Natto: 7 Best Seasonings that Make Natto Taste Good

Have you ever tried Natto? As you know, Natto (納豆) is a superfood made from soybeans fermented with Natto bacteria.

But since the fermented beans have a peculiar smell and a slimy consistency, many people, even Japanese, hate the stinky, sticky stuff, though I like it.

Like this, the Japanese delicacy divides people into two groups, but it is such a healthy and nutritious food, so don’t you want to make it taste good with some seasoning or condiment?

7 Best Seasonings & Condiments for Natto

Various seasonings and condiments pair well with fermented soybeans, and today, I will introduce what Japanese people would consider the best for Natto beans.

Mayonnaise 

Image: Mayomania.com

First, some Japanese like dressing Natto with mayonnaise. More precisely, in addition to mayo, they add the Karashi mustard and soy sauce that come with the Natto pack and garnish it with chopped green onions and a raw egg.

Daikon Oroshi

Image: Cookpad.com

Many Japanese like to eat Natto with a soy sauce-based umami-rich Tare sauce (like this) and grated daikon radish or Daikon Oroshi (大根おろし), which has a refreshing flavor that calms the characteristic smell of Natto. 

Shirasu & Chirimen-Jako

Shirasu and Chirimen-Jako are dried young sardines commonly used in Japanese cuisine. The fish condiments make a great combo with Natto seasoned with soy sauce and go well on a warm bowl of white rice. Additionally, some people like to add Daikon Oroshi to it. 

Taberu Rayu

Image: Sbfoods.co.jp

Chili oil with crunchy fried garlic, generally called Taberu Rayu (食べるラー油), is a new type of seasoning/condiment that has gained wide popularity in recent years in Japan, and some Japanese like to garnish Natto with it.

Canned Tuna 

Image: Cookpad.com

Canned tuna can make Natto taste good, and some Japanese love this combination. They typically season the mixture with soy sauce and sometimes add mayonnaise.

Shichimi Togarashi

Image: Yahoo Blog (Dietsenryu)

Shichimi Togarashi is a traditional Japanese condiment consisting of ground red chili pepper and six other aromatic spices. And if you want to make Natto a little spicy and flavorful, this is one of your best options.

Kimchi

The Korean pickle Kimchi is a healthy fermented food that can help you lose weight, and so is Natto, and the food combo Kimchi Natto is good for the diet. What is better, the spicy pickles make Natto taste good.