EASY Garlic Edamame Recipe (10 minutes only!) - Joyous Apron (2024)

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Love yourself some edamame? You need to check out this fantastic Asian inspired Garlic Edamame recipe. It’s a yummy upgrade from sprinkling sea salt on steamed edamame, because when garlic and soy sauce are lightly coated on those nutritious little things, your life will change for the better.

Also, quickest, easiest recipe ever! 10 minutes from start to finish. NOW WE ARE TALKING.

EASY Garlic Edamame Recipe (10 minutes only!) - Joyous Apron (1)

If you like easy Asian style vegetable dishes, be sure to also check out my Sautéed Garlic Brussels Sprouts and Carrots and Shrimp and Snow Pea Stir Fry recipes.

Table of Contents

What is Edamame

Edamames are young soybean harvested before they are fully grown. They are tiny beans in pods, popular in Asian cuisine. Rich in protein, fiber, vitamin A and Vitamin C, they are also loaded with lots of nutritional benefits.

Why Garlic Edamame

I have been wanting to post a soy-based edamame recipe in forever, because it is easy to make and incredibly yummy.

Then last week I had this super yummy garlic edamame appetizer from a Japanese restaurant, and I was instantly inspired and motivated.

It was so dang good I knew I had to recreate it and share it.

What I love about this dish is the sticky, savory sweet sauce with a lot of browned garlic clinging (just slightly) to the edamame.

EASY Garlic Edamame Recipe (10 minutes only!) - Joyous Apron (2)

The flavor is just out of this world. Simple and so delish.

The perfect appetizer or side to go along with an Asian-inspired meal. Or really, any meal.

Ingredients for Garlic Soy Edamame

This recipe calls for simple, pantry-friendly ingredients.

  • Frozen edamame – for this recipe I like to buy the edamames that are still in pods.
  • Garlic – minced. Avoid substituting with garlic powder, fresh garlic makes a big difference in this dish!
  • Soy sauce – this is the ingredient that will give it that distinct Asian flavors
  • Granulated sugar
  • Water
  • Cornstarch – to thicken the sauce so that it clings slightly to the edamame
  • Vegetable oil – or any cooking oil you have at hand
EASY Garlic Edamame Recipe (10 minutes only!) - Joyous Apron (3)

How to make Garlic Edamame

To make this Garlic Edamame magic happen, start with a frozen bag of edamame from your grocery store. You should be able to find them at mainstream grocery stores in the freezer aisle.

Buy the edamame with the pods on them. They also sell those where the shells are removed.

Step 1: Make the Garlic Soy Sauce

In a small bowl, mix together soy sauce, sugar, cornstarch and some water. Make sure corn starch is fully dissolved – using a whisk can help with that.

Step 2: Saute Edamame

Then heat up a large skillet under medium high heat with some vegetable oil on it.

Once the skillet is heated up, add minced garlic and cook until garlic is browned. I like the garlic browned, or even slightly burnt.

If you don’t want the “burnt-garlic” flavor, then shorten the time you cook the garlic.

EASY Garlic Edamame Recipe (10 minutes only!) - Joyous Apron (4)

Regardless, you do want to cook the garlic for at least 30 seconds, or until you can smell the aroma of the garlic. This way you infuse the oil with the amazingness that is garlic flavor.

Once you get the garlic to your desired doneness, add the sauce, mix around for a few seconds, then immediately add edamame.

Cook for 3-4 minutes, or until edamame is cooked through. That’s it!

Seriously though. Wasn’t that just EASY EASY?

A few simple ingredients and 10 whole minutes is all it takes to make this delicious, crazy flavorful Garlic Edamame recipe.

And best of all, it tastes like a million bucks.

EASY Garlic Edamame Recipe (10 minutes only!) - Joyous Apron (5)

Save a trips out to the restaurant and make this right in the comforts of your own home. Save some $$ along the way.

Frozen edamame is fairly cheap to buy from the grocery stores, and this recipe requires pantry-friendly ingredients. You just can’t beat that!

