Spicy Edamame Recipe

Introduction

Spicy edamame is a simple yet flavorful snack perfect for any occasion. These tender soybeans in pods are tossed in a zesty garlic chili sauce, offering a delicious balance of heat and umami. Enjoy them warm or at room temperature as a satisfying appetizer or snack.

Ingredients

• 300g/10oz frozen edamame in the pods (preferably not brined)
• 2 tsp cooking salt or kosher salt
• 1 tbsp grapeseed oil (or other plain flavored oil)
• 2 tsp garlic, finely minced
• 1 tbsp sambal oelek (adjust or omit to taste)
• 2 tsp toasted sesame oil
• 1 tbsp Japanese soy sauce (light or all-purpose soy, not dark soy)
• 1 tbsp mirin
• 1/4 tsp miso paste (optional)
• 1/4 tsp cooking salt or kosher salt

Instructions

1. Step 1: Prepare the spicy garlic sauce by heating grapeseed oil in a small pan over medium-low heat. Cook the minced garlic until it turns very light golden. Add sambal oelek, toasted sesame oil, soy sauce, mirin, miso paste, and salt. Stir well and simmer on low for 1 minute, then remove from heat.
2. Step 2: Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add 2 teaspoons of salt. Add the frozen edamame pods and bring the water back to a boil. Cook the edamame for 2 minutes, then drain well, shaking off any excess water.
3. Step 3: Transfer the drained edamame into a bowl. Pour the spicy garlic sauce over the edamame and toss to coat evenly. Serve warm or at room temperature.
4. Step 4: To eat, pop the soybeans out of the pods by biting gently and sucking the beans and sauce off the pod. Discard the pod skins.

Tips & Variations

• Use plain, non-brined edamame for best flavor. If your edamame is brined, skip the salt in both the cooking water and sauce.
• For less heat, reduce or omit the sambal oelek and substitute with a mixture of 1 tbsp and 1 tsp white vinegar for a honey soy flavor perfect for kids.
• Substitute mirin with 2 teaspoons honey plus 1/4 cup chicken or vegetable stock; simmer the sauce longer to develop flavor.
• Boiling edamame is preferred over steaming or microwaving to add seasoning to the pods and preserve their bright green color.

Storage

Store leftover spicy edamame in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. Reheat gently or enjoy at room temperature for best flavor and texture. This snack makes a great quick bite anytime.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use shelled edamame for this recipe?

It’s best to use edamame in the pods because the traditional way to eat them is by popping the beans out of the pods while enjoying the sauce. Shelled edamame won’t give the same experience.

What if I don’t have sambal oelek?

If you don’t have sambal oelek, you can substitute with another chili paste or sauce. Start with a smaller amount and adjust to your preferred spice level. For no spice, try replacing it with a mix of vinegar and honey as mentioned in the tips.

Spicy Edamame Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 145 reviews

A vibrant and flavorful snack, Spicy Edamame features tender edamame pods tossed in a savory, garlicky, and mildly spicy sauce. Perfect as an appetizer or healthy snack, this recipe balances umami soy sauce with the heat of sambal oelek and aromatic toasted sesame oil for a deliciously addictive bite.

• Author: Bella
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Snack
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Japanese
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Edamame

• 300g/10oz frozen edamame in the pods (preferably not brined)
• 2 tsp cooking salt / kosher salt

Spicy Garlic Sauce

• 1 tbsp grapeseed oil (or other plain flavored oil)
• 2 tsp garlic, finely minced
• 1 tbsp sambal oelek (adjust or omit to taste)
• 2 tsp toasted sesame oil
• 1 tbsp Japanese soy sauce (light or all-purpose soy sauce, not dark soy)
• 1 tbsp mirin
• 1/4 tsp miso paste (optional)
• 1/4 tsp cooking salt / kosher salt

Instructions

1. Prepare the Spicy Garlic Sauce: Heat grapeseed oil in a small pan over medium-low heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until very light golden, being careful not to burn it. Add sambal oelek, toasted sesame oil, Japanese soy sauce, mirin, miso paste, and salt. Stir well, then simmer on low heat for 1 minute. Remove from stove and set aside.
2. Cook the Edamame: Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add 2 teaspoons of cooking salt. Add the frozen edamame pods to the boiling water. Bring the water back to a boil and cook the edamame for 2 minutes—avoid overcooking to preserve vibrant color and texture. Drain thoroughly, shaking off excess water.
3. Toss and Serve: Transfer the drained edamame to a large bowl. Pour the prepared spicy garlic sauce over the edamame and toss to coat evenly. Transfer to a serving bowl, scraping out every drop of sauce for full flavor. Serve warm or at room temperature.
4. Enjoy: To eat, pick up a sauce-coated pod, bite into it to pop the soybeans directly into your mouth, savoring the spicy sauce. Discard the pods. Repeat and enjoy!

Notes

• Edamame: Look for plain frozen pods, not brined or pre-salted, to control the saltiness. The pods are necessary for the traditional experience of popping beans out of the pods.
• Sambal Oelek: A medium spicy Asian chili paste available in Asian grocery stores. Adjust amount to your heat preference. For a milder version, substitute with white vinegar and skip the sambal.
• Soy Sauce: Use light or all-purpose soy sauce for a delicate flavor. Avoid dark or sweet soy sauce as they can overpower the dish.
• Mirin Substitute: If unavailable, substitute 2 teaspoons honey plus 1/4 cup chicken or vegetable stock and simmer sauce longer to thicken.
• Cooking Time: Edamame is pre-cooked, so boiling for too long dulls color and texture. Stick to 2 minutes only.
• Storage: Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. Best served at room temperature or slightly warmed.

Keywords: spicy edamame, edamame recipe, snack, Japanese snack, garlic edamame, easy appetizer, healthy snack