What Is Edamame? How to Eat, Cook & Enjoy Japanese Edamame Beans
Edamame are young soybeans harvested while they are still green and tender. In Japan, they are commonly cooked in their pods and lightly seasoned with salt, making them a familiar appetiser, snack and izakaya dish.
The Japanese word edamame is now widely used in English as well, and in the UK you will often find frozen edamame sold either in their pods or already shelled.
If you are new to edamame, you may wonder whether they are the same as soybeans, whether the pods can be eaten, how frozen edamame should be prepared, or what "shelled edamame" means.
This guide explains what edamame beans are, what they taste like, how they differ from mature soybeans, how to eat and cook them, how to prepare frozen edamame and how edamame is enjoyed in Japan.
Edamame at a Glance
- Edamame: young soybeans harvested before they fully mature.
- Colour: usually bright green.
- Flavour: mild, slightly sweet and gently nutty.
- Texture: tender with a pleasant bite when properly prepared.
- Common forms: edamame in pods and shelled edamame.
- Typical preparation: boiling, steaming or preparing according to frozen packet instructions.
- Pods: the beans inside are eaten; the tough outer pods are normally discarded.
- Common Japanese use: salted edamame served as an appetiser or snack.
Official sources: This guide uses information from Japan's Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF), alongside current Yutaka product information.
Table of Contents
- What Is Edamame?
- What Does Edamame Taste Like?
- Edamame vs Soybeans: What Is the Difference?
- Edamame in Pods vs Shelled Edamame
- How to Eat Edamame
- Can You Eat Edamame Pods?
- How to Prepare and Cook Edamame
- How to Cook Frozen Edamame
- Can You Eat Edamame Raw?
- How Is Edamame Eaten in Japan?
- What Is Zunda?
- What Can You Make with Edamame?
- Where to Buy Edamame in the UK
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Sources
■ What Is Edamame?
Edamame are young soybeans harvested before the beans fully mature.
They are not a completely different type of bean from soybeans. Rather, edamame are soybeans picked at an earlier stage, while the beans are still green and tender.
Japan's Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries explains that edamame are soybeans harvested in an immature state.
Fully mature soybeans are commonly harvested later and used in foods such as tofu, miso, soy milk and soy sauce. Edamame, by comparison, are generally cooked and eaten as green beans.
In English-speaking countries, you may see them labelled as:
- Edamame
- Edamame Beans
- Edamame Soybeans
- Green Soybeans
Source: Japan's Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries explains that edamame are soybeans harvested before full maturity. View MAFF information about edamame and soybeans
■ What Does Edamame Taste Like?
Edamame have a mild, slightly sweet and gently nutty flavour.
Compared with mature dried soybeans, edamame have a fresher taste and a softer texture.
When properly prepared, the beans should be tender while still retaining a pleasant bite.
One reason edamame works so well as a simple snack is that the flavour is enjoyable with little more than salt.
It also pairs easily with seasonings such as:
- Soy sauce
- Sesame oil
- Chilli
- Shichimi togarashi
- Garlic
- Sesame
In Japan, one of the most familiar preparations is simply cooked edamame in the pod with salt.
■ Edamame vs Soybeans: What Is the Difference?
Edamame and mature soybeans come from the same plant, but they are harvested at different stages.
Edamame are harvested while young and green. Soybeans intended for products such as tofu, miso or soy milk are allowed to mature further.
| Edamame | Mature Soybeans | |
|---|---|---|
| Harvest stage | Young and not fully mature | Fully mature |
| Typical colour | Green | Often yellow or cream when dried |
| Texture | Tender when cooked | Hard when dried before cooking or processing |
| Common use | Boiled, steamed, snacks, salads and dishes | Tofu, miso, soy milk, soy sauce and other soybean foods |
| Typical retail form | In pods, shelled or frozen | Dried beans or processed foods |
Simple way to remember it:
Edamame = young soybeans.
■ Edamame in Pods vs Shelled Edamame
In the UK, frozen edamame is commonly sold in two main forms: in the pod or shelled.
Edamame in Pods
These are edamame beans still inside their natural green pods.
This is the form most closely associated with the classic Japanese way of serving edamame as a snack or appetiser.
After preparing them according to the packet instructions, you eat the beans inside and discard the pods.
Shelled Edamame
Shelled edamame means that the beans have already been removed from the pods.
This makes them particularly convenient for adding directly to recipes such as:
- Salads
- Rice dishes
- Noodle dishes
- Stir-fries
- Soups
| Edamame in Pods | Shelled Edamame | |
|---|---|---|
| What you receive | Beans inside the pods | Beans only |
| Best suited to | Snacks and appetisers | Cooking and recipes |
| How to eat | Remove the beans from the pod | Use the beans directly |
■ How to Eat Edamame
If edamame is served in the pod, eat the beans inside and leave the outer pod.
The traditional casual way to eat edamame is simple.
- Pick up one edamame pod with your fingers.
- Bring the pod to your mouth.
- Gently squeeze or pull the beans from the pod.
- Eat the beans.