I can eat this all day, all week, ALL THE TIME.

In fact, I was munching and licking the sauce off my fingers while photographing this because it tasted so good.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you make this ahead of time?

Yes you can. Store in air tight container in refrigerator for up to four days. Heat it using the microwave. I do think it tastes the best fresh, as I find the sauce becoming more diluted and less thick after storing in the fridge.

Can I use edamame that is already removed from the pod?

I prefer the ones with pods on because I like the way the sauce coated to the pods, but you can use the shell free edamame too. If using that, cook for a shorter amount of time if not the soy bean will get soggy.

EASY Garlic Edamame Recipe (10 minutes only!) - Joyous Apron (6)

What to Serve with Garlic Edamame

Try this yummy appetizer/side along with some of my favorite Asian inspired dishes!

  • Garlic Soy Chicken and Veggie Rice Bowl
  • Sauteed Garlic Brussels Sprouts and Carrots
  • Simple Thai Noodle Bowl
  • Easy Baked Orange Chicken
  • Teriyaki Glazed Salmon
  • Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry
  • Spicy Baked Korean Chicken Wings
  • Baked Salmon Sushi Bowl
  • Chinese Lemon Chicken (by Christie at Home)

DID YOU ENJOY THIS RECIPE? Please comment below and give us a 5-star rating! This will help others find this recipe on Google and Pinterest. We very much appreciate your help! 🤍

More Yummy Appetizers

  • Baked Cream Cheese Wontons
  • Vietnamese Egg Rolls
  • Asian Lettuce Wraps
  • Cranberry Baked Brie
  • Caramelized Onion Dip
  • Creole Cream Cheese Wonton Cups
  • Malaysian Curry Puff

EASY Garlic Edamame Recipe (10 minutes only!) - Joyous Apron (7)

Garlic Edamame

Edamame sautéed and coated in a sticky, garlicky soy based sauce. 10 minutes from start to finish! So easy and delicious! The perfect way to kick off sushi or any Asian-inspired meal!

4.89 from 44 votes

Print Pin

Course: Appetizer

Cuisine: asian, Japanese

Prep Time: 3 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 7 minutes minutes

Total Time: 10 minutes minutes

Servings: 4 servings

Calories: 80kcal

Author: MinShien

Ingredients

  • 1/2 lbs frozen edamame
  • 2-3 tsp minced garlic packed
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1/2 tbsp sugar
  • 1 1/2 tbsp water
  • 1/4 tsp cornstarch
  • 1/2-1 tbsp vegetable oil

Instructions

  • Mix together soy sauce, sugar, water, and cornstarch in a small bowl.

  • Heat up large skillet with 1/2-1 tbsp vegetable oil (See Note 1) under medium high heat.

  • Once skillet is heated up, add minced garlic and sauté for a minute or two, or until garlic is browned and slightly burnt (See Note 2).

  • Add the sauce to the skillet and stir for a few seconds, then immediate add frozen edamame onto the skillet.

  • Stir to coat edamame with sauce. Cook for 2-4 minutes or until edamame is warm and cooked through.

  • Serve and enjoy!

Notes

Note 1: You can use less oil if using a non-stick skillet.

Note 2: If you prefer the garlic to be less-burnt, cook garlic in less time.

Nutrition

Calories: 80kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 1g | Sodium: 255mg | Potassium: 263mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 1IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 40mg | Iron: 1mg

Did you make this recipe?Take a pic and tag me at @joyous.apron, or hashtag #joyousapron on Instagram!

EASY Garlic Edamame Recipe (10 minutes only!) - Joyous Apron (2024)

FAQs

What is the healthiest way to eat edamame? ›

Salads. Shelled edamame are a great way to add plant-based protein, flavor, and hearty texture to a salad. Keep frozen shelled edamame as a freezer staple for a quick and easy no-cook protein.

