This garlic edamame recipe, an appetizer that is made in less than ten minutes and is packed with flavor, is one of the best edamame recipes out there! It has no oils and is super healthy. Make it spicy by simply adding chili flakes to the mix.
We are all about hosting dinners and brunches. So, making easy appetizers such as this edamame recipe, our Mexican guacamole, roasted edamame, or Lebanese hummus recipe are must-haves in our recipe’s repertoire. Even our quinoa edamame salad, served in small bowls, has become a new favorite at our friends' gatherings.
💚 Why you will love it
- Flavor Explosion
- Easy and quick to make
- Low-calorie, high protein-density
- Versatile and Easy
- Customizable Heat
This recipe is a favorite because everyone loves it and because it’s put together in 5 to 10 minutes. Also, it is one of those Asian recipes that is absolutely delicious and also one of the best healthy recipes.
Jump to:
🧾 Ingredients
A few ingredients are needed to assemble:
- Frozen Edamame beans: Edamame beans are the main ingredient and provide a nutty, slightly sweet flavor and a chewy texture.
- Minced garlic: Garlic adds a pungent, savory flavor to the dish and helps to enhance the other spices and ingredients.
- Reduced sodium soy sauce: Soy sauce adds a savory, umami flavor to the dish and helps balance the other flavors. Tamari or liquid aminos can be used as a gluten-free alternative.
- Ginger: Ginger adds a warm, spicy flavor and helps balance the other flavors. It also has anti-inflammatory properties.
Optional ingredients
- Dry chili flakes, chili sauce, or chili paste add a spicy kick to the dish and can be adjusted to taste depending on personal preference.
- Sesame seeds: Sesame seeds are added as a garnish and provide a nutty, slightly sweet flavor and a crunchy texture.
Substitutions
- Soy sauce – use tamari sauce or coconut aminos to make it gluten-free.
- Garlic – use one teaspoon of garlic powder or one teaspoon of onion powder
- Ginger – use one tablespoon of ginger powder instead.
- Edamame - you can use shelled edamame beans instead of whole beans. Increase all seasonings by 50%.
🍽 Equipment
Steamer or colander. Both work. Just avoid edamame beans coming in contact with water. They are delicate and just need a brief exposure to steam to be ready to eat.
Small saucepan. Use a small saucepan to stir the seasonings. Since we use small quantities, a large one may make it hard to mix well, and the soy sauce may dry up immediately.
🔪 How to make garlic edamame
Step 1: Mince the garlic cloves and ginger knobs.
Step 2: Steam the edamame bean in a large pot using a steamer.
Note: if you want a really spicy sauce, add a quarter to half, extra chili sauce, or chili flakes.
Step 3: make the garlic sauce by adding all the edamame seasonings into the saucepan.
Step 4: Mix the seasonings and stir constantly.
Step 5: Add Edamame beans and combine with the seasoning mixture.
Step 6: Stir with Seasonings. Toss until evenly coated with the sauce.
Step 7: Taste and adjust; use more soy sauce for umami and saltiness or garlic powder for intensity.
Serve spiced edamame in a bowl, sprinkling with sesame seeds (optional).
Eat edamame, remove the edamame shells, and squeeze one end. You can do this with your hands directly, bringing the edamame beans to your mouth; no forks are needed!
💡 Expert tips
Try not to overcook the garlic; otherwise, it will be bitter and ruin the marinade. The cooking takes only 2-3 minutes, so keep stirring and don’t get away from the saucepan.
Don’t overcook the edamame beans as they will become too soft and will lose their bright color—steam for 2 minutes, no more.
📖 Variations
Spiciness: This recipe is already spicy as it is. You can add ¼ teaspoon of pepperoncini (chili sauce or chili flakes) to make an extra spicy edamame sauce or reduce it to ⅛ to make it mild.
Sesame oil: Some people like adding vegetable or sesame oil; it tastes great, but I like to keep this recipe super healthy, as it is already packed with flavor. If you are using oil, simply use one tablespoon and add it while you stir-fry the edamame sauce.
