Edamame are immature soybeans that are harvested before the beans fully mature and harden. They have a sweet, nutty flavor and are packed with protein, fiber, vitamins and minerals. Edamame are extremely versatile – they can be eaten as a snack, added to salads and rice bowls, or incorporated into various dishes. In this article, I will instruct you how to cook edamame perfectly every time.
1. How To Cook Edamame Pods
1.1. How To Cook Edamame Pods in Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 2 cups frozen edamame (in pods)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon sea salt (or to taste)
- Optional: chili powder, cayenne pepper, or other preferred spices for added heat or flavor
Instructions
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
In a bowl, toss the frozen edamame with olive oil, ensuring they are well coated.
Sprinkle the garlic powder, sea salt, and any additional spices over the edamame. Toss again to evenly distribute the seasonings.
Place the seasoned edamame in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd them. You may need to cook the edamame in multiple batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
Cook the edamame in the air fryer for approximately 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket or stirring the edamame halfway through the cooking time. The edamame should be lightly browned and crispy on the outside.
Once cooked, remove the air fryer basket from the machine and let the edamame cool for a few minutes before serving.
Serve the Air Fryer Edamame as a nutritious and flavorful snack. You can eat them by popping the beans out of the pods or enjoy them as a whole, lightly seasoned.
1.2. How To Boil Edamame Pods
Ingredients
- 1 pound frozen edamame in pods
- Water
- Salt (optional)
Instructions
Fill a pot with water and bring to a boil over high heat. Use about 4 cups of water for every 1 pound of edamame.
Add edamame pods and boil for 6-8 minutes until the beans are warmed through. Do not overcook.
Drain in a colander and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Then transfer edamame to a serving bowl. Sprinkle with salt to taste, if desired.
To enjoy, simply pop the beans out of their pods with your fingers or teeth.
1.3. How To Steam Edamame Pods
Ingredients
- 1 pound frozen edamame in pods
- 1/4 cup water
Instructions
Fill a pot with 1/4 cup water and bring to a boil over high heat.
Place edamame pods in a steamer basket or colander. Avoid overcrowding pods in the steamer basket. Steam in batches for even cooking.
Next, set basket in the pot over the boiling water then cover and steam for 8 – 10 minutes until heated through but still crisp.
Remove from heat and transfer edamame to a bowl. Sprinkle with salt if desired.
1.4. How To Cook Edamame Pods in Microwave
Ingredients
- 1 pound frozen edamame in pods
- 2 tablespoons water
Instructions
Place edamame pods in a microwave-safe bowl and add 2 tablespoons water.
Cover the bowl loosely with plastic wrap, leaving a vent for steam to escape.
Microwave on high power for 4-5 minutes until heated through.
Drain any excess water and transfer edamame to a serving bowl.
2. How To Cook Shelled Edamame
Ingredients
- 2 cups shelled edamame
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil (optional)
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional)
- Green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Then add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Next, add the shelled edamame to the skillet and stir-fry for about 4-5 minutes until they are heated through and slightly tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking or burning.
Drizzle the soy sauce over the edamame and continue to stir-fry for another 1-2 minutes, ensuring that the edamame is evenly coated with the sauce.
Optional: If desired, drizzle the sesame oil over the edamame and toss to combine. This adds a rich nutty flavor.
Sprinkle the sesame seeds over the sautéed edamame and toss to distribute them evenly.
Remove the skillet from heat and transfer the sautéed edamame to a serving dish. You can garnish with chopped green onions for added freshness and flavor.
I hope that after reading this article, you know how to cook edamame perfectly, whether in their shells or without. With a touch of seasoning, edamame makes for a healthy, tasty snack or addition to any meal.