Should edamame be boiled or steamed? ›

The two best ways to cook whole edamame are to boil the pods in lightly salted water, or steam your edamame and finish with a sprinkle with a bit of sea salt. Edamame can be enjoyed warm, cold, or at room temperature.

What is the best way to cook frozen edamame? ›

Add 10 oz edamame pods (frozen) to the boiling salted water and cook, stirring once in a while, for 4–5 minutes, or until the soybeans are an al dente consistency. (Read the package instructions carefully and check if the soybeans are raw or cooked.

Should you rinse edamame after boiling? ›

Boiling Edamame

Add in-shell edamame and cook until the beans inside the pods are tender about 5 minutes. Drain, rinse with cold water to cool, and season to taste before serving.

Is it OK to eat edamame everyday? ›

While fats can be part of a healthy diet, too much fat in your diet is linked to health conditions like type 2 diabetes and obesity. Limit your risk by sticking to one ½ cup serving of edamame per day.

Which is healthier broccoli or edamame? ›

Detailed nutrition comparison for edamame vs broccoli. Broccoli is an excellent source of Vitamin C. Edamame has more thiamin and folate. Both edamame and broccoli are high in calcium, dietary fiber and potassium.

Why can't you reheat edamame beans? ›

You can reheat edamame from the refrigerator or frozen, in the microwave or air-fryer, or by steaming, boiling, or roasting. You can also add edamame to a stirfry. Take care not to overcook the edamame when reheating as the beans will lose their fresh green color and crispness.

Are you not supposed to eat the outside of edamame? ›

How do I eat edamame? If your beans are still in the pod, put the pod in your mouth and squeeze or bite the beans from the pod. Don't eat the pod!

Is fresh edamame better than frozen? ›

The frozen ones were prepared according to the package directions which included a specified amount of salt. The fresh needed no preparation, nor did they require additional salt. Fresh edamame scored significantly better than frozen.

What can I add to edamame? ›

Edamame is tossed with chili powder, red pepper flakes, oregano and salt for a twist on the popular Japanese snack.

Do you have to cook frozen shelled edamame before eating? ›

Yes! The edamame seeds are incredibly difficult to remove when raw. Fortunately, they slip out easily once the pods are cooked. Also, if you're cooking edamame from the frozen state, remember that for food safety, all frozen vegetables (including edamame) should be thoroughly cooked before serving.

How do you know when edamame is done? ›

COOK'S TIP. To determine if edamame beans are properly cooked, squash one between your fingers. The flesh should break apart and flatten out quite easily. If it doesn't, it needs to be cooked longer.

Can you eat leftover edamame cold? ›

You can eat edamame hot or cold. They have a very mild bean taste and, when cooked, a soft texture. A popular way to enjoy edamame is to steam or boil them in their pods in salted water. Remove them and pop the beans out of their pods and then lightly salt them.

Does edamame make you gassy? ›

Digestive issues: When ingested in excess or when eaten raw or undercooked, edamame can cause bloating, gas, and cramping. People with irritable bowel syndrome are particularly prone to gastric upset and pain after consumption of edamame.

Is edamame a fruit or a vegetable? ›

Edamame is a specialty soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) harvested as a vegetable when the seeds are immature (R6 stage) and have expanded to fill 80 to 90 percent of the pod width.

Is edamame better fresh or frozen? ›

Fresh edamame scored significantly better than frozen. Some of the frozen brands were discolored and had mushy textures, while the fresh was pleasantly green and crisp. But the fresh beans are also more expensive than their frozen counterparts.

How healthy is steamed edamame? ›

Edamame is a type of soybean that provides an array of essential nutrients, including fiber, protein, vitamins and minerals. It also contains health-promoting compounds like soy isoflavones and is associated with several potential health benefits, including improved heart and bone health.

Should you eat the skin on edamame? ›

But whatever you do, you won't want to eat edamame shells, no matter how green, vibrant, or alluring they might appear. While Epicurious notes that the shells themselves aren't toxic, they are difficult to chew and will likely be a challenge to swallow and digest.

References

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