For an authentic Asian taste, use sesame oil instead of vegetable oil, as it enhances the dish's flavor.
Sauce: You can also use a teriyaki sauce instead of the soy sauce and garlic and add chili paste to make it spicy.
To make a less spicy version of chili garlic edamame, substitute chili flakes or Chinese chili sauce for chili paste.
Sweet and spicy: For a delicious and intriguing flavor combination, add a teaspoon of brown sugar to the dish for a sweet and spicy glaze.
Kid-friendly: Omit the optional red chili flakes (unless you are in Mexico!). Also, you can use garlic powder instead of minced garlic to reduce the spicy garlic sauce's intensity.
🥢 How to Serve
Edamame beans make a great appetizer for most Japanese and Asian Inspired dishes, such as sushi or Chinese dishes, such as teriyaki tofu puffs.
Edamame beans are packed with health benefits, and their nutritional value is outstanding, given their exceptional build of macronutrients: proteins, fats, and complex carbohydrates.
We like serving them with Wakame Seaweed Salad, which you can easily get at an ethnic store; thaw and serve with a splash of soy sauce and sesame seeds.
Another recipe I found delicious from a sister blogger is this Edamame Soba Noodles, which are worth trying.
❓ FAQ
The answer to this question is yes; it can give you gas when eaten in excess. When we eat, we digest food and end up with byproducts – one of which is flatulence – or, as known in the medical field, gastrointestinal (GI) emissions.
Edamame does cause gas because it contains both raffinose and stachyose, known as prebiotics.
As a result, this undigested mixture ends up in your colon, where bacteria digest it. These unprocessed sugars (food) cause flatulence, bloating, and possibly stomach pain.
So, does edamame give you gas? Yes, it can! Try to eat it in moderate quantities.
Simply hold the tip of the pod with your fingers, bite and open the other end, then gently slide the bean into your mouth. Savor the flavor of the sauce that adheres to the beans and discard the shell.
📚 More Garlicky recipes
Embarking on a garlic-infused culinary adventure, we start with the Pickled Eggplants, where the classic pickling process is elevated with a hearty dose of garlic, adding a zesty charm to your appetizer spread. As we journey through flavors, the Spanish Escalivada embraces the smokiness of roasted veggies, intertwined with the bold aroma of garlic, painting a picture of a traditional Spanish fiesta on your palate.
In a harmonious blend, the Lemony Garlic Pasta merges the freshness of lemon with a generous swirl of garlic, creating an invigorating and comforting dish.
The narrative of garlic love continues with the Garlic Risotto, a dish where the creamy texture meets an intense garlicky warmth, offering a hug in a bowl.
To round off this flavorful escapade, the Roasted Garlic and Rosemary Potatoes make their appearance, with rosemary's earthiness meeting the sweet, roasted notes of garlic, culminating in a side dish that's a celebration of textures and aromas.
🫛 More Edamame Recipes
If you love edamame beans and hummus... which, seriously, who doesn't? Check out this edamame hummus recipe, a winner for any dinner party!
You will also love our new Quinoa Edamame Dressing with a delicious Asian Dressing, that is put together in minutes!
⭐ If you try this recipe, let us know! 💬 Leave a comment, rate it, and don't forget to tag us @ourplantbasedworld on Instagram. Cheers!
🎥 Video
📋 Recipe
Garlic Edamame Recipe
Ingredients
- 18 oz edamame
- 4 garlic cloves
- 4 tablespoons soy sauce low sodium, or tamari to make it gluten-free
- 1 knob ginger about 2 tablespoons
- 4 tablespoons water
Optional:
- ½ teaspoon chili flakes or peperoncino
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds to garnish
Directions
- Mince the garlic cloves and ginger knob.
- Steam. Bring about ½ inch of water to boil. Place a steamer or metal colander on top, and add the edamame beans. If the edamame benas are frozen, allow for 4 minutes. If they have been thawed, allow 2 minutes.
