I can't remember exactly when I first had edamame, but it was surely well into my adult years. Frankly, even though I'm a huge fan of legumes, until then I thought soybeans were only meant for feeding livestock. That changed as soon as I popped the first edamame into my mouth. Now, it's one of my favorite foods. And why not? They're good for you, super fast to prepare, and delicious. I always keep several bags of frozen shelled edamame in my freezer, for snacking or meals. I've had different versions of this recipe, and it can be adapted to your personal taste. You can add more or less of the soy sauce, vinegar, and chili sauce, if you wish. Sometimes I add some chopped ginger root too. You can also replace the almonds with peanuts or cashews. I make this dish and stash it in the fridge, where it improves with age--if you can resist eating it all as soon as you make it.
I used mint in this version, but other times I've used cilantro. Either yields a marvelous quick salad.
Edamame With Mint, Almonds, And Scallions
(Adapted from Sunset Magazine)
I lb. shelled edamame, cooked about 3 minutes in boiling water, then drained and cooled
2 Tablespoons sesame seed oil
1 Tablespoon rice wine vinegar
2 Tablespoons soy sauce
1/2 teaspoon chili sauce
1/4 cup sliced almonds (or chopped peanuts or cashews)
2 scallions sliced thin
1/4 cup chopped mint or cilantro
Combine sesame seed oil, soy sauce, chili sauce, and vinegar together. Taste to adjust seasonings, if you like. Toss the edamame and the dressing together in a large bowl, then add the mint, scallions, and almonds and toss again. Serve at room temperature.
I just bought some edamame this weekend as I hadn't had it for a while. I am trying this recipe with it tomorrow - it sounds delicious with the mint! I'm one of those who don't really care for cilantro. But I love mint!
Posted by: sammawow | January 13, 2008 at 05:35 PM
I love edamame. I always have a frozen package in the fridge. Will be trying this for sure! Thanks for sharing.
Posted by: Anh | January 13, 2008 at 09:24 PM
This looks so delicious & healthy! I was just wondering what can I do different with the edamame I have ... This is the perfect idea ... Have a great week!
Posted by: Mango Power Girl | January 13, 2008 at 10:40 PM
It looks so refreshing, Sher - perfect for the summer!
Posted by: Patricia Scarpin | January 14, 2008 at 03:51 AM
Beautiful! I love steamed edamame in the pods, sprinkled with sea salt. One of our local Asian restaurants serves them, and they are as good as candy.
Posted by: Lydia | January 14, 2008 at 04:36 AM
Let's talk healthy here. And beautiful! That looks really wonderful!
Posted by: MyKitchenInHalfCups | January 14, 2008 at 04:53 AM
Let's talk healthy here. And beautiful! That looks really wonderful!
Posted by: MyKitchenInHalfCups | January 14, 2008 at 04:53 AM
OOOO! Yummy! That is beautiful. That does it - I'm going to buy some edamame next time I grocery shop. Anything for a fast, easy, good-for-you food.
Posted by: anne | January 14, 2008 at 06:46 AM
Yum! Would love to have a bowl of them right now! That's funny. I think you got me started on them and I just bought a pouch of roasted edamame the other day that I've been trying to only eat a few at a time rather than scarfing down the whole bag all at once.
Posted by: Glenna | January 14, 2008 at 08:27 AM
This looks really good, and I too, have a package in my freezer to try it with.
Posted by: Mrs. L | January 14, 2008 at 10:16 AM
MMM...looks good. I love edamame on its own, boiled. But I might have to try this sometime.
Posted by: Joy | January 14, 2008 at 01:15 PM
Will work for food. ; )
Posted by: John | January 14, 2008 at 02:17 PM
This salad looks great! I have had edamame but I have never done anything other than eat it raw and plain. bookmarked
Posted by: Kevin | January 14, 2008 at 06:00 PM
Saving the recipe right now. Yum! (And so diet-friendly, too.)
Posted by: Kalyn | January 14, 2008 at 09:26 PM
Sher, I just came back from my trip, am catching up your posts :) Your photos are always nice, but the current ones absolutely superb!
And, just like you, I have love eruption towards edamama and mint during some occasions!
Posted by: gattina | January 15, 2008 at 01:22 AM
Now there is a mouthful of flavor! And...so healthy! I like those dishes that you stash in the fridge and can snack on when you get a munchie urge!
Posted by: Deb | January 15, 2008 at 06:52 AM
I'm going to make this today- I too had been wondering about a salad to make with edamame!
Posted by: Callipygia | January 15, 2008 at 08:43 AM
Hi, Love your blog. Hopped to yours from Melody's. Love this recipe, I have all the ingredients...going to make it tonight
Posted by: Shankari | January 15, 2008 at 12:56 PM
I have recently discovered frozen edamame - had only ever had them in restaurants before - and this looks utterly gorgeous!
As always, love your photos...
Posted by: Kittie | January 18, 2008 at 08:18 AM
Yum! This looks fabulous! And totally in line with my current soy kick :)
Posted by: Kaykat | January 25, 2008 at 02:03 PM
Omg. I LOVE edamame. Its good for people who want to gain, or lose weight! Either end of the stick lol. Im trying to gainw eight (recovering from an eating disorder) and I have been eating ALOT of edamame. Im a vegan, so I need the complete proteins in them, I must admit...I eat the whole bag throughout the day! I think im addicted!
Edamame with avocado, spalsh of apple cider vinegar, garlic, onion, cherry tomatoes and almonds is also very good.
Posted by: Kate | October 30, 2008 at 11:57 AM