Edamame: What Is It and How Do I Cook It?

For a long time I thought edamame was another name for fava beans because the two look very much alike.  Then I did some research and found that edamame is actually an immature soybean.  The beans grow in pods, which are picked before they have fully ripened.  A popular snack in Japan, edamame is a good source of soy protein.

Fresh edamame may be available in Asian markets.  You are likely to find fresh and cooked edamame in the freezer or refrigerated section of supermarkets.
Follow the directions on the package.  Note that their shelf life is very short so it's best to eat them within a few days of purchase.

If you buy uncooked edamame, boil the pods in salted water for about 5 minutes, or until the beans are tender.  With cooked edamame, boil them for 2-3 minutes in a large pot of water to remove any excess salt.  Drain and serve.

To eat, press the beans out of the pods with your fingers or suck them out—not elegant but effective.

When buying packaged edamame, look for “organic” and “No GMO” on the label.

Serve edamame cold, room temperature or hot.  Toss the beans into salads, stir-fries, grain bowls or a bowl of mixed vegetables.  Or offer them as snacks. 

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