- Place the empty pod on a separate plate or discard it.
If the outside of the pods has been seasoned with salt, this method also allows a little of the seasoning to be enjoyed as the beans are removed.
There is no need to use chopsticks to remove every individual bean. In casual Japanese dining, edamame in pods is commonly eaten with the hands.
■ Can You Eat Edamame Pods?
The tough outer pods of edamame are normally not eaten.
They are fibrous and much tougher than the beans inside.
A simple rule is:
Beans inside = eat
Outer pod = discard
If you buy shelled edamame, the pods have already been removed, so the beans can be used directly in your chosen dish after preparation according to the packet instructions.
■ How to Prepare and Cook Edamame
Edamame can be boiled, steamed or prepared according to the instructions on a frozen packet.
The right method depends on whether you are using fresh edamame, frozen edamame, shelled beans or a ready-prepared product.
How to Boil Fresh Edamame
A traditional Japanese method is to cook edamame in salted water.
- Wash the pods.
- Rub the pods lightly with salt if desired.
- Bring salted water to the boil.
- Add the edamame and cook until the beans reach your preferred tenderness.
- Drain well before serving.
MAFF's recipe for Akebono Daizu edamame from Yamanashi uses salt on the pods before boiling them in salted water for approximately 5–8 minutes. Cooking time varies by variety and product, so this should not be treated as a universal time for all edamame.
Source: MAFF introduces a traditional preparation for Akebono Daizu edamame from Yamanashi Prefecture. View MAFF's Akebono Edamame guide
How to Steam Edamame
Edamame can also be steamed until the beans inside are tender.
Once cooked, they can be served simply with salt or seasoned to taste.
Important: preparation instructions differ between products. Always follow the instructions on the pack you are using.
■ How to Cook Frozen Edamame
Frozen edamame should be prepared according to the instructions on the individual packet.
This is important because not all frozen edamame products are prepared in exactly the same way before freezing.
Some products may be blanched during production, while others may be sold with different preparation instructions.
Frozen edamame can also be sold:
- In the pod
- Already shelled
- Seasoned
- Unseasoned
For that reason, rather than assuming that every frozen edamame should be boiled for the same amount of time, check the packet before preparation.
Frozen Edamame in Pods
This format is ideal when you want to serve edamame as a simple Japanese-style appetiser or snack.
Once prepared according to the packet instructions, eat the beans inside and discard the pods.
Frozen Shelled Edamame
Shelled frozen edamame is convenient for cooking because the beans can be added directly to salads, rice dishes, stir-fries, soups and other recipes after appropriate preparation.
■ Can You Eat Edamame Raw?
Edamame is generally cooked before eating.
Traditional Japanese preparations typically boil or otherwise cook the beans before serving them.
Frozen products may also have been processed differently before freezing, so the preparation method can vary from one product to another.
Fresh edamame: cook before serving according to your recipe.
Frozen edamame: follow the instructions on the packet.
■ How Is Edamame Eaten in Japan?
One of the most familiar ways to eat edamame in Japan is simply cooked in the pod and seasoned with salt.
This straightforward preparation allows the flavour and texture of the young soybeans to remain the focus.
Edamame as an Izakaya Appetiser
Edamame is also one of the familiar dishes you may see at a Japanese izakaya. Salted edamame in pods is easy to share at the table and is commonly enjoyed as a casual appetiser or bar snack.
If you are unfamiliar with Japanese izakaya, they are casual Japanese drinking and dining establishments where groups often share a variety of small dishes alongside drinks.
Edamame and Summer in Japan
Fresh edamame is also strongly associated with summer in Japan.
Although frozen edamame now makes the beans easy to enjoy throughout the year, freshly cooked seasonal edamame remains a familiar summer food.
■ What Is Zunda?
Zunda is a Japanese preparation made by crushing cooked edamame into a green paste.
It is particularly associated with Miyagi Prefecture and parts of the Tohoku region.
One of the best-known examples is zunda mochi, in which mochi rice cakes are served with a sweetened edamame paste.
MAFF's regional cuisine guide explains that edamame is boiled, removed from the pods and skins, ground, and mixed with sugar and a little salt to prepare the zunda used with mochi.
This is a useful reminder that edamame in Japanese cuisine is not limited to salted pods.
Source: Japan's Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries introduces Zunda Mochi as a regional cuisine using edamame. View MAFF's Zunda Mochi guide
■ What Can You Make with Edamame?
Edamame can be enjoyed on its own, but it is also useful in a wide variety of recipes.
Shelled edamame is particularly convenient when you want to add the beans directly to a dish.
| Dish | How Edamame Can Be Used |
|---|---|
| Salads | Add shelled edamame to vegetables, seaweed and dressings. |
| Rice Dishes | Mix cooked edamame through rice or use in rice bowls. |
| Noodle Dishes | Add to cold noodle salads or other noodle dishes. |
| Stir-Fries | Combine with vegetables, tofu or other ingredients. |
| Soups | Add whole shelled beans or blend into a smooth soup. |
| Zunda | Cook and crush the beans to make a traditional green edamame paste. |
Try Edamame in a Yutaka Recipe
Yutaka Recipe
Edamame Wakame Salad
A fresh Japanese-inspired salad combining edamame with wakame and other colourful ingredients. A simple way to use shelled edamame in a cold dish.
