EASY Garlic Edamame Recipe (10 minutes only!)

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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.

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

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

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

Is it better to steam or boil frozen edamame? ›

We Recommend. Edamame is most often quick-boiled, but you will better preserve the beans' toothsome texture if you steam them to reduce their contact with water.

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How long does it take to cook edamame? ›

Preparation. To boil: Bring a large pot of water to a boil and salt it generously. Add the edamame, return to a boil and cook until bright green, 3 to 5 minutes. Drain.

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How do you cook edamame from the garden? ›

Bring a pot of water to a boil and add enough salt so the water tastes as salty as seawater. 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.

Learn More Now ›

How do you prepare and eat edamame? ›

Eat it as a snack

To make it yourself, find fresh or, more readily available, frozen edamame in the shell and steam or boil until the pods are bright green and warmed through. Drain off excess water, and top with sea salt and maybe some black pepper.

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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.

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Is frozen edamame still healthy? ›

Available shelled, in the pod, fresh, or frozen, they are a popular, plant-based food that may be good for a person's health. Edamame beans are naturally gluten-free and low in calories. They contain no cholesterol and provide protein, iron, and calcium.

Should you rinse edamame after boiling? ›

Drain in a colander and DO NOT RINSE, or the edamame will lose their salted flavor. While the edamame pods are hot, sprinkle with the reserved salt. Let them cool naturally so the edamame can absorb the seasoning. Serve the edamame warm or at room temperature.

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What is the best way to cook frozen edamame? ›

Bring a large saucepan of water to a boil. Add the frozen edamame and 1 teaspoon of salt. Boil the edamame until they're still bright green, but they soften a bit, about 4-5 minutes. Drain the edamame and rinse it immediately with cool water until they're cool enough to handle.

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How do you tell if edamame is fully cooked? ›

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.

Is edamame good for you? ›

Edamame is a rich source of several essential nutrients, including commonly undercosumed vitamins and minerals, such as iron, magnesium, and potassium. Magnesium and potassium are commonly low in most American's diets due to overreliance on ultra-processed foods and underconsumption of fruits and vegetables.

How long does edamame last in the fridge? ›

Keep your fresh edamame pods in the fridge wrapped in a perforated plastic bag so the legumes retain their moisture while still receiving sufficient airflow that will prevent mold and bacteria from developing. Place them in the crisper so they retain their quality and flavor for up to 5 days.

Keep Reading ›

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.

Read The Full Story ›

Do you eat the edamame peel? ›

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.

What's the difference between edamame and soybeans? ›

The difference is that edamame are immature soybeans, picked while they're still young, while regular soybeans have been left on the plant to fully mature. What we call “edamame” are simply soybeans that have been harvested early. Their fibrous pods are still green and the inner beans are tender and soft.