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How to Microwave Frozen Edamame

Perfectly cooked frozen edamame made and served in the glass Anyday dish, providing tender and flavorful edamame pods. This method ensures evenly cooked edamame with no thawing needed, ideal for a quick and healthy snack or addition to meals.
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Prep Time

1 min

Cook Time

3 mins

Free Time

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How to Microwave Frozen Edamame

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While fresh edamame can be hard to find, frozen pods are easy to find in the grocery store freezer aisle. Picked at their peak, the pods are frozen immediately after harvest, locking in their natural flavors and quality until you're ready to enjoy them. Edamame pods are a quick, protein-packed snack, perfect for when you’re looking for a healthy option. Using an Anyday dish, you can microwave edamame to perfection, preserving its nutrients, vibrant color, and delicious flavor.

All of Anyday’s recipes are tested (and retested!) in many different microwaves and home kitchens to make sure they work — and work well. Unless specified otherwise, all recipes should be cooked at full power.

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Select your serving size and microwave wattage in the dropdown. The recipe will change accordingly.

1 cup frozen edamame
  • 1 cup frozen edamame
  • 2 cups frozen edamame
  • 4 cups frozen edamame
  • 6 cups frozen edamame
  • 8 cups frozen edamame
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Select your microwave wattage in the dropdown. The cook times in this recipe will automatically change accordingly.

[[video-wattage]]

To find your microwave’s wattage, look at the front panel, the side of the door, in the back, in the user manual, or Google the model number. If both an input and output wattage are listed, use the output.

Wattage translates to how powerful the microwave is. The higher the wattage, the faster your food will cook. The lower the wattage, the longer the cook time.

When in doubt, start with less time — you can always add more.

700w
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  • 1000w
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Dish

The Small Dish

Ingredients

  • 1 cup (80g) frozen edamame pods, keep frozen
  • ¼ teaspoon water

Preparation

  1. Add the still-frozen edamame pods to an Anyday dish with the water and salt to taste. Cover with the lid (knob lifted).
  2. Cook in the microwave for 3 minutes, or until the pods are heated through and steam is visible.
  3. Using the Anyday Strainer, strain the excess water before serving or storing.

Suggestions

  • Sea salt and lime: Sprinkle sea salt and a squeeze of fresh lime juice over the steamed edamame for a refreshing burst of flavor.
  • Soy sauce and sesame seeds: Toss the steamed edamame with a splash of soy sauce and toasted sesame seeds for a savory, nutty taste.
  • Parmesan and black pepper: Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese and cracked black pepper over the steamed edamame for a savory, cheesy flavor.
  • Togarashi: Season the steamed edamame with Japanese togarashi spice blend for a complex mix of chili, orange peel, sesame seeds, and more.

Recipe Notes

  • Frozen edamame pods do not need to be thawed! (This is the ultimate time-saving hack.)
  • If you want to boost the flavor, use a small amount of butter or oil in place of water.
  • Select the wattage on your microwave in our recipe for the most accurate cook time, or use the instructions on the back of the package as guidelines.
  • Microwave ovens vary, even with the same wattages. Adjust cooking times as needed.

Microwave Match Up: Frozen Edamame

See for yourself— microwaving frozen edamame is simply faster, start to finish.

Appliance Cook Time
Microwave in an Anyday dish 2-4 mins
Stovetop* 7-10 mins
Instant Pot (Pressure Cooker)* 10-15 mins
*Includes defrosting time
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All You Need to Know About Microwaving Frozen Edamame

What is edamame?

Ingredient Cook Time
1 cup frozen edamame 3 mins
2 cups frozen edamame 4-5 mins
4 cups frozen edamame 6-7 mins
6 cups frozen edamame 9 mins
8 cups frozen edamame 13-14 mins
Cook time calculated for 700w microwave

Edamame is a popular snack and ingredient in many cuisines, particularly in East Asia, where it has been enjoyed for centuries. Edamame pods are immature soybeans that are harvested before they fully ripen. Typically, they are bright green in color and are encased in a slightly fuzzy pod.

Can I cook frozen edamame in the microwave without thawing them first?

Yes, you can cook frozen edamame pods directly in the microwave without thawing. Simply place them in the Anyday dish, season as desired, and cook according to the recipe instructions.

How long does it take to cook frozen edamame in the microwave?

The microwave cooking time for frozen edamame pods varies based on quantity and microwave wattage. Generally, microwave on high for 2-3 minutes for 1 cup of edamame. Adjust the cooking time as needed to achieve the desired texture.

Is it safe to microwave edamame pods in their shells?

Yes, it is safe to microwave edamame pods in their shells. The shells help retain moisture and flavor during cooking. Just make sure to cook them thoroughly and test for doneness.

Can I use frozen edamame in recipes that call for fresh edamame?

Yes, you can substitute frozen edamame for fresh edamame in most recipes. Simply shuck the beans out of the pods and use them in the recipe as indicated. A secondary option would be to use lima beans.

Are frozen edamame pods nutritious?

Yes, frozen edamame pods are highly nutritious. They are rich in protein, fiber, vitamins (such as K), folate, manganese, and iron making them a healthy addition to your diet. Edamame is especially high in plant-based protein, making it an excellent choice for vegetarians and vegans.

How do I know when frozen edamame is properly cooked in the microwave?

Frozen edamame pods are properly cooked when they are heated through and tender to the bite. Test for doneness by sampling a pod; it should be easy to bite into and release the beans inside. Adjust the cooking time to achieve your desired texture.

How do I store leftover microwaved frozen edamame pods?

Store leftover microwaved edamame pods in an Anyday dish in the refrigerator. They typically stay fresh for 2-3 days. To reheat, microwave them for a few minutes or enjoy them cold as a nutritious snack. Do not re-freeze cooked frozen edamame.

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