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How to Make Natto

Natto is a Japanese fermented soybean with a famously slimy texture and funky aroma. This recipe is a tried and tested method on how to make Natto, as well as a few recipe ideas to help you incorporate it into your life. 
Prep Time 12 minutes
Cook Time 4 minutes
Course Appetizer, Breakfast
Cuisine Japanese

Equipment

  • 1 Instant Pot or Yoghurt Maker

Ingredients
  

  • 225 g dried soybeans
  • 1 pack natto starter

Instructions
 

  • Soak the soybeans overnight for 12-24 hours.
  • Boil or steam the soybeans until they are soft. They should easily squash between your fingers. Soft - not hard and grainy. 
  • Sterilise anything that will be in contact with the soybeans - colander, yoghurt maker, and stirring equipment. I do this with hot water.
  • Drain the cooked soybeans and quickly add into the yoghurt maker. You want to add the natto starter as quickly as possible as the heat gives the bacteria a boost. 
  • Set the yoghurt maker for 24 hours and do not disturb. 
  • Ladle the natto into portions once it has finished fermenting - remember to sterilise the containers. Let the natto ferment in the fridge for another 1-2 days. 
  • Eat within a few weeks, or freeze to keep it for a few months. Discard if you notice the colour change or a sour smell develop.
Keyword Fermented Soybeans, How to make Natto, Natto, Natto recipe