Are you curious about natto but don’t want to eat it the traditional way with rice?
You’re in the right place! While rice is the classic pairing, there are so many delicious ways to enjoy this nutritional powerhouse. As a resident of Ibaraki Prefecture in Japan, the birthplace of natto, let me introduce you to my favorite alternative: natto with noodles!
How to Eat Natto Without Rice: Exploring Alternative Ways to Enjoy This Superfood
Let’s face it – not everyone loves rice, and sometimes you just want something different! Natto is incredibly versatile, and once you break free from the rice-only mindset, a world of culinary possibilities opens up.
Why Many People Are Exploring Natto Beyond Rice
Before we dive into recipes, let’s talk about the growing interest in trying natto in different ways! This unique fermented soybean product has been gaining popularity worldwide as people discover its versatility.
A World of Culinary Possibilities
While traditionally served with rice in Japan, chefs and home cooks around the world are incorporating natto into all sorts of creative dishes. Its unique texture and umami-rich flavor profile make it surprisingly adaptable to various cuisines.
When I first started experimenting with natto, I was amazed at how well it paired with ingredients I’d never considered before. From Mediterranean-inspired dishes to fusion tacos, natto can complement a wide variety of flavors.
How to Eat Natto for Beginners: First Steps Beyond Rice
I still remember my first encounter with natto – those sticky strings and unique aroma can be intimidating! But don’t worry, I’ve got some beginner-friendly approaches to help you develop a taste for this superfood.
Start Small
Begin with a small portion – maybe just a tablespoon – and mix it with strongly flavored ingredients that you already enjoy. The key is to stir it vigorously before eating, which develops the flavors and creates that characteristic stickiness.
Flavor Boosters
Try these additions to make your natto more approachable:
Remember, many natto lovers weren’t fans at first try! It might take 3-5 attempts before your palate adjusts to the unique flavor profile.
How to Prepare Natto from Frozen and Storage Tips
Most natto you’ll find outside Japan comes frozen, and proper preparation is key to enjoying its full flavor and nutritional benefits.
Thawing Methods
The best way to thaw natto is overnight in your refrigerator. Simply move the package from the freezer to the fridge before bed, and it’ll be perfect by morning. In a pinch, you can use the defrost setting on your microwave, but be careful not to cook it.
Once thawed, never refreeze natto – the texture will suffer dramatically.
Storage Best Practices
After opening, natto should be consumed within 2-3 days. Keep it tightly covered in the refrigerator to prevent it from drying out and absorbing other flavors.
Is Natto Eaten Hot or Cold? Exploring Temperature Preferences
This is a question I get all the time, and the answer is: it depends on how you’re serving it!
Cold Natto
Traditionally, natto is often enjoyed cold or at room temperature, especially when eating it for breakfast. The cool temperature allows you to fully experience the natural flavors and doesn’t compromise the beneficial enzymes.
When I’m making a natto salad or using it as a topping, I definitely prefer it cold.
Warm Applications
That said, natto can absolutely be warmed, especially when mixing it with noodles! Just avoid extreme high heat that might destroy some of the beneficial enzymes.
I find that mixing natto into just-cooked noodles allows it to warm slightly without cooking it, creating a delicious middle ground.
Natto Noodle Recipe: Delicious and Nutritious Combinations for Every Taste
Now for the fun part! Natto and noodles are a match made in heaven. The slippery noodles provide the perfect texture contrast to sticky natto, and both absorb flavors beautifully.
Best Natto Toppings for the Perfect Noodle Dish
The right toppings can elevate your natto noodle dishes from good to absolutely crave-worthy!
Fresh Toppings
Fresh ingredients add brightness and textural contrast:
Savory Additions
These umami-rich toppings complement natto beautifully:
My personal favorite combination is green onions, a soft-boiled egg, and a bit of kimchi for a spicy Korean-Japanese fusion kick.
Natto with Noodles: Basic Combinations and Techniques
If you’re new to natto noodles, start with these foolproof techniques that will help you create a delicious dish every time.
The Basic Formula
The heat from the freshly cooked noodles will slightly warm the natto without cooking it, creating the perfect temperature and allowing the stickiness to coat each strand of noodle.
Quick Sauce Ideas
Try these simple sauces to enhance your natto noodles:
Natto Udon and Natto Soba: Traditional Japanese Combinations
These traditional Japanese noodles pair beautifully with natto, each offering a distinct texture and flavor profile.
Natto Udon
Udon‘s thick, chewy texture creates an interesting contrast with natto. I love making a simple natto udon by:
For a more substantial meal, try adding some tempura bits (tenkasu) or a soft-boiled egg on top.
Natto Soba
Soba‘s earthy, buckwheat flavor complements natto beautifully. Here’s my favorite summer lunch:
The nutty flavor of soba noodles pairs wonderfully with natto’s earthy profile, creating a balanced and satisfying dish.
Cold Noodle Recipes Featuring Fermented Soybeans
When the weather heats up, cold natto noodle dishes are refreshing and delicious.
Summer Natto Somen
Somen are thin, delicate noodles perfect for hot weather:
I make this at least once a week during summer months – it’s light yet satisfying and takes less than 10 minutes to prepare!
Natto Hiyashi Chuka
This is my take on cold ramen salad with a natto twist:
The contrast between the cool noodles and the various toppings makes this a textural delight.
Creative Recipes with Natto: Natto Bacon Spaghetti and Natto Pasta Sauce
Who says natto can’t work with western pasta? These fusion dishes might surprise you with how delicious they are!
Natto Bacon Spaghetti
This is my absolute favorite way to introduce skeptical friends to natto:
The bacon’s smoky flavor pairs surprisingly well with natto’s earthiness, while the garlic helps bridge the flavor profiles.
Natto Pasta Sauce
For a heartier dish, try this natto pasta sauce:
The tomato sauce helps mellow natto’s distinctive flavor while the vegetables add texture and nutrition.
Whether you’re a natto novice or a seasoned enthusiast, these noodle recipes offer delicious ways to enjoy natto without rice. The sticky, umami-rich natto brings protein and probiotics to the dish, while the noodles provide the perfect vehicle for all that goodness.
Remember, developing a taste for natto might take a few tries, but the health benefits and culinary versatility make it well worth the effort. Start with small amounts mixed into strongly flavored dishes, and you might just find yourself craving those stringy fermented soybeans!
So next time you’re wondering how to eat natto without rice, reach for some noodles and get creative. Your taste buds—and your gut health—will thank you!