A probiotic-rich natto kimchi avocado rice bowl that’s not only good for your gut but high in protein and fiber. With the addition of crunchy, spicy kimchi and creamy avocado, this bowl packs huge flavour and a combination of textures. Best of all, its only 15 mins of prep time!
The first time I ate natto was at restaurant in Japan. A friend who was travelling with me said “I don’t like the taste but its really good for you so I try to eat it often”. Intrigued by this health food, I tried it myself and was quite surprised by the slimy texture and pungent smell. I didn’t find it off-putting but not especially tasty either.
I did some quick research after the meal and discovered that these fermented soy beans truly are a super food with amazing healthy benefits. Natto is packed with vitamins, minerals, protein, fiber and probiotics! Over the years, I’ve kept eating natto whenever I can. Sometimes I order the natto sushi rolls at restaurants and whenever I see them at an Asian grocery store I would pick some up for home. The more I ate natto, the more I started to enjoy its texture and taste. Now I can say I’m a big fan.
What is natto?
Natto is fermented soy beans characterized by a slimly and sticky texture. I often compare it to okra, the only other slimy vegetable I know. But more slimy! Its flavour is often described as earthy, nutty and slightly bitter.
Natto is made by soaking and cooking soybeans, then fermenting them with the bacteria culture bacillus subtilis. Its left to ferment for a day and then aged to create the stringy texture.
In Japan, natto is very popular and is often eaten as a breakfast food served on top rice with condiments like soy sauce, mustard or chives.
Natto is an incredibly nutritious superfood
Loaded with so many essential nutrients such as fiber, protein, manganese, iron, copper, vitamin K1, magnesium, calcium, vitamin C, potassium, zinc and selenium.
Full of probiotics (beneficial bacteria) due to its fermentation process. Probiotics are essential to gut health. They improve digestion, reduce gas, constipation, diarrhea and bloating.
Probiotics can also help keep your immune system healthy by preventing the growth of harmful bacteria in your gut, reducing risk of infections and aiding in faster recovery.
Helps build stronger bones. Natto is high in vitamin K2 which activates bone-building proteins that funnel calcium to your bones.
In this recipe, I combined natto with spicy kimchi, creamy avocado and refreshing cucumbers on top of sushi rice. The kimchi is already very flavourful, but I like to add some extra flavour with the addition of soy sauce and wasabi.
If you’re eating with family or friends who aren’t into natto as much as you are, you can replace it with other proteins like salmon, tuna or tofu. I hope you enjoy this easy and healthy recipe!
A probiotic-rich natto kimchi avocado rice bowl that’s not only good for your gut but high in protein and fiber. With the addition of crunchy, spicy kimchi and creamy avocado, this bowl packs huge flavour and a combination of textures. Best of all, its only 15 mins of prep time!
2cupsbrown sushi riceUsing the cup that comes with your rice cooker which is different than the cup size that you bake with. One of my rice cooker cups is approximately 1/2 a baking cup
3tablespoonssushi rice vinegar
4packs of natto40g each
2avocadossliced
1/2cupkimchi
1cucumbersliced
Soy sauce and wasabi to taste
Instructions
Rinse rice and add it to the rice cooker with 3 and 1/3 cups water (same cup size as the cup that comes with your rice cooker). But check the package directions first because sometimes different brands can vary in cooking time.
Mix sushi vinegar with rice using the rice paddle. Let it cool down to room temperature before adding the toppings, which should be a few mins.
Place natto, avocados, kimchi and cucumbers on top of the sushi rice.
