You love natto. It is a cultural insignia in Japan and a nutritional powerhouse, packed with Vitamin K2 for strong bones. But let’s be honest—its stringy, brown look can be a challenge. You are not alone; with over 700,000 tons produced annually, many people wonder about the best way how to eat natto. The secret to making this superfood look as good as it tastes lies in two simple principles.
Contrast and Containment
This means you will use colorful foods to make the brown natto pop. You will also learn to neatly contain its signature stickiness. Learning how to plate natto is an easy skill that transforms your entire experience.
Start with the Right Vessel
Your journey to beautiful natto begins before you even add toppings. The right vessel is your foundation. It frames the food and makes containment effortless. You can choose from many shapes and sizes, from classic round bowls to modern square plates.
Small, Deep Bowls
Small Japanese bowls are your best friend for taming natto. A traditional rice bowl (chawan) or a side dish bowl (kobachi) is the perfect size. Their depth naturally contains the sticky strings, making the natto look neat and tidy. You can find these bowls in many materials. A heavy ceramic bowl gives a sense of solidity, while a dark lacquerware bowl creates a dramatic contrast with the brown beans. Look for bowls with interesting colors like deep blue, black, or earthy tones to make your natto stand out.
Contrasting Plates
You can also serve natto on a flat plate. The key is to create a neat mound in the center. A dark or vibrantly colored plate makes the brown natto pop. You can use a simple ring mold to form a perfect circle. This technique helps you plate natto with a clean, professional look. A bed of fluffy white rice under the natto also creates a classic and visually appealing base.
Pro Tip: For a modern presentation, try using a square or rectangular plate. The geometric shape provides a striking contrast to the organic mound of natto.
Natural Containers
For an elegant and creative touch, use an edible container. This method adds beauty and flavor to your dish. You can use a large, fresh shiso leaf as a fragrant base. A hollowed-out cucumber cup is another great option. Just slice a cucumber into thick, 1-inch pieces and use a small spoon or melon baller to scoop out the center. A crisp sheet of nori seaweed also works well as a wrapper or base for your natto. These natural containers connect your meal to the natural world and make your natto truly special.
Toppings for Beautiful Natto
Now that you have the perfect bowl, it is time for the fun part: the toppings. The right toppings do more than just add flavor; they bring color, texture, and life to your natto. You can transform the simple brown beans into a vibrant meal with a few delicious toppings. These natto topping ideas will help you create a dish that looks as amazing as it tastes.
Add a Pop of Green
Green is the perfect color to contrast with the brown natto. It makes the dish look fresh and inviting. The most classic green topping is finely chopped scallions (green onions). They add a mild, sharp flavor that cuts through the richness of the natto. Other green toppings like fresh shiso leaves or Japanese pickles (tsukemono) also work beautifully.
Pro Tip: For a professional look, use a very sharp knife to cut your scallions. This prevents bruising. Slicing them on a bias (a 45-degree angle) creates an elegant shape that instantly elevates your presentation.
Use Bright Yellows and Reds
To make your natto truly eye-catching, you need bright, warm colors. A raw or poached egg yolk is a fantastic choice. When you place it in the center of the natto, it creates a gorgeous golden focal point. Once you break the yolk, it adds a creamy richness to the dish. For a pop of red, you can add spicy kimchi. The fiery red color and bold flavor provide a wonderful contrast to the earthy natto. These are some of the most popular toppings for a reason.
Introduce Crunchy Textures
Texture is key to a great dining experience. The soft, sticky natto becomes much more exciting when you add something crunchy. Adding crunch provides a satisfying contrast and prevents every bite from feeling the same. This is one of the best ways to plate natto. You have many options for delicious toppings that add crunch.
Crushed almonds or walnuts
Crispy fried onions
Sprinkling these toppings around the natto adds another layer of flavor and makes the dish more dynamic. You will find that these delicious toppings make your natto much more enjoyable.
