Super Easy Garlic Edamame Recipe (Ready in 15-Minutes!) (2024)

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5 from 11 votes

If you're a fan of charred edamame, you'll love this 15-minute Garlic Edamame recipe! Imagine biting into a pod and tasting the perfect blend of umami from the soybeans, the tanginess of lemon juice, and the delicious flavor of garlic. The added kick from the optional chili oil or sriracha will take it to the next level!

Super Easy Garlic Edamame Recipe (Ready in 15-Minutes!) (1)

Garlic Edamame is a simple yet satisfying dish made from whole edamame pods seasoned with butter, garlic, and lemon juice. This dish is a fantastic choice for a quick and healthy snack or appetizer. Not only is it packed with flavor, but it is also easy to prepare, making it an excellent option for busy weeknights or casual get-togethers.

What sets this Garlic Edamame recipe apart is the charred texture of the charred edamame pods, achieved by cooking them on medium heat without any oil. This method imparts a smoky flavor to the edamame, enhancing its natural umami flavor. So, if you're looking for a new way to enjoy edamame, give this recipe a try!

Read on to learn exactly how to make this delicious garlic edamame recipe today!

What is Garlic Edamame?

Garlic edamame is a delicious dish that combines edamame pods with the delicious kick of garlic.

This recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients such as fresh garlic cloves and edamame pods, which are young soybeans that are harvested before they have ripened. The edamame is lightly charred to bring out its natural umami flavor, then tossed in a zesty garlic sauce that pairs perfectly with the earthy soybeans.

Around here, for the longest time, edamame has always been boiled or steamed and served straight up with salt. I wanted to switch it up a bit and give this edamame recipe a bit more garlic flavor.

When I decided to make this garlic edamame recipe, I wanted to give it a bit of a flavor kick without masking the natural sweetness and umami flavors from the actual beans, so I combined the simple flavors of garlic, lemon, and butter to give this snack/appetizer a bit of tang and buttery-ness and a whole lotta garlic flavor.

If you're looking for more easy, healthy snacks, I also highly recommend trying my Crispy Candied Walnuts, Lotus Root Chips, Pickled Daikon Radish, and Roasted Okra recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Garlic Edamame Recipe

Delicious: The combination of charred edamame, toasted garlic, and tangy lemon creates a delicious combination of flavors. The umami flavor of the soybeans, the pungent garlic, and the zesty lemon all work together to make this a truly delicious treat.

Quick and Easy: This garlic edamame recipe is straightforward and quick to prepare. With a simple ingredients list and easy-to-follow instructions, you'll have a delicious snack ready in just fifteen minutes.

Versatile: Versatility is the name of the game with this dish. You can adjust the level of spiciness to your liking by adding chili oil or sriracha. You can also switch up the seasoning by using soy sauce instead of salt or add more lemon zest for an extra tangy flavor.

Crowd Pleaser: This garlic edamame recipe is not only easy and quick to make, but it is also a surefire hit at parties and gatherings. It is a healthy, delicious, and unique appetizer that stands out from the usual side dishes!

Ingredients You’ll Need to Make Garlic Edamame

All you need are some incredibly simple, pantry-staple ingredients to make this delicious garlic edamame recipe at home.

Here's an overview of the specific ingredients for this recipe. For the exact ingredients and measurements, please scroll to the recipe card below.

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  • Edamame: These soybeans in their pods are the star of this recipe. They bring a delightful crunch and natural umami flavor to the dish. I buy my edamame frozen and whole (still in its pods) because fresh edamame is hard to come by from where I am. It also keeps well for a long time in the freezer as well so it's convenient to just have it around whenever you want a snack.
  • Butter: This is the source of rich, creamy flavor that will coat your charred edamame.
  • Garlic Cloves: Garlic adds a punch of garlic flavor. When sautéed in butter, it becomes fragrant and infuses the entire dish with its delicious garlicky taste.
  • Lemon Juice and Zest: These add a bit of tanginess to the dish, balancing out the richness of the butter and the savory taste of edamame. The zest is optional but recommended for a more lemony flavor.
  • Salt or Soy Sauce: Used to enhance the flavors in the dish. You can use sea salt or soy sauce, depending on your preference.
  • Chili Oil or Sriracha: These are optional ingredients that you can use to add a spicy kick to your edamame. If you want to make this dish spicy, toss it in a bowl with a bit of chili oil or sriracha.
  • Furikake (Optional): For some extra flavor, you can sprinkle on some homemade furikake seasoning as well.

How to Cook Garlic Edamame (Step by Step)

Making this incredible spicy garlic edamame recipe at home is super easy and will give you great results every single time. Here's how to make it step by step:

Preparation and Charring the Edamame

Soak the Edamame: Place the frozen edamame pods in a bowl and soak it in hot water for about five minutes. If you're using fresh edamame, feel free to skip this step.

