Description

This easy garlic-sesame edamame recipe is a satisfying, healthy, and high-protein snack, perfect for busy weeknights. It combines bright garlic and savory sesame flavors, offering a quick and nutritious plant-based option.

Ingredients

Scale

500 g frozen edamame, in pod
7 medium fresh garlic cloves, 4 minced and 3 thinly sliced
3 tablespoons neutral cooking oil, divided
2 tablespoons alcohol-free light soy sauce
1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
1 teaspoon gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
0.5 teaspoon fine sea salt
1 teaspoon white toasted sesame seeds, for garnish
1 teaspoon black toasted sesame seeds, for garnish
2 stalks scallions, thinly sliced for garnish

Instructions

Boil the Edamame: Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a rolling boil. Add the 500 g frozen edamame and cook for 3-4 minutes until tender-crisp and bright green. Drain well and set aside.
Crisp the Garlic: In a small non-stick pan, heat 2 tablespoons of neutral cooking oil over medium-low heat. Add the 3 very thinly sliced garlic cloves and cook slowly, stirring frequently, for 5-7 minutes until they turn golden brown and delightfully crisp. Use a slotted spoon to remove them onto a paper towel-lined plate to drain and cool.
Whisk the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the 2 tablespoons alcohol-free light soy sauce, 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup, 1 teaspoon gochugaru, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, and 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil. Mix until well combined and glossy.
Sauté Minced Garlic and Edamame: In a large skillet or wok, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of neutral cooking oil (or reserved garlic oil) over medium heat. Add the 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant; be careful not to brown them.
Coat and Glaze Edamame: Add the drained edamame pods to the skillet with the sautéed minced garlic. Toss to coat and heat through for 1-2 minutes. Pour the prepared gochugaru-sesame glaze over the edamame. Toss continuously for 2-3 minutes until the pods are evenly coated and the sauce slightly thickens and becomes wonderfully glossy. Season with 0.5 teaspoon fine sea salt to taste.
Serve and Garnish: Serve immediately! Garnish generously with the golden crispy garlic flakes, an even sprinkle of both white and black toasted sesame seeds, and the thinly sliced green scallions for a vibrant pop of color and layered textures.

Notes

For younger palates, reduce or omit gochugaru; add a pinch of sugar to the glaze for sweetness. Use low-sodium soy sauce for a lighter option. Do not burn the minced garlic in step 4; avoid overcooking edamame, aim for tender-crisp.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Snack
Method: Boiling, Sautéing
Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1 cup in pod)
Calories: 320 calories
Sugar: 6 g
Sodium: 700 mg
Fat: 20 g
Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
Unsaturated Fat: 17.5 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 15 g
Fiber: 8 g
Protein: 18 g
Cholesterol: 0 mg

Keywords: garlic edamame, sesame, healthy snack, high-protein, plant-based, easy, quick, Korean-inspired, freezer friendly