How to Plate Natto Artfully
You have your vessel and your colorful toppings. Now it is time to assemble everything like a chef. This is where you transform a simple bowl into a small work of art. The key is to arrange each element with intention. These techniques work wonderfully whether you are making natto from scratch or using your favorite store-bought brand. Even home-made natto deserves a beautiful presentation.
Preparation Tip: Before you begin, gently mix your natto in a separate bowl. You want to activate its signature stickiness. However, do not boil or heat the natto. High heat can damage the bean’s exterior and make it look ragged instead of plump.
The Central Mound
Your first step is to create a clean foundation. After you mix the natto with its included tare (sauce) and karashi (mustard), it is time to build your base.
Use your chopsticks or a spoon to gather the natto. Carefully place it in the center of your bowl or plate. Shape it into a neat, compact pile or mound. This central mound acts as the first layer of your dish. Creating this base gives your toppings a sturdy stage and prevents the natto from spreading out messily. It is a simple action that immediately makes the dish look more organized.
The Garnish Frame
Now you can frame your natto with your beautiful toppings. Instead of just piling everything on top, think about composition. Arranging toppings around the central mound creates depth and guides the viewer’s eye. This makes the entire dish more visually interesting. You are creating layers of color and texture.
For example, you can create an elegant avocado fan on one side. It is easier than it looks!
Take a small wedge of ripe avocado.
Make thin slices lengthwise, but do not cut all the way through. Leave the top quarter intact.
Gently press on the slices with the flat side of your knife to fan them out.
Use your knife to lift the fan and place it next to your natto.
You can place a neat pile of chopped scallions on the other side and sprinkle sesame seeds around the base. This method keeps the focus on the individual colors and shapes of your toppings. Each ingredient gets a chance to shine. This is a fantastic way to showcase all your delicious toppings.
The Finishing Drizzle
The final touch is the sauce. A common mistake is pouring soy sauce directly over all the toppings. This can dull their vibrant colors and make everything look brown. Instead, you will create a “sauce moat.” This professional technique adds flavor without sacrificing beauty.
Gently drizzle your sauce around the base of the natto mound. The sauce will form a glossy pool around your central creation. This method, sometimes called “pooling your sauce,” protects the bright colors of your toppings. It also creates a dramatic contrast between the sauce and the plate. This is the ultimate secret for how to eat natto with style. You can use more than just soy sauce to plate natto. Try one of these for a different flavor profile:
Chili oil (ra-yu) for a spicy kick and a beautiful red color.
Japanese citrus vinegar (ponzu) for a bright, tangy flavor.
Black vinegar (kurozu) for a rich, malty depth.
This final drizzle completes your masterpiece, tying all the elements together in a dish you will be proud to serve.
You now have the secrets to beautiful natto. You can choose a contrasting vessel, layer colorful toppings, and arrange everything with purpose. Making your natto look amazing is not difficult; it relies on simple visual tricks. This effort pays off.
Studies show that we perceive neatly arranged food as higher quality. This “halo effect” can even make your natto seem tastier.
So, stop hiding your healthy natto. It is time to plate natto with confidence. You can transform this superfood into a dish you are proud to look at and eat. Enjoy your delicious natto!
FAQ
Does plating natto this way reduce its strong smell?
Plating does not change the smell of natto itself. However, you can add fragrant toppings like fresh shiso, scallions, or ginger. These ingredients help balance the unique aroma. You will find these additions make your natto experience more pleasant and delicious.
Can I use these plating tips for different types of natto?
Yes! These tips work for all kinds of natto. You can use them for large-bean natto (otsubu), small-bean natto (kotsubu), or even ground natto (hikiwari). The principles of contrast and containment apply to every type of natto you enjoy.
What if I don’t have any Japanese bowls?
You can use any small, deep bowl you own. A ramekin, a small cereal bowl, or even a wide mug works great. The main goal is to contain the natto neatly. Your natto will look fantastic in any small dish you choose.
Is it okay to mix all the toppings into the natto?
You can, but you will lose the beautiful presentation. For an artful look, arrange your toppings around the natto. This keeps the colors separate and vibrant. You can always mix everything together right before you eat your delicious natto.