Char the Edamame: Set your skillet to medium heat and wait until it gets very hot. No need for oil here; we're aiming to char, not fry. Once the pan is ready, add the edamame in a single layer and make sure that the pods touch the bottom of the pan. Let them char for about two to three minutes per side.

Steam the Edamame In the Bowl: Once your edamame is nicely charred, transfer it to a bowl. Cover the bowl with a towel or plate and let the edamame steam while you get to work on the lemon garlic butter.

Making the Lemon Garlic Butter & Putting It All Together

Prep the Garlic: Finely chop your garlic cloves and set them aside.

Make the Garlic Butter: Set your stove to low heat and add in the butter. Once it is melted, add in your chopped garlic and toast it. Remember, garlic can burn quickly, especially at the edges of the pan, so make sure you keep stirring to keep it moving.

Combine the Edamame and Garlic Butter: As soon as the garlic turns golden yellow, remove it from the heat and pour it into the bowl with the steamed edamame.

Add the Finishing Touches: Mix in some lemon juice and stir everything together. Toss it with a bit of sea salt or even a splash of soy sauce for that extra umami flavor. Do a taste test with one of the edamame to make sure it has the right amount of saltiness for you, and adjust according to your taste.

Optional: If you want a stronger lemon flavor, add in some lemon zest.

Serve: Serve your garlic edamame immediately. It tastes best when it's still warm. Enjoy this delicious and fiber-rich dish!

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How To Eat Edamame

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Whenever you eat edamame (shell on), you don't actually eat the whole pod. You can try but you'll end up with not-so-tasty waxy bits in your mouth that are hard to chew through. The edamame bean is actually encased in a waxy shell under the skin.

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Usually, you can squeeze the beans against the seams with your fingers to pop them out of the pods but in a messier situation like this where there's garlic butter, it's easier to pop them directly into your mouth.

To do this, you can use one hand and hold the pod by the tip (I usually like holding it by the stem area), and then on the opposite end of the pod, bite down against a bean to put pressure on the upper or side seams to pop them up out.

Once one bean pops out and an opening is created, the rest of the beans can be easily shimmied out with your teeth!

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Joyce’s Tips For Making the Best Garlic Edamame

Soak the Edamame: If you're using frozen edamame pods, soak them in hot water for about five minutes. This helps to thaw the pods and makes them easier to char.

Char the Edamame Without Oil: To bring out the umami flavor, char the edamame pods on medium heat without any oil. Make sure the each edamame pods touches the bottom of the pan for an even char.

Steam the Edamame: Once the edamame is charred, transfer it to a bowl and cover it. This allows the edamame to steam and become more tender.

Add in Some Zest: For extra lemon flavor, add some lemon zest to your edamame. This is optional but can really elevate the overall taste of the dish.

Spice It Up: If you like your dish with a kick, drizzle some chili oil or sriracha over the edamame before serving. This adds an extra layer of flavor and heat to the dish.

Serving Suggestions

  • For a light and healthy lunch, pair this spicy garlic edamame with a Kani Salad. The salad and the buttery, garlicky flavor of the edamame make a delicious combination. Alternatively, it also goes very well with blistered shish*to peppers as well, which comes with a dipping sauce.
  • Spice up your dinner by serving the garlic edamame alongside Oven Roasted Five Spice Peking Chicken. The bold flavors of the chicken and the tangy, spicy edamame will leave your taste buds wanting more.
  • For a fusion-inspired meal, pair the charred edamame with Thai Lemongrass Larb Meatballs. The combination of the aromatic lemongrass and the flavorful edamame creates a unique dining experience.
  • Enjoy a Thai-themed dinner by serving the Garlic Edamame with Yum Woon Sen (Thai Glass Noodle Salad). The lightness of the noodle salad and the rich flavors of the edamame complement each other perfectly.
  • For a Lao-themed meal, pair the spicy garlic edamame with Lao Crispy Rice Salad (Nam Khao). The crispiness of the rice salad and the tangy, garlicky flavor of the edamame make a delicious combination.

Recipe Variation Ideas for Garlic Edamame

This delicious garlic edamame recipe is so flavorful and easy to make you'll want to try out some of these delicious variations! Here are some great ideas:

Boost it with Ginger: If you like a bit of zing in your food, try adding a tablespoon of freshly grated ginger to the lemon garlic butter. The ginger will add a pleasant spice and depth to the umami flavor of the edamame.

Turn Up the Heat with Chili: If you love spicy food, this variation is a must-try. Add a teaspoon of chili flakes or a tablespoon of chili paste to the lemon garlic butter. The heat will balance out the richness of the butter and kick up the overall flavor.

Go Nutty with Sesame: For a nutty twist, drizzle in a tablespoon of sesame oil along with the butter. The sesame oil will lend a rich, toasted flavor that pairs beautifully with the garlic and edamame.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you eat edamame shells?

No, you cannot eat edamame shells. There is a layer of waxy skin under the shell that is tough to chew and digest. It is best to open the pods and eat the soft, flavorful soybeans inside.

How do I make the edamame spicy?

