How to quickly defrost Natto and preparation (no microwave)
Hey everyone. I was searching last time on Reddit of how to quickly defrost natto without microwave. I randomly tried something at home and it worked, so I thought of sharing it here for fellow natto lovers.
Most people online tell you to keep natto in fridge, but I didn't know you could keep natto in fridge for a month lol. So if you are forgetful like me and forget to pull natto from freezer the night before, here's what I do.
I use a basic $20 rice cooker for my rice. 10-15 mins after the rice is FINISHED COOKING, I put the steamer basket on top of the cooked rice and put the open natto container (I take the plastic cover off for ease) and put it in the steamer basket and put the lid back on. Just a few minutes later, it's usually ready. In the morning when I am rushing around, I just pop the natto in there, go take a shower and when I get back, it's ready.
Here's why I think it works: The rice is done cooking and there is no hot steam coming. But since the cooker usually stays on warm setting, the warmth from the rice underneath creates a warm environment for the natto to thaw out perfectly. It's not hot enough enough to kill the good bacteria in Natto. It's just a warm humid environment.
Bonus tip : I am froth my natto, add the seasonings that come with it, mix it. Top with egg yolk, sliced green onion, sesame seeds and furikake (best for natto).
Hope this was helpful for some :)