- Drain the edamame beans.
- Stir fry. In a small saucepan, stir fry in low heat, the minced garlic and ginger, soy sauce, water, and pepperoncino flakes. Keep going for 2 minutes and remove from heat.
- Mix everything. In the same saucepan, add the edamame beans and mix.
- Serve in a bowl sprinkling with sesame seeds (optional).
Video
Notes
Nutrition Facts
Nutritional Disclaimer
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist's advice. See our full Nutritional Disclosure here.
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Please note that some of the links here are affiliate links, and I will earn a commission if you purchase through those links. I recommend all of the products listed because they are companies I have found helpful and trustworthy.
As the lead content writer and recipe developer at Our Plant-Based World, he combines his passion for health and sustainability with a Plant-Based Nutrition Certification to create accessible, delicious vegan recipes. His expertise in plant-based cooking supports the blog's mission of fostering a healthier, environmentally conscious lifestyle through simple and seasonal dishes. His commitment to making vegan cooking enjoyable and inclusive for everyone shines in each recipe and article.
Choclette
We always order edamame when we dine out Japanese. But I adore your take on them with that gorgeous garlic and ginger. It takes them up another level or two. My husband says I have to make them like this every time now.
Gus De Obaldia
Hello Choclette!
Thrilled to hear that our garlic edamame recipe has become a hit at your table! Isn't it amazing how a simple twist with garlic and ginger can elevate a familiar dish to new heights? We're all about adding that extra zing to classic favorites. Tell your husband we're honored by his high praise and hope these edamame spark many more delightful dining moments. Happy cooking!
Marcie
The directions say to mince the ginger. I’ve never minced ginger, would it be okay to microplane the ginger or does it need to be minced? Thank you!
Gus
Hi there! OH yes! Using a microplane is perfect; any grater works, the idea is to get rid of ginger's large chunks. Let us know how you like the recipe!
Jacqueline Wormington
Edamame are so awesome, so I was happy to find this easy to make recipe!
Gari
Looks like a fun mid-day snack & not to mention healthy too.
Lisa
Love the spices in this healthy appetizer~!
Gus
simple, easy, and delicious!
Katherine
Yum! What a great way to make edamame super flavorful!
Toni
This is really tasty!! Everyone at my house loved this!
Gus
Thanks for your review, Toni! I am glad the edamame recipe was a hit!
Emily Flint
I love edamame but I had never tried it flavored before. What a game changer! I will be making this for a snack all the time!
Ieva
I've only ever had edamame in restaurants but decided to make it at home, following your recipe! Absolutely amazing! So easy and I managed to get the texture just right, after reading about not overcooking them! Great recipe and tips! Thanks!
Gus
Ieva, I am really glad your edamame bean turn out well. Yes, getting the right texture is key on this recipe!
Susan
Me encantan los edamame, pero para quien los prueba por primera vez creo que es necesario agregar que la vaina no se come, se extraen los frijoles que hay dentro que han absorbido todos los sabores, pero la vaina en sí es fibrosa e indigerible. El sabor me recuerda un poco al de yema de huevo, son increíbles con estos condimentos.
Gina
Could snack on these all day long, addicting, delicious and healthy!
Gus
Oh yeah! They are delicious and put together in minutes! a favorite at home!
Jacqueline Meldrum
Mmmm nice way to cook them. Pass me a fork! Yum!
Gus
they are delicious
Claudia Lamascolo
What fabulous marriage of flavors here and they look super tender too!
Gus
they truly play well together!
Danielle Wolter
I love that I can make my own edamame at home. This was a great dish and a new go to snack!
Gus
I am thrilled you loved it !
Elle @ Spice and Life
The recipe sounded so tasty and easy to prepare, I had to give it a go and it was the right choice: absolutely delicious!
Gus
It makes me very happy. It sounds like you enjoyed the dish a lot!
kushigalu
Love edamame plus how simple and delicious this dish is.thanks for sharing
Gus
you are welcome! I am very happy you like the dish's simplicity and flavor!