I don’t know about you but I find edamame (pronounced: ed-ah-MAH-may) in the pods completely addicting. They’re typically served slightly salty and steamy hot, I just can’t stop myself when they’re set out before me. I think a bowl before dinner is not only a delicious and healthy way to start a meal, but it’s also a great way to gather the troops around the table as you put the finishing touches on whatever the main course might be. Though you were probably introduced to edamame in an Asian restaurant (and today’s Spicy Sesame Edamame has a Japanese flair) it needn’t strictly be a precursor to Asian feasts. Edamame is a versatile little guy.
Spicy Sesame Edamame
In the classic preparation, edamame is boiled or steamed and tossed with excellent sea salt. I love the way the briny flavors get licked from your lips and fingers. It makes edamame a uniquely enjoyable dining experience. Edamame tastes great served this simply, but what makes it completely addicting is the innovative pairing of spicy sesame salt to compliment its natural nuttiness.
My sesame edamame recipe has the same salty allure as the classic version, but there’s the added bonus of a slight tingle to the lips as you slip each pod into your mouth. Of course, you’ll lick your fingers and exhale with satisfaction as your reach for another, and another. You won’t be able to stop because you will experience the kind of thrill that you associate with an all too exciting but forbidden kiss. A healthy squeeze of aromatic lemon adds to the sensuality.
Goshimo
Spicy Sesame Edamame gets its allure from a combination of shichimi togarashi (Japanese chili powder) and a Japanese spice blend known as goshimo (also spelled gomasio). You can find both in the Asian section of good grocery stores. However, check the labels. While shichimi togarashi usually contains nothing but natural ingredients, several of the Asian brands of goshimo I looked at had all kinds of additives (even MSG). Good goshimo should be nothing more than unhulled sesame seeds and sea salt, so why not make your own. The traditional ratio is anywhere between 5 and 15 parts toasted sesame seeds to 1 part coarse sea salt. