In Japan, many people start their mornings with natto gohan—sticky, stringy fermented soybeans served over rice with different garnishes. This natto gohan recipe tops the dish with scallion and raw egg yolks, two common choices, though grated nagaimo (mountain yam), katsuobushi (dried bonito flakes), tsukemono (a category of Japanese pickles), and finely chopped kimchi are popular and equally delicious adornments.

Look for natto at your local Japanese market or Asian grocer, or online, where the beans are typically sold in packs (which often include sachets of karashi—a spicy Japanese yellow mustard—and a soy sauce-based seasoning).