Edamame are unripe soybeans with a high protein content. You can eat them as a side dish or even as a snack, as they cook in no time, and you can find them fresh or frozen: in both cases they are healthy and delicious. Learn to cook them in different ways, boiled, stir-fried or steamed, to incorporate them imaginatively into your daily diet.
Ingrediants
Boiled Edamame
- 3 liters of water
- 1 teaspoon (5 g) of salt
- 900 g of frozen edamame
Yield: 6-8 servings
Steamed Edamame
- 140 g of edamame
- 1 liter of water
- Salt to taste
Yield: 2 servings
Stir-fried Edamame
- 450 g of edamame
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of soy sauce
- 3 minced garlic cloves
- A hint of chilli
Yield: 3 servings
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Boil the Edamame
Step 1. Bring the cooking water to a boil
Pour 3 liters of water into a saucepan and add a teaspoon (5 g) of salt to give the edamame more flavor. Heat the water over high heat to bring it to a high boil.
Increase the amount of salt if you want the edamame to be even tastier
Step 2. Pour the frozen edamame into the boiling water
Take them out of the freezer just before putting them in the pot. Stir to distribute them in the water and let them cook until the beans contained in the pods have softened. Break a pod after about 5 minutes to test the consistency of the beans.
If you prefer, you can use fresh edamame
Step 3. Drain the edamame when the beans are tender
Put the colander in the sink and pour the edamame into it. Let them drain out of the water before transferring them to a bowl and be careful not to burn yourself, as they will be hot.
Step 4. Serve the edamame with salt
After transferring them to a large table tureen, sprinkle them with salt to taste. Break the pods and taste the delicious beans inside.
You can serve the edamame hot or chill them in the refrigerator for a couple of hours
Method 2 of 3: Steam the Edamame
Step 1. Fill a pot of water halfway and bring it to a boil
Pour 1 liter of water into the bottom of the steamer. Turn on the stove and heat the water over high heat to quickly bring it to a boil. When it boils, reduce the heat to a medium level.
The ideal is to use a steamer, but alternatively you can use a pot and a metal basket. You can purchase a steamer from kitchenware stores or online for a low price
Step 2. Add fresh or frozen edamame
Pour them into the steamer basket and rinse them briefly under cold running water to remove any impurities. Finally, shake the basket slightly to drain the excess water.
Step 3. Insert the basket into the pot
Close it immediately with the lid to prevent the steam from escaping. Cook the edamame for at least 5 minutes or until the pods have softened.
If after 5 minutes the pods are still not fully cooked, leave them in the pot for another couple of minutes and then check again
Step 4. Soak the edamame in frozen water to stop the cooking process
While the beans are cooking, fill a bowl with cold water and ice cubes. When they are ready, put on your oven gloves, take the basket out of the steamer and immerse it in the ice water. Leave the beans to soak for just a moment to prevent them from cooling too much. At this point add salt and serve them on the table.
Edamame can be served both hot and cold
Method 3 of 3: Stir-fry Edamame
Step 1. Prepare the dressing
Combine the soy sauce, garlic, and chili in a bowl. Stir until the ingredients are well blended.
- If you want you can add a pinch of grated ginger to give the sauce more flavor.
- You can increase or decrease the amount of chili according to your personal tastes.
Step 2. Pour the sesame oil into a pan and heat it over medium heat
Turn on the kitchen hood to filter out fumes and odors. Move the pan to prevent the oil from burning as you heat it.
Step 3. Add the edamame to the hot pan and let it sauté for a couple of minutes over high heat
Pour the beans into the pan and avoid mixing them. Let them sizzle until they are well browned on the underside.
- Pour the edamame slowly into the pan to avoid splashing yourself with the hot oil.
- You can use fresh or frozen edamame.
Step 4. Add the sauce and cook the edamame for 2-3 minutes
Pour the sauce over the beans and let them simmer for a few minutes to absorb the aromas.
- Stir the edamame with a wooden spoon to coat them with the sauce.
- Adjust the heat so that the sauce simmers gently.
Step 5. Serve the edamame
Transfer them to a serving dish and serve hot. If you want, you can add a few drops of lime juice to give the sauce a refreshing note.
