Introduction
Edamame, the young soybeans often found in Japanese cuisine, are a delicious and nutritious snack. When paired with a spicy garlic sauce, they transform into a flavorful appetizer or side dish. With a rich combination of flavors from the savory sauce and the tender edamame pods, this dish is sure to please.
Detailed Ingredients with Measures
Edamame
– 300g/10oz frozen edamame in the pods (preferably not shelled)
– 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 sesame oil, toasted
– 1 tbsp Japanese soy sauce (sub light soy or all-purpose soy, NOT dark soy)
– 1 tbsp mirin
– 1/4 tsp miso paste (optional)
– 1/4 tsp cooking salt / kosher salt
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
5 minutes
Total Time
20 minutes
Yield
4 servings
To prepare, start by making the spicy garlic sauce. Heat the oil in a small pan over medium-low heat and cook the minced garlic until it turns a light golden color. Then, add the sambal oelek, sesame oil, soy sauce, mirin, miso paste, and a bit more salt. Stir the mixture and let it simmer on low for about a minute before removing it from the heat.
In a separate large pot, bring water to a boil and add the cooking salt. Once boiling, add the frozen edamame, returning the water to a boil, and cook for just 2 minutes. Be mindful not to overcook, as the goal is to maintain the vibrant green color and tender texture. Drain the edamame well, shaking off any excess water.
Next, transfer the edamame to a serving bowl and pour the spicy garlic sauce over them. Toss to ensure the edamame are well coated in the flavor-packed sauce. Serve the dish warm or at room temperature, inviting your guests to enjoy by popping open the pods and savoring the delicious soybeans inside.
This delightful dish is not only satisfying but also a healthy option for snacking. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for 3 to 4 days, making it a great quick and tasty treat whenever cravings strike!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Prepare the Spicy Garlic Sauce
Heat 1 tablespoon of grapeseed oil (or another plain-flavored oil) in a small pan over medium-low heat. Add 2 teaspoons of finely minced garlic and cook until it turns very light golden. Then, add 1 tablespoon of sambal oelek, 2 teaspoons of toasted sesame oil, 1 tablespoon of Japanese soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of mirin, 1/4 teaspoon of miso paste (if using), and 1/4 teaspoon of cooking salt. Stir the mixture and allow it to simmer on low heat for 1 minute, then remove the pan from the stove.
Cook the Edamame
Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add 2 teaspoons of cooking salt. While the water is boiling, prepare 300g (10oz) of frozen edamame in the pods by adding them to the boiling water. Allow the water to return to a boil, then cook the edamame for 2 minutes. After cooking, drain the edamame well, shaking off any excess water.
Toss the Edamame with the Sauce
Transfer the cooked edamame into a bowl and pour the prepared spicy garlic sauce over the top. Toss the edamame to ensure they are well coated with the sauce. Then, transfer the edamame into a serving bowl, making sure to scrape out every drop of sauce.
Serve and Enjoy
Serve the edamame warm or at room temperature. To eat, pick up a sauce-slathered pod, bite it to let the soybeans pop out into your mouth, and suck off the sauce from the skin. Discard the skin and repeat the process.
Notes
Edamame Selection
Look for frozen edamame in the pods, preferably not brined, in your local grocery store, often found in the frozen vegetable or Asian section. If you buy brined edamame, skip the salt in both the cooking water and the sauce. It is essential to use edamame in the pods, as part of the experience is sucking out the soybeans.
Spicy Alternative
Sambal oelek can be found in the Asian section of grocery stores or Asian markets and has a medium level of spiciness. You can substitute it with another chili paste or sauce, starting with less and adding more according to your heat tolerance. For a non-spicy version, substitute with 1 tablespoon and 1 teaspoon of white vinegar to create a kid-friendly Honey Soy Edamame.
Soy Sauce Type
Japanese soy sauce has a more delicate flavor compared to Chinese soy sauce, but any all-purpose or light soy can be used. Avoid dark soy sauce, as its strong flavor can overwhelm the dish.
Mirin Substitution
Mirin is a Japanese cooking wine that adds a unique depth of flavor. If you cannot find it, substitute it with 2 teaspoons of honey mixed with 1/4 cup of chicken or vegetable stock, and simmer the sauce for a longer period.
Cooking Time for Edamame
Frozen edamame is pre-cooked and typically only requires a couple of minutes to cook. Many packages incorrectly recommend cooking for 5 minutes, which can dull the green color. Boiling tends to provide a little seasoning on the surface, making it tastier, but you can also steam or microwave according to the packet instructions.
Storage of Leftovers
Leftover edamame can be kept in the fridge for 3 to 4 days and is ideal for snacking. The flavor is best enjoyed at room temperature or slightly warm.
Cook techniques
Preparing Edamame
Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add salt. Add the frozen edamame pods and bring back to a boil, cooking for 2 minutes. Drain and shake off excess water.
Making Spicy Garlic Sauce
In a small pan over medium-low heat, heat grapeseed oil. Cook finely minced garlic until very light golden, then add sambal oelek, sesame oil, soy sauce, mirin, miso paste, and salt. Stir and simmer on low for 1 minute before removing from heat.
Tossing Edamame with Sauce
Transfer cooked edamame to a bowl, pour the prepared sauce over them, and toss well. Serve immediately in a bowl, ensuring to scrape out every drop of sauce.
Eating Edamame
Pick up a sauce-coated pod, bite it open, and suck the soybeans out while discarding the pod skin. Repeat the process for each pod.
FAQ
Can I use shelled edamame instead of edamame in pods?
It’s recommended to use edamame in pods as sucking the soybeans out is part of the eating experience.
What if I can’t find mirin?
You can substitute mirin with 2 teaspoons of honey plus 1/4 cup of chicken or vegetable stock, simmering the sauce for a longer period.
How do I adjust the spiciness of the sauce?
You can adjust the amount of sambal oelek to taste or substitute it with a milder hot sauce or white vinegar for a non-spicy version.
How should I store leftovers?
Leftover edamame can be kept in the fridge for 3 to 4 days and are best consumed at room temperature or slightly warm.
Can I steam or microwave the edamame instead of boiling?
Yes, you can steam or microwave the edamame following the packet directions, but boiling is preferred for added flavor from the seasoning.
Conclusion
This Spicy Garlic Edamame recipe is a vibrant and flavorful way to enjoy this nutritious snack. With minimal ingredients and a quick cooking process, it’s perfect for an appetizer or a tasty nibble while watching your favorite show. The combination of the garlic sauce with the edamame pods delivers a satisfying experience that is both delicious and fun to eat.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Honey Soy Edamame
Substitute the spicy garlic sauce with a mixture of honey and soy sauce for a sweet and savory version that is kid-friendly.
Edamame Salad
Toss cooked edamame with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and a sesame dressing for a refreshing salad.
Edamame Hummus
Blend cooked edamame with tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil for a unique spin on hummus that pairs well with pita chips or vegetables.
Spicy Edamame Stir-Fry
Add cooked edamame to your favorite stir-fry with vegetables and protein of choice, tossing with soy sauce and sesame oil.
Edamame Rice Bowl
Top a bowl of rice with cooked edamame, avocado, and a drizzle of spicy mayo for a satisfying meal.
Cheesy Edamame Dip
Mix cooked edamame with cream cheese, grated Parmesan, and garlic for a creamy dip that’s great with crackers or bread.
