edamame

American  

[ed-uh-mah-mey] / ˌɛd əˈmɑ meɪ /

plural noun

1. unripe, green soybeans that are steamed or boiled in their pods.

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Usage

What are edamame? Edamame are unripe soybeans.Edamame are soybeans that are picked while green and unripe and then steamed, boiled, or roasted in their pods. Each pod contains one to four beans.Edamame is normally eaten as a side dish or appetizer in Japanese and Asian fusion cuisine. When eaten as a side dish, it’s usually served within the pod with a soy sauce or glaze. Generally you only eat the beans, not the pods. The pods aren’t poisonous, but they are hard to chew and don’t digest well.Shelled edamame can be used in salads, poke bowls, noodle dishes, soups, and other dishes. Edamame is both singular and plural, meaning it can refer to each seed individually, a group of seeds, each pod, or a group of pods. Example: The first time I had edamame, I didn’t know you were supposed to take off the shells before eating them.

Etymology

Origin of edamame

1950-55; < Japanese eda branch, twig + mame beans

Example Sentences

Definitely get the spicy edamame, with garlic, tamari, and togarashi; it was one of the best veggies we enjoyed on the whole trip.

From Salon

But this place has the best edamame so I can’t help but enjoy it.

From Los Angeles Times

Lincoln Park also offers one of the best midday deals in the city: a $38 lunch tasting menu with edamame, spicy tuna crispy rice, sashimi and nigiri, a scallop hand roll, and more.

From Salon

Or, for an Asian-inspired variation, use a mix of carrots, bean sprouts, broccoli, brown rice and edamame, paired with Asian spices and sauces.

From Salon

When I tell her she surely must have served me edamame at some point in the last 20 years, she offers a knowing nod.

From Salon