Natto Omelet
A natto omelet makes for a protein-rich breakfast and is surprisingly mild in flavor compared to eating natto alone.
Ingredients:
2 eggs
1 pack of natto
1/4 cup chopped onion
1/4 cup shredded cheese (optional)
1 tbsp milk
1/2 tbsp butter
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Beat the eggs with milk, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
Heat the butter in a non-stick frying pan over medium heat.
Sauté the chopped onion until it becomes translucent.
Add the natto and stir for about a minute until it's warmed through.
Pour in the beaten eggs and let them cook until the edges start to set.
Sprinkle cheese on one half of the omelet if desired, then fold it over and cook until fully set.
4. Natto Pasta with Soy Butter Sauce
For a Japanese twist on pasta night, natto pairs surprisingly well with soy butter sauce, creating a creamy, savory dish.
Ingredients:
150g spaghetti
1 pack of natto
1 tbsp soy sauce
2 tbsp unsalted butter
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tbsp olive oil
1/4 cup chopped green onions
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Heat olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant.
Add the butter and soy sauce, letting the butter melt completely.
Toss in the cooked spaghetti, mixing until well-coated in the sauce.
Add the natto and mix gently.
Serve with chopped green onions on top.
5. Natto Sushi Rolls
For an easy homemade sushi roll, natto is a fantastic filling that pairs well with a variety of vegetables.
Ingredients:
1 sheet of nori (seaweed)
1/2 cup sushi rice (cooked and seasoned with rice vinegar)
1 pack of natto
1/4 cucumber, julienned
1/4 avocado, sliced
Soy sauce for dipping
Instructions:
Place the nori sheet on a bamboo sushi mat, shiny side down.
Spread the sushi rice evenly over the nori, leaving about 1 inch uncovered at the top.
Arrange natto, cucumber, and avocado in a line across the middle of the rice.
Roll the sushi tightly using the bamboo mat, applying gentle pressure.
Slice into bite-sized pieces and serve with soy sauce for dipping.
Tips for Cooking with Natto
Mix Well: Before using natto in any recipe, mix it thoroughly with the provided sauce and mustard. This enhances the flavor and makes the texture creamier.
Temperature Matters: Natto is best when added at the end of cooking or used in dishes that aren’t too hot. This helps maintain its probiotic benefits.
Season to Taste: Natto has a distinct flavor, so balance it with soy sauce, lemon juice, or other seasonings to complement your dish.
Final Thoughts
Cooking with natto is a fantastic way to add a nutritious boost to your meals while exploring new flavors. Whether you’re making fried rice, avocado toast, an omelet, pasta, or sushi, these easy recipes will help you enjoy natto beyond the typical bowl of rice. Experiment, have fun, and let your taste buds adjust to this sticky, healthy delight!
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