How to Make Homemade Natto with an Instant Pot
How to Make Homemade Natto with an Instant Pot
Hello everyone, this is Maegami from the blog Megami no Maegami. Today’s post is part of my “Homemade Meals” series.
Recently, natto has been getting renewed attention for its incredible health benefits. Known as one of the top 5 healthiest foods for your body, natto is cheap and easy to find in Japan with many varieties available.
But for those of us living overseas, natto is often frozen, expensive, and sometimes disappointing. In New York, the price of natto can be more than three times higher than in Japan.
I love natto so much that I decided to make it myself at home. By using organic soybeans and an Instant Pot, you can easily make delicious homemade natto right in your own kitchen.
What is an Instant Pot?
The Instant Pot is a popular electric multi-cooker in Canada and the U.S. It’s not just for stews and steaming—it can also be used to make fermented foods like yogurt, natto, shio-koji, and amazake. You can find it at an affordable price on Amazon. – Buy here
my natto is popular among my friends
How to Make Homemade Natto in an Instant Pot
1: Prepare the Soybeans
- Beginners can start with 250g of soybeans.
- Soak them in water for about 8 hours. The beans will double in size.
2: Steam the Soybeans
- Place soaked soybeans in a stainless strainer.
- Put the strainer on the roasting rack inside the Instant Pot.
- Add about 5mm of water to the bottom.
- Set to Steam Mode for 60 minutes.
Pressure Settings:
- High Pressure: softer beans (better for sticky natto).
- Low Pressure: firmer beans with more bite.
My preference: 500g beans at High Pressure for 60 minutes.
Experiment Results:
- 20 min: Hard beans, mild smell, fewer sticky strings.
- 45 min: Softer, stronger aroma, more sticky texture.
- 60 min: Brownish beans, perfect stickiness, natto bacteria thrive.
3: Make Natto Starte
- Mix 1 pack of store-bought natto with a small amount of hot water.
- Sterilize all tools with boiling water.
- Mix this “natto starter water” evenly with the steamed soybeans.
4: Set Up for Fermentatio
- Place beans in a container and cover with a plastic bag with small holes.
- Put a paper towel on top.
- Do not close the Instant Pot lid—just place it gently on top.
5: Fermentation
- Set the Instant Pot to Yogurt Mode for 24 hours.
- Stir once after 12 hours.
6: Finishing
- Stir the fermented natto well so the bacteria spread evenly.
- Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate.
Natto Smell Tips
Freshly made natto has a strong odor, especially with ammonia notes. If you live with non-Japanese roommates or family, warn them first!
✅ To reduce odor: leave the container slightly open at room temperature for a few hours.
✅ Storing in the fridge will naturally mellow the smell over time.
Storage & Shelf Life
Natto doesn’t spoil easily. Even with 500g (enough for two people), it keeps well for over two weeks in the refrigerator.
Homemade natto is not only healthier but also far more cost-effective than buying expensive imported natto overseas.
Conclusion
That’s how to make homemade natto with an Instant Pot! Compared to store-bought versions, homemade natto has stronger stickiness, better texture, and saves you money if you live abroad.
If you’re a natto lover—or just curious about fermented foods—give it a try!
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