Fast & Easy Ultimate Rice Topper: Japanese Namtake recipe
- Cupful Days
- Dec 27, 2025
- 2 min read
If you love simple Japanese-style meals, this Japanese Namatake (なめたけ) is a must-have recipe. Made with enoki mushrooms simmered in a sweet-savoury soy-based sauce, this dish is incredibly quick to prepare and works perfectly as an everyday rice topper. It’s one of those “cook once, eat many times” recipes that makes weekday meals effortless.
Namatake is commonly served over hot steamed rice in Japanese home cooking, but it’s also delicious on tofu, mixed into noodles, or paired with grilled proteins. Best of all, it keeps well in the fridge, making it ideal for meal prep.
Ingredients:
200g enoki mushrooms (1 large packet) 2 tbsp cooking sake
2 tbsp soy sauce
2 tbsp mirin
1 tbsp sugar
1 tsp vinegar
this is the only ingredient you need! Steps: Prepare the enoki mushrooms
Trim off the root base of the enoki mushrooms and cut them into bite-sized chunks. Gently separate them with your hands.
Simmer the namatake
Add the enoki mushrooms to a pan along with cooking sake, soy sauce, mirin, and sugar.
Simmer over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms soften and release their moisture.
Thicken and finish
As the liquid reduces and thickens into a glossy sauce, add the vinegar. Stir well and cook for another 30–60 seconds, then turn off the heat.
Cool and store
Allow the namatake to cool completely, then transfer to a clean container. Chill in the fridge before serving.
How to Serve
Spoon generously over hot Japanese rice
Serve as a topping for chilled tofu
Add to soba or udon noodles
Pair with grilled fish, eggs, or simple vegetables
Storage Tips
Store in an airtight container in the fridge
Keeps well for up to 1 week
Flavour deepens after chilling, making it even more delicious the next day
This super fast and easy Japanese Namatake is the ultimate pantry-friendly rice topper — savoury, slightly sweet, and endlessly versatile. Perfect for busy days when you want something comforting with minimal effort ✨🍄
