How to Cook Frozen Edamame

How to cook frozen edamame boiled, in the air fryer, shelled dried edamame in the oven, in the shell steamed, and in the microwave until tender.

Cooking frozen edamame can be done several different ways, we will discuss the most popular. Soy beans can be boiled, microwaved or steamed to tender and then salted. The best high protein nutrient rich beans that can be enjoyed as a snack on the go. (affiliate links present)

How to Cook Frozen Edamame in Air Fryer

We started this whole thing when I bought these in bags that you just threw into the microwave. They came out great but were too expensive for the amount you got, and wasn’t thrilled to be cooking inside plastic. Then we moved on to air fryer edamame which were fantastic, but not everyone has that appliance.

Cooking frozen vegetables was once just done in a pot of boiling water, not anymore though that is still popular. I get that it is nice to have a few different options depending on what you have or how you’re making the rest of the meal. Thus…..this post to give you a few choices.

How to Cook Frozen Edamame without Shell

On the stove you can boil them inside 3 quarts water of boiling water + 1 teaspoon of salt. Add 2 pounds frozen soybeans in pods and cook until insides are tender to the bite, this will take about 5 minutes.

How to Steam Frozen Edamame on Stove

Note: If you prefer a quicker cooking method, you can also steam frozen edamame. Place them in a steamer basket inside a pot with some boiling water at the bottom. Depending on how tender you want them to become, steam for about 5-7 minutes. Steaming helps retain the vibrant green color and nutrients of the edamame.

Whether you choose to boil, steam, nuke or pressure cook, frozen edamame makes for a nutritious and delicious snack that can be enjoyed on its own or added to salads, stir-fries, or grain bowls.

Cooking frozen edamame in the microwave is a quick and convenient way to enjoy this nutritious snack. Here’s a simple 5 minute microwave recipe to cook this way with a microwave safe bowl with a lid or plastic wrap and some liquid.

How to Cook Frozen Edamame in Microwave

1. Place the desired amount of frozen edamame in a safe bowl or dish. You can cook as much as you need or adjust the quantity based on your preference.
2. Add a small amount of water to the bowl to help create steam. You only need a few tablespoons of water; avoid using too much to prevent the edamame from becoming waterlogged.
3. Cover the bowl loosely with a safe lid or plastic wrap. Leave a small vent or opening to allow steam to escape during cooking. This helps prevent pressure build-up in the bowl.
4. Place the bowl in the microwave and cook on high power.
   • Start with a cooking time of 3-4 minutes.
5. Remove the bowl using oven mitts or a towel, as it will be hot. Give them a quick stir or shake to ensure even cooking.
6. Return to cook again in 1-minute increments, stirring in between each interval. Check for doneness by tasting a few beans. They should be tender and heated through.
7. Once cooked to your desired level of tenderness, carefully remove the bowl. Be cautious as the steam inside the bowl can be hot.
8. Drain any excess water from the bowl and add salt to the top.
9. Serve as a snack or side dish. You can eat the beans directly from the pod or remove them by sliding the beans out with your teeth.

It’s important to note that microwave power and cooking times can vary, so adjust the cooking time accordingly based on your microwave’s wattage and the desired tenderness of the edamame. Remember to exercise caution when handling hot dishes and steam from the microwave.

How to Cook Frozen Edamame on the Stove

Fill a large pot with enough water to submerge the frozen edamame. Add a pinch of salt to the water to enhance the flavor of the edamame.

1. Once the water is boiling, carefully add edamame pods into the pot. Use enough to suit your needs or the number of servings you desire.
2. Allow to boil for about 4-5 minutes. This will vary depending on the size and how tender you prefer them.
   • For a crunchier texture, cook them for 3-4 min
   • for a softer texture, cook them closer to 4-6 min.
   • It’s best to taste one or two beans to check for the desired level of tenderness.
3. Once cooked to your liking, carefully pour the contents of the pot into a colander or strainer to drain the hot water. Rinse briefly under cold water to cool them down and stop the cooking process.
4. Transfer to a serving bowl lined with a few paper towels to absorb the water off the outside.

Season them to your taste. To eat, simply pop the beans out of the pods with your fingers or teeth, discarding the pods. If you can find fresh at grocery stores you can do this same thing but for about half the time if you cook fresh. Once again depends on the texture you desire.

Frozen Edamame in Instant Pot

If you want to know how to cook edamame in pressure cooker it doesn’t matter whether they are fresh or right out of the freezer. Easy peasy and a quick way to gets them perfect every time.

Feel free to combine different seasonings to create your own unique flavor profile. The options are endless, so don’t be afraid to get creative and explore different taste combinations. Enjoy your seasoned edamame as a snack, appetizer, or side dish!

How to Season Soy Beans

1. Simple and classic, a sprinkle of salt is often enough to bring out the natural flavors opt for coarse sea salt or kosher salt.
2. Drizzle some soy sauce over the top for a savory and umami rich taste. You can either toss or serve it as a dipping sauce on the side.
3. A small amount of toasted sesame oil can impart a delightful nutty flavor. Add a few drops and toss the cooked beans to evenly coat them.
4. Incorporate minced roasted air fryer garlic for a pungent and aromatic twist. You can sauté minced garlic in a bit of oil and toss the edamame beans in the mixture or sprinkle garlic powder over the cooked beans.
5. Squeeze fresh lime or lemon juice over the edamame to add a tangy and refreshing element. Citrus juice can balance out the richness and provide a bright flavor profile.
6. Experiment with Chinese five-spice powder for an exotic and aromatic seasoning.
7. Elevate the flavor of with a sprinkle of truffle salt. The earthy and luxurious taste of truffles pairs well with the simplicity of your soy beans.

How do you make soy beans spicy?

If you enjoy a bit of heat, sprinkle some chili flakes, red pepper flakes or jalapeno powder over the edamame. Adjust the amount to your desired level of spiciness and start slow to begin with.