Edamame Recipes: New Ways to Enjoy Green Soybeans

Green soybeans, also known as edamame, are a delicious and healthy addition to many dishes, adding flavor to your meals. Rich in protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, edamame is a versatile addition to any kitchen. We'll show you different ways to add edamame into your meals. We will also address common questions about this versatile bean.

What You Need to Know About Edamame

What is Edamame?

Farmers harvest edamame when they are young, green soybeans before they fully mature. These beans are soft, a bit sweet, and full of nutrients. People like to eat them as snacks or in recipes.

Is Edamame Good for You?

Absolutely! Edamame is a great source of plant-based protein, dietary fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals. It supports heart health, aids digestion, and helps maintain overall wellness.

What Are the Benefits of Edamame?

Edamame offers numerous health benefits, including high protein content, fiber for digestive health, and essential nutrients like folate, vitamin K, and magnesium. It's also low in calories and can help manage weight.

How to Cook Edamame?

Cooking edamame is simple. You can boil or steam the pods until they are tender, usually for 3-5 minutes. Sprinkle with sea salt and enjoy as a snack, or add the shelled beans to salads, stir-fries, or pasta dishes.

Is Edamame Soy?

Yes, edamame are young soybeans. Farmers harvest them early while they are still green, unlike mature soybeans used for making tofu, soy milk, and other soy products.

Can You Eat Edamame Pods?

The pods are tough and not meant to be eaten. Instead, pop the beans out of the pod and discard the shell.

Is Edamame Keto?

Edamame can fit into a keto diet when consumed in moderation. Lentils have fewer carbs than other legumes, so they are a good snack for people on a keto diet.

Edamame vs. Soybeans: What's the Difference?

Edamame are young, green soybeans harvested before they mature. Mature soybeans are typically yellow and used to produce soy milk, tofu, and other soy products.

What Does Edamame Taste Like?

Edamame has a mild, slightly sweet, and nutty flavor. They are tender yet firm, making them a satisfying snack or addition to various dishes.

Where Can You Buy Edamame Beans?

You can find edamame in the frozen vegetable section of most grocery stores. They are often available fresh at farmers' markets as well. Check out our blog on local farmers' markets for more details!

Classic Edamame Snack with a Twist

Ingredients (Serves 2-4):

• 1 cup fresh or frozen edamame in pods

• 1 teaspoon sea salt

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 teaspoon chili flakes (optional for a spicy kick)

• 1 teaspoon lemon zest

Instructions:

1. Bring a pot of water to a boil and add a pinch of salt.

2. Add the edamame pods to the boiling water.

3. Boil for 3-5 minutes or until tender.

4. Drain and rinse the cooked edamame under cold water.

5. Toss the edamame with olive oil, sea salt, chili flakes, and lemon zest.

6. Serve warm or chilled for a delightful snack.

What to Serve with Classic Edamame Snack:

This edamame snack pairs well with other appetizers like spring rolls, sushi, or even a simple cheese platter. Also a great addition to a light lunch with a fresh salad.

Edamame Guacamole

Ingredients (Serves 2-4):

• 1 cup frozen shelled edamame, thawed

• 2 medium ripe avocados, peeled and pitted

• 1/2 cup chopped cilantro

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1/4 cup red onion, roughly chopped

• 1 jalapeno, seeds removed and finely chopped

• Juice of 2 limes

• 2-3 tablespoons water

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a food processor, combine edamame, avocado, cilantro, garlic, red onion, jalapeno, and lime juice.

2. Pulse until combined, adding water to reach a creamy consistency.

3. Season with salt and pepper, pulse again until smooth.

4. Transfer to a serving bowl, stir, and serve with chips or vegetables.

What to Serve with Edamame Guacamole:

This guacamole is great with chips, on sandwiches, or on tacos and burritos. Also great with veggie sticks for a healthy snack.

Edamame Pesto

Ingredients (Serves 2-4):

• 2 cups shelled edamame (fresh or frozen)

• 1/4 cup almonds

• 1/4 cup olive oil

• 2 tablespoons lemon juice

• 2 cloves garlic

• 1 teaspoon salt

• Pinch of pepper

• 1/4 cup plain, unsweetened non-dairy milk

• 1 bunch basil (0.75 oz)

• 6 cups loosely-packed baby spinach leaves (6 oz)

Instructions:

1. Bring a medium pot of water to a boil, add edamame, and cook for 5-7 minutes until softened. Drain.

2. In a food processor, pulse cooked edamame, almonds, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper until well combined.

3. Add spinach, basil, and non-dairy milk. Pulse until smooth, scraping down sides as needed.

4. Adjust seasoning with more lemon juice, salt, or pepper as desired.

What to Serve with Edamame Pesto:

This pesto is fantastic on pasta, as a spread on sandwiches, or as a dip for fresh vegetables. Also great as a topping for grilled chicken or fish.

Spicy Edamame

Ingredients (Serves 2-4):

• 10 oz edamame (in pods; frozen)

• 1 tablespoon neutral oil

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 teaspoons sesame oil

• 1 tablespoon chili paste (e.g., Sambal Oelek)

• 1 tablespoon soy sauce

• 1 teaspoon miso

• 2 tablespoons mirin

• Sea salt flakes for garnish

Instructions:

1. Bring a pot of water to a boil, add a generous amount of salt, and cook edamame for 4-5 minutes. Drain.

2. In a small fry pan, heat sesame oil over medium-low heat and sauté garlic until golden brown. Remove from heat and cool.

3. In a medium bowl, mix together the sautéed garlic, chili paste, soy sauce, miso, and mirin.

4. Steam the edamame in a microwave-safe bowl for 2 minutes.

5. Toss the warmed edamame with the spicy sauce until well-coated.

6. Garnish with sea salt flakes and serve warm.

What to Serve with Spicy Edamame:

This spicy edamame makes a great snack or appetizer. Pair it with other Asian-inspired dishes like sushi, fried rice, or teriyaki chicken. It also complements a fresh green salad or a noodle dish.

Explore More Recipes with Edamame

• Pot of Gold Edamame Hummus: Try our Pot of Gold Edamame Hummus. A new take on the classic hummus that'll elevate your dining experience. Imagine a spread of hummus with rich, green hues of edamame. Now you have a pot of delicious gold that's perfect for any occasion.

• Kale and Edamame Asian Salad: Eat healthy with a delicious salad loaded with greens. This hearty Kale and Edamame Asian Salad packs nutrients and flavor, adding a touch of green to your table. The peanut dressing adds a sweet and spicy note, making it a crowd favorite.

• Teriyaki Salmon Rice Bowl with Edamame: This Teriyaki Salmon Rice Bowl is packed with protein, healthy fat, and fiber. Featuring edamame and soy-based ingredients, it's a nutritious and delicious meal that showcases the versatility of edamame.

• Crockpot Turkey and Edamame Chili: Warm up with a classic comfort dish with edamame. This hearty soup is perfect for chilly days, offering a boost of protein from edamame and ground turkey.

Love our Edamame Recipes?

Find more delicious and nutritious ways to enjoy edamame on our Recipes Page. Check out a variety of exciting recipes that will elevate your meals!