Edamame
Steamed edamame pods tossed with coarse sea salt. A simple, healthy, and incredibly addictive snack or appetizer, perfect for sharing. Ready in under 10 minutes!
For 4 servings
3 steps. 5 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Salted Water
- b.Fill a large pot with 8 cups of water.
- c.Add 1 tablespoon of salt to the water and bring it to a rolling boil over high heat.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Cook the Edamame
- b.Carefully add the frozen edamame pods directly to the boiling water.
- c.Allow the water to return to a boil and cook for 4-5 minutes.
- d.The edamame are done when the pods are bright green and the beans inside are tender but still have a slight bite. You can test one to check for doneness.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Drain, Season, and Serve
- b.Once cooked, immediately drain the edamame in a colander. Shake it well to remove as much excess water as possible.
- c.Transfer the hot edamame to a serving bowl.
- d.Sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of coarse sea salt (or more, to your taste) and toss well to coat all the pods.
- e.Serve immediately while warm, with a separate empty bowl for the discarded pods.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the best texture, do not overcook the edamame. They should be tender-crisp, not mushy.
- 2To serve cold, immediately plunge the cooked edamame into an ice bath after draining. This stops the cooking and preserves their vibrant green color.
- 3As an alternative to boiling, you can steam the edamame. Place pods in a steamer basket over an inch of boiling water, cover, and steam for 5-7 minutes.
- 4Always provide an empty bowl on the side for guests to discard the empty pods.
- 5Use a high-quality flaky or coarse sea salt for finishing, as the texture adds a delightful crunch.
- 6To eat, hold the pod to your lips and gently squeeze or use your teeth to pop the beans into your mouth. The pod itself is not eaten.
Adapt it for your goals.
Spicy Edamame
Toss the cooked edamame with 1/2 teaspoon of Japanese seven-spice blend (shichimi togarashi) or red pepper flakes along with the salt.
Garlic EdamameGarlic Edamame
In a small pan, sauté 2 minced garlic cloves in 1 teaspoon of sesame oil until fragrant. Toss the hot, drained edamame in the garlic oil and season with salt and a splash of soy sauce.
Citrus EdamameCitrus Edamame
After tossing with salt, sprinkle the zest of one lemon or lime over the edamame for a bright, fresh flavor.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Plant-Based Protein
Edamame is a complete protein, containing all nine essential amino acids, making it a fantastic choice for vegetarians, vegans, and anyone looking to boost their protein intake.
High in Dietary Fiber
Rich in fiber, edamame supports healthy digestion, promotes a feeling of fullness to aid in weight management, and helps stabilize blood sugar levels.
Supports Heart Health
Studies suggest that the soy protein and fiber in edamame can help lower LDL ('bad') cholesterol levels, contributing to better cardiovascular health.
Rich in Vitamins and Minerals
Edamame is packed with essential nutrients, including folate, vitamin K (crucial for blood clotting and bone health), iron, and manganese.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, edamame is very healthy. It's an excellent source of plant-based protein, dietary fiber, vitamins like K and folate, and essential minerals. It's also naturally low in calories and gluten-free.