edamame
Edamame refers to immature soybeans harvested while still green and tender, typically served boiled or steamed in their pods. The mental image is a steaming bowl of bright green pods, often lightly dusted with coarse sea salt, which you squeeze between your lips to pop out the soft, buttery beans inside. It is a staple appetizer in Japanese cuisine, frequently enjoyed as a snack alongside beer or sake. While "edamame" is the Japanese word, it is now standard English terminology in culinary contexts and is widely recognized in grocery stores and restaurants across the globe.
In conversation
Ordering at a restaurant
Can I start you off with an appetizer?
Yes, let's get the edamame for the table.
It is common to order edamame as a shared starter.
Healthy snacking
I need a snack that's high in protein.
Have you tried frozen edamame? Just microwave them for a minute.
Edamame is frequently cited as a convenient, healthy protein source.
Examples
I ordered a bowl of salted edamame.
I ordered a bowl of salted edamame.
Edamame is a great source of plant-based protein for vegetarians.
Edamame is a great source of plant-based protein for vegetarians.
The chef lightly charred the edamame to give them a smoky flavor.
The chef lightly charred the edamame to give them a smoky flavor.
