Appetizer
How to Make Spicy Edamame w/ Chili, Garlic & Ginger
Spicy edamame is the ultimate addictive snack. The combination of nutty, tender edamame soybeans and spicy chili peppers creates an irresistible flavor and texture combo. This recipe delivers the perfect balance – just enough heat to excite your palate, while allowing the edamame’s natural sweetness to shine through.
The keys to this dish are using fresh, quality ingredients and a simple cooking method that enhances both the edamame and spices. Chopped ginger and garlic provide aromatic flavor depth. Crisp, crunchy edamame is first quickly boiled until just tender. Then it’s tossed with chopped chili peppers and fresh herbs for a quick burst of heat.
What results is a snack that’s hard to stop eating. The edamame provides protein and fiber to keep you satisfied. And the spice level is easily customizable to suit your preference. Keep reading to learn exactly how to make this must-try spicy edamame recipe.
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The Allure of Spicy Edamame
So what makes spicy edamame so addictive? A few key factors give this snack its craveable appeal.
First, edamame offers beneficial nutrition. These young soybeans are packed with:
- Protein – 15g per cooked cup for muscle growth and satisfaction.
- Fiber – 9g per cup to support digestion.
- Vitamin K – Providing blood-clotting functions.
- Iron – For healthy blood cells and energy.
Second, spicy edamame makes a fun finger food. The act of squeezing the beans from the pods is engaging. It satisfies oral fixation cravings for snacking.
Finally, the contrasting flavors and textures excite your senses. The creamy, nutty edamame balances against the chili peppers’ fiery heat. This dynamic combination keeps you reaching for more.
Beyond a snack, spicy edamame also shines as:
- A protein-packed salad topper
- Mixed into noodle bowls or rice dishes
- An appetizer for happy hour or parties
Essential Ingredients for Spicy Edamame
To make the best spicy edamame, start with prime ingredients. Here’s how to choose edamame, chili peppers, and aromatics:
Edamame
- Seek firm, bright green pods. Avoid spotting or yellowing.
- Choose fresh or frozen. Thaw frozen entirely before boiling.
- Boil for 5 minutes only until just tender. Don’t overcook to mushiness.
Chili Peppers
- Select peppers based on desired heat level. Jalapeño for moderate, habanero for very hot.
- Use a mix of red and green chili peppers for visual appeal.
- Seed and de-rib peppers to control spiciness. More seeds = more heat.
Aromatics
- Minced garlic adds pungent aroma. Use 1-2 large cloves.
- Grated ginger brings a zesty, gingery bite. Start with a 1″ knob.
- Green onion offers fresh oniony flavor. Chop white and green parts.
How to Make Spicy Edamame w/ Chili, Garlic & Ginger
With quality ingredients selected, here is a step-by-step method for preparing spicy edamame:
Prep Edamame
- Remove pods from stems. Rinse well.
- Boil pods in salted water for 4-5 minutes only.
- Drain and immediately dunk in ice water to stop cooking.
Prep Spice Mix
- Seed and devein chili peppers based on desired heat.
- Mince peppers into small pieces.
- Grate ginger and mince garlic and green onion.
Toss and Serve
- Drain cooled edamame pods well.
- Add edamame and aromatics to a bowl.
- Toss thoroughly to distribute spice mix evenly.
- Season to taste with salt, sesame oil, rice vinegar, etc.
- Enjoy immediately while the edamame is warm and crunchy.
Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Spicy Edamame
Follow these tips for customized spicy edamame perfection:
Heat Level
- For mild spice, use jalapeño peppers and minimal seeds.
- For extreme heat, opt for habanero peppers and add more chili seeds.
- Consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.
Tossing Method
- Use your hands to mix for even coating and preventing crushing.
- Add edamame to the bowl first before sprinkling on spice mix.
- Toss in small batches for best results.
Serving Suggestions
- Enjoy spicy edamame on its own as a snack or appetizer.
- Sprinkle on top of salads, fried rice, or poke bowls.
- Stuff into tacos or fold into omelets and frittatas.
- Garnish Bloody Mary cocktails for brunch.
Conclusion: Spicy Edamame
For a snack that satisfies cravings for heat and nutrition, look no further than spicy edamame. Perfectly cooked fresh edamame and a customized blend of aromatics and chili peppers are all it takes to create this irresistible treat. Experiment with different pepper varieties and spice levels until you find your favorite. Spicy edamame will soon become your new go-to snack.
Ingredients
- Edamame:
- Edamame pods (fresh or frozen) - 16 ounces (or according to your preference)
- Sauce:
- Neutral oil (like vegetable or canola oil) - 1 tablespoon
- Garlic - 1-2 cloves, minced
- Ginger - 1 tablespoon, minced
- Chili paste (such as sambal oelek, gochujang, or sriracha) - ½ teaspoon to 1 teaspoon (adjust for spice preference)
- Soy sauce - 1 tablespoon
- Optional:
- Mirin or rice wine vinegar - 1 teaspoon (for a touch of sweetness and acidity)
- Sesame oil - ½ teaspoon (for extra flavor)
- Toasted sesame seeds - for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Edamame:
- Fresh Edamame: Wash the edamame pods in cold water. If using fresh edamame pods, blanch them in boiling water for 3-5 minutes, or until cooked through. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
- Frozen Edamame: Follow package instructions for cooking. This typically involves boiling or microwaving the frozen edamame in its pod for a few minutes. Drain and remove the edamame from the pods.
- Make the Sauce:
- In a small skillet or pan, heat the neutral oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and ginger, and cook for 30 seconds to 1 minute, until fragrant.
- Add Chili Paste and Soy Sauce:
- Stir in the chili paste (sambal oelek, gochujang, or sriracha) and cook for an additional 15-30 seconds, depending on the desired level of caramelization for the chili paste flavor.
- Add the soy sauce and any optional ingredients you'd like to use (mirin, rice vinegar, sesame oil).
- Combine Edamame and Sauce:
- Add the cooked edamame to the pan with the sauce. Toss to coat the edamame evenly.
- Serve:
- Transfer the edamame to a serving bowl. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds (optional) and enjoy your spicy edamame!
Notes
- Adjust the amount of chili paste to your spice preference. Start with a ½ teaspoon and add more for a spicier flavor.
- You can substitute other vegetables for the edamame, such as broccoli florets, cauliflower florets, or green beans. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Leftover spicy edamame can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavor may intensify slightly over time.
Nutrition Facts
Spicy Edamame w/ Chili, Garlic & Ginger
Serves: Variable
|
Amount Per Serving: ½ cup edamame pods
|
||
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 120-150 | |
| % Daily Value* | ||
| Total Fat 5-8 g | 7.7% | |
| Saturated Fat 1-2 g | 5% | |
| Trans Fat 0 g | ||
| Cholesterol 0mg | 0 | |
| Sodium 300-400mg | 12.5% | |
| Total Carbohydrate 10-15 g | 3.3% | |
| Dietary Fiber 2-3 g | 8% | |
| Sugars 1-2 g | ||
| Protein 8-12 g | ||
| Vitamin A 200-300 IU | Vitamin C 4-6mg | |
| Calcium 50-70mg | Iron 2-3mg | |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Vietnamese food recipe
Hello! I’m Christine Ha – a food nerd in love with eating, cooking, photography, science, and culture.
Vietnamese food was always on the table when I was a kid, but I didn’t really care for it until my late teens (what a waste!). I was a super picky eater and mostly just wanted fast food. Somewhere down the line I flipped a switch, and now home-cooked food is something I appreciate so much more. ⮕About me
