Delicious Ways to Enjoy Natto: Best Toppings & Recipes for Foreigners
(Healthy, Tasty, and Easy to Eat!)
Natto, or fermented soybeans, is one of Japan’s most unique and nutritious superfoods. Packed with probiotics, protein, and vitamin K2, it’s known for improving gut health and strengthening bones.
However, for many foreigners, natto’s strong smell, sticky texture, and unique flavor can be challenging. If you’ve tried natto before and found it too intense, don’t give up yet! With the right toppings and recipes, you can enjoy natto in a much tastier and milder way.
Here are some easy and delicious ways to enjoy natto—even if you’re not a fan yet!
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Best Natto Toppings for Beginners & Natto Lovers
If eating plain natto feels overwhelming, try these toppings to balance the flavor and improve the texture.
1. Cheese & Nori (Seaweed) – Creamy & Savory
Best for: Natto beginners
How to prepare:
1. Tear cheese (mild-flavored, like mozzarella or cheddar) into small pieces.
2. Cut nori (seaweed) into thin strips.
3. Mix both with natto and add the soy sauce packet included with natto.
Why it works:
• Cheese adds a creamy, mild flavor that reduces natto’s strong aroma.
• Nori (seaweed) enhances umami while softening the sticky texture.
Bonus Tip: If you like onions, add finely chopped raw or lightly sautéed onions. Lightly cooking the onions reduces their sharp spiciness while keeping their sweet and crunchy texture.
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2. Green Onion & Raw Egg – A Classic Japanese Favorite
Best for: Natto lovers
This is one of the most popular natto combinations in Japan. However, raw eggs should only be eaten in Japan, where eggs are safe for raw consumption.
How to prepare:
1. Chop green onions (scallions) into small pieces.
2. Crack a fresh raw egg (preferably yolk only) into the natto.
3. Stir well and season with soy sauce or the sauce included with natto.
Why it works:
• The green onion adds freshness and crunch.
• The raw egg makes the natto milder and creamier.
Important: Only try this if you are in Japan, where raw eggs are safe to eat!
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3. Daikon Oroshi (Grated Radish) – Light & Refreshing
Best for: Those who want a lighter flavor
How to prepare:
1. Grate daikon radish (Japanese white radish).
2. Squeeze out some excess water.
3. Mix with natto and add soy sauce for seasoning.
Why it works:
• Daikon oroshi gives a refreshing, slightly sweet taste.
• It makes natto less sticky and easier to eat.
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4. Kimchi – Spicy & Fermented Goodness
Best for: Those who enjoy spicy food
How to prepare:
1. Chop kimchi into small pieces.
2. Mix with natto and soy sauce.
Why it works:
• The spicy, sour, and garlicky flavor of kimchi balances natto’s aroma.
• Both natto and kimchi are fermented foods, making this a gut-friendly, probiotic-rich combination.
Bonus Tip: Add a soft-boiled egg for extra creaminess!
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5. Okra & Mekabu (Slimy Power Combo)
Best for: Those who like traditional Japanese flavors
How to prepare:
1. Boil okra for a few seconds, then chop it into small pieces.
2. Mix mekabu (a type of slimy seaweed, sold in small packs) with natto.
Why it works:
• Both okra and mekabu have a sticky texture, which blends well with natto.
• It’s an ultra-healthy combination packed with fiber, minerals, and antioxidants.
Bonus Tip: Add a dash of soy sauce and wasabi for an extra flavor kick.
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Easy & Delicious Natto Recipes
If you don’t enjoy natto on its own, try cooking with it! These recipes reduce the strong smell while keeping all the nutritional benefits.
1. Natto Kakiage (Crispy Natto Tempura Fritters)
Best for: Those who prefer fried food
Ingredients:
• 1 pack natto (with sauce)
• 1/4 onion (thinly sliced)
• 2 tbsp flour
• 1 tbsp potato starch
• 2 tbsp water
• 1/2 tsp soy sauce
• Oil for deep frying
How to Make:
1. In a bowl, combine natto, its sauce, soy sauce, and thinly sliced onions. Mix well.
2. Add flour and potato starch, then gradually mix in water until the ingredients are lightly coated. The batter should be thick enough to hold the mixture together.
3. Heat oil to 170°C (340°F).
4. Take small spoonfuls of the mixture and carefully drop them into the hot oil.
5. Fry until golden brown and crispy, flipping occasionally for even cooking.
6. Remove from oil and drain on a paper towel.
7. Serve hot with tempura dipping sauce or soy sauce.
Tip: Enjoy while crispy! Pairs well with rice or a light dipping sauce.
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2. Natto Fried Rice – A Quick & Tasty Meal
Best for: Those who want an easy, balanced meal
Ingredients:
• 1 pack natto
• 1 bowl of cooked rice (preferably cold)
• 1 egg
• 1/4 onion (chopped)
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• Green onions (for garnish)
How to Make:
1. Heat sesame oil in a pan and sauté chopped onions until soft.
2. Push the onions to one side and scramble the egg on the other side.
3. Add cold rice and stir-fry until well combined.
4. Add natto and mix well.
5. Season with soy sauce, salt, and pepper.
6. Garnish with chopped green onions and serve.
Tip: The heat reduces natto’s strong smell while keeping its nutrition!
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Final Thoughts
Natto is one of the healthiest foods in Japan, but its unique taste and texture can be challenging for some. The key to enjoying natto is finding the right combination of toppings or recipes that suit your taste.
If you didn’t like natto before, give it another try with one of these delicious toppings or cooked dishes!
Which natto combination would you try first? Let us know in the comments!
