Edamame is a popular appetizer in Japan made using young soybeans in their pods. Edamame beans are green and typically picked before they’ve fully ripened, for a sweeter taste.
For the best spicy garlic edamame recipe, don’t skip using the arrowroot starch mixture. This helps to thicken the sauce and make it desirably sticky and glossy. You only need to add the edamame to the sauce at the very end after blanching. If you add the edamame too early, it’ll turn wrinkly in texture.
Choosing and Preparing Edamame
When selecting edamame, choose frozen edamame beans still in the pod for the freshest ingredients. You should be able to source edamame beans at your preferred grocery store, or check local Japanese food stores. The pods should be bright green and plump. If you notice any that are yellowed or shriveled, discard these and don’t use them in the recipe. Make sure you dry the beans thoroughly before adding to the sauce in the pan.
If you’re struggling to find edamame beans for this recipe, you could use green beans or sugar snap peas as a replacement. Both of these beans retain a similar crispness and crunchiness when cooked and absorb the flavors of the sauce well. To explore more bean varieties, we have a helpful guide to 17 of the top types.
Spice Level Adjustments
You can adapt the spice levels in this recipe depending on your personal heat tolerance. In the recipe above we’ve suggested using red pepper flakes, for a mild spicy flavor. If you want to make your edamame beans even spicier, add a dash of chili oil to the mix to increase the heat. If that’s still not hot enough, you can add extra spices, such as cayenne pepper, for an even fierier approach to this recipe.
Spice intensifies over time, so it’s advisable to taste the beans again before serving to balance the flavors as necessary.
How to Serve Spicy Garlic Edamame
Edamame beans are usually served as a savory appetizer, snack, or side dish. As such, they’re best plated warm in a large bowl so guests can help themselves to pods. Try serving spicy garlic edamame beans alongside a Japanese beer for a gathering at home with friends, or as a side dish for ramen and rice bowls at a Japanese-themed lunch.
Some chefs will garnish the beans with toasted sesame seeds, sliced scallions, or even flaky salt, to enhance the flavors of the sauce and the beans. You can also add lemon wedges on the side to squeeze over the top to brighten the notes of the beans.