View Recipe →■ Where to Buy Edamame in the UK
Edamame is widely available in the UK from Japanese food shops, Asian supermarkets and specialist online retailers.
When shopping online, useful search terms include:
- Edamame
- Edamame Beans
- Frozen Edamame
- Edamame in Pods
- Shelled Edamame
Yutaka Shop Online lists both edamame in pods and shelled edamame, allowing you to choose the format that best suits how you plan to use it.
Yutaka Ready Salted Edamame Soybeans In Pods 400g
Frozen edamame served in their natural pods and lightly salted, with the familiar bright green appearance and firm texture associated with Japanese-style edamame.
Ideal for serving as a simple appetiser, snack or izakaya-style side dish.
Best for: enjoying classic edamame in the pod.
Yutaka Edamame Shelled Soybeans - No Pods 500g
Frozen shelled edamame with the pods already removed, making the beans easy to use in a wide range of recipes.
Add them to salads, stir-fries, rice dishes, noodle dishes and soups after preparing according to the packet instructions.
Best for: anyone who wants convenient edamame for everyday cooking.
■ Edamame: The Key Things to Remember
The easiest way to understand edamame is to remember that edamame are young soybeans, not a completely different bean from soybeans.
They are harvested while still green and tender and are commonly enjoyed cooked.
The key terms are:
Edamame = young soybeans
Edamame in pods = beans still inside the outer pods
Shelled edamame = beans with the pods already removed
If edamame is served in the pod, eat the beans inside and discard the tough outer pod.
For frozen edamame, preparation methods vary by product, so always follow the instructions on the individual packet.
In Japan, edamame is particularly familiar as a simply salted appetiser and izakaya dish, but it is also used in regional preparations such as zunda and in a wide range of modern recipes.
■ Frequently Asked Questions
What is edamame?
Edamame are young soybeans harvested before they fully mature. They are usually green and are commonly boiled, steamed or otherwise prepared before eating.
Are edamame soybeans?
Yes. Edamame are soybeans harvested while they are still young, green and tender. Mature soybeans are harvested later and are commonly used for foods such as tofu, miso and soy milk.
What does edamame taste like?
Edamame have a mild, slightly sweet and gently nutty flavour. When properly prepared, the beans are tender while retaining a pleasant bite.
How do you eat edamame?
If edamame is served in the pod, bring the pod to your mouth and gently squeeze or pull the beans out. Eat the beans and discard the outer pod.
Can you eat edamame pods?
The tough outer pods are normally not eaten. The beans inside the pods are the part that is eaten.
What is shelled edamame?
Shelled edamame means that the beans have already been removed from the pods. This makes them convenient for salads, rice dishes, stir-fries, soups and other recipes.
How do you cook edamame?
Edamame can be boiled or steamed. Fresh edamame is commonly cooked in salted water, while frozen products should be prepared according to the instructions on the individual packet.
How do you cook frozen edamame?
Preparation varies between frozen edamame products. Check the packet because some products may be sold in pods, shelled, seasoned or processed differently before freezing.
Can you eat edamame raw?
Edamame is generally cooked before eating. Fresh edamame should be cooked according to your recipe, while frozen edamame should be prepared according to the instructions on the packet.
What is the difference between edamame and soybeans?
Edamame and mature soybeans come from the same plant. Edamame are harvested while young and green, whereas mature soybeans are harvested later.
How is edamame eaten in Japan?
One of the most familiar Japanese preparations is cooked edamame in the pod with salt. It is also commonly seen as an appetiser at izakaya and is used in regional foods such as zunda.
What is zunda?
Zunda is a Japanese preparation made by crushing cooked edamame into a green paste. It is particularly associated with Miyagi Prefecture and is well known as a topping for zunda mochi.
Where can I buy edamame in the UK?
Edamame is available from Japanese food shops, Asian supermarkets and specialist online retailers in the UK. It is commonly sold frozen either in pods or already shelled.
■ Sources
-
Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF), Japan — Edamame and Soybeans
Official Japanese government information explaining the relationship between edamame and mature soybeans.
View MAFF information about edamame and soybeans -
Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries — Akebono Daizu no Edamame
Information about a regional Japanese edamame variety and a traditional salted boiling method.
View MAFF's Akebono Edamame guide -
Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries — Zunda Mochi
Official information about the regional Japanese preparation of edamame used to make zunda.
View MAFF's Zunda Mochi guide -
Yutaka Shop Online — Ready Salted Edamame Soybeans In Pods 400g
Current Yutaka product information for frozen, lightly salted edamame in pods.
View Yutaka Edamame in Pods -
Yutaka Shop Online — Edamame Shelled Soybeans - No Pods 500g
Current Yutaka product information for frozen shelled edamame.
View Yutaka Shelled Edamame