Edamame: the little treat that can’t be beat…at least, it wouldn’t be if we had any idea how to actually eat them. This steamed sushi restaurant favorite has been on menus for years, serving as a modest appetizer for diners everywhere—and yet, it mostly remains untouched, and worse, uncooked at home due to its confusing shell!
Edamame is sort of like sunflower seeds; you see them eaten, and you know they exist, but whether or not you’d try them on your own is still up for debate. Well, don’t you worry. Join us as we not only break down why you should eat this humble soybean, but also why they deserve a place on any table.
Coaxing Edamame Out of Its Shell
Though it looks out of reach, it’s actually pretty simple to get out of the pod. Edamame looks like a big “C,” and all you need to do is lightly squeeze the tail between your fingers and bring the outer side of the shell to your mouth. (Look for a seam on the outside edge; that’s the side you should bite into.) Pinch the shell between your teeth and gently bite the pod until the bean pops out!
Don’t worry if you can’t get it right the first time, either. Pods usually have two or three beans inside, so you’ll be able to finesse your technique throughout dinner. You can also use chopsticks if it’s easier to have them pinched between a utensil, but using your fingers works just as well.
The most important thing to remember is that the shell itself isn’t actually edible! Though it does technically provide a bit of fiber, the tough case isn’t meant to be eaten. That’s why when you order edamame, you’ll also receive a small bowl for any discarded pods. If you cook them at home, it’s a good idea to keep something similar nearby. If it helps, think of edamame shells like shrimp tails: something to discard in the compost bin.
Are They Even Worth All the Trouble?
Edamame doesn’t seem worth all the fuss. At first glance, they’re merely humble beans with a sprinkle of salt. Surely, they can’t be that nutritious, let alone tasty…right? Don’t let its appearance fool you! Edamame is a healthy, hearty snack (and the perfect precursor to sushi platters).
Most plates usually serve around one cup, or 160g, per serving. That alone is roughly 200 calories, but the low caloric intake is just the tip of the iceberg! You’ll score nearly 20g of protein and 8g of fiber, along with a healthy dose of vitamins and minerals. Edamame is also relatively low in sugar, sodium, and carbs, so you can indulge without feeling guilty.
If that wasn’t enough, studies show that soy-based protein can help reduce cholesterol, may help lower the risk of osteoporosis, and is often recommended for those with diabetes. At the end of the day, this simple-seeming appetizer is a pretty heart-smart option.
How to Prepare Edamame at Home
There’s no reason you need to dish out money in a sushi restaurant—you can steam edamame from the comfort of your own home, and it actually doesn’t take that long to prepare. Servings only take about 5-10 minutes once the water boils, so you can even cook them for a midday snack!
Soybeans are basically a blank canvas for you to experiment with in the kitchen. If you want to go the traditional route, you can simply steam them and top with a pinch of salt! (Don’t be afraid to gently suck the shell when you pop out the beans for added flavor.) You can also venture into well-seasoned territory by including a miso glaze, squirting a bit of lemon zest, or sprinkling a touch of garlic on top.
Ginger, soy sauce, and even cilantro also pair surprisingly well with edamame. If you opt for chopsticks, you can incorporate all kinds of sauces and spices without worrying about filthy fingers! Of course, you can also pop them from the shell and stick them in bowls or salads.
Peas in a Pod
For some people, it’s a little embarrassing to admit that they’ve never eaten edamame—it’s even more humiliating to let its daunting shell scare you away. But no more! They’re not as intimidating as they look, and once you master the pop, you’ll have a surprisingly filling plant-based protein on your plate.
Steaming them doesn’t take more than a few minutes, either, so you can create all sorts of flavor profiles in the kitchen (and practice eating them)! Of course, if you want to keep things simple and nutritious, a pinch of salt won’t negate all the health benefits hidden inside that furry shell.
Try not to let edamame scare you away. It packs far more benefits and far more flavor than you think. Be warned, however: the only trouble you’ll have in the future is trying to stop yourself from eating an entire pot of them!
KEEP ON READING