To spice up your edamame, you can toss the cooked beans in a bowl with a bit of chili oil or sriracha. This will give the edamame a fiery kick that pairs well with the garlicky lemon butter.

Can I use fresh edamame instead of frozen?

Yes, you can definitely use fresh edamame for this recipe. If you're using fresh edamame, you can skip the step of soaking the pods in hot water.

What if I don't have lemon zest?

While lemon zest adds a nice tangy flavor to the dish, it is not essential. You can still enjoy the umami flavor of the edamame with the garlic butter and lemon juice.

Can I use soy sauce instead of salt?

Absolutely! Soy sauce can be used as a substitute for salt in this recipe. It will add an additional layer of umami flavor to your edamame.

How to Store Leftover Garlic Edamame

After enjoying a delicious batch of garlic edamame, you might find yourself with some leftovers. Don't fret! Storing this delightful dish is a breeze.

To store in the fridge, first allow your garlic edamame to cool down. Next, transfer them into an airtight container. They will keep well in the fridge for about three to four days.

As for reheating, it is easy and straightforward. Simply heat a pan over medium heat, and stir the edamame until they're warmed through. If you want to reignite that spicy kick, feel free to toss in a bit of chili oil or sriracha.

If you've decided to freeze your leftover garlic edamame, lay them out on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze. Once they're frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag or airtight container. They can be stored this way for up to two months. To thaw, simply leave them in the fridge overnight.

Some Japanese Recipes You May Like

  • Kani Salad (Japanese Crab Salad)
  • Sesame Crusted Teriyaki Salmon
  • Zaru Soba (Chilled Soba Noodles) with Genmaicha Tare Sauce
  • Chicken Teriyaki Yaki Udon
  • Spicy Sriracha Mayo
  • Maple Curry Yaki Udon

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Recipe Card

Super Easy Garlic Edamame Recipe (Ready in 15-Minutes!) (7)

Charred Lemon Garlic Edamame Recipe

Easy and quick to make charred Edamame recipe loaded with natural umami and tossed with a garlicky lemon butter. Fantastic as a quick and flavorful snack for any time of the day or event.

Print Pin Rate

Course: Appetizer, Snack

Cuisine: Asian Fusion, Japanese

Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes minutes

2 Servings

5 from 11 votes

Made with ♡ by Joyce Lee

Joyce's Recipe Notes

  • If you want to make this spicy, you can toss it in a bowl with a bit of chili oil or sriracha on it.

Ingredients

  • 250 g frozen edamame (whole pods, approximately 2 cups)
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice (add 1-2 more teaspoon more if you like it a bit more tangy)
  • ¼ teaspoon lemon zest (optional, for a more lemony flavour)
  • Salt to taste (or soy sauce)
  • chili oil or sriracha (optional, to make it spicy)

Instructions

Preparing & Charring the Edamame

  • Place the frozen edamame in a bowl and soak it in hot water for 5 minutes.

    (If you are using fresh edamame, you can skip this step)

  • In a skillet, set the heat to medium heat and wait until it gets very hot. You do not need to put oil into the pan, since we are aiming to char it and not fry it.

  • Once the pan is very hot, add the edamame in a single layer. We want to make sure each edamame pod is touching the bottom of the pan.

    Char it for 2-3 minutes per side.

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  • When the edamame is charred, transfer it to a bowl andcover the bowl with a towel or plate and let it it steam while you make the lemon garlic butter.

Making the Lemon Garlic Butter & Putting it Together

  • Finely chop 2 cloves garlic and set aside.

  • Squeeze a few lemon wedges until you get about 1 tablespoon lemon juice, and set it aside.

  • In a pan or skillet, set the stove to low heat and add in 3 tablespoons butter.

  • Once the butter has melted, add in the minced garlic and toast it.

    Make sure you keep stirring the garlic, so it doesn't burn.

  • Once the garlic looks golden yellow, remove it from the heat and pour the finished garlic butter into the bowl with the edamame

  • Add in the lemon juice into the bowl and mix everything together

  • Toss it with a bit of salt.

    Do a taste test with one of the edamame to make sure it is the right amount of saltiness for you and adjust the salt according to your taste.

    Alternatively, you can also use a bit of soy sauce instead of salt.

  • (Optional) Add in ¼ teaspoon lemon zest if you want more lemon flavor on your edamame.

  • Serve immediately. It tastes best when it is still warm.

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Nutrition

Serving: 1Serving | Calories: 324kcal | Carbohydrates: 16g | Protein: 14g | Fat: 22g | Sodium: 173mg | Fiber: 7g | Sugar: 2g

*Nutritional information is calculated using online tools and is an estimate*

Did you try this recipe?I'd love to hear from you! Let me know how it was and consider giving it a rating! Tag me on Instagram with @pupswithchopsticks to show me!

Looking for More Snacks? Try These!

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Super Easy Garlic Edamame Recipe (Ready in 15-Minutes!) (2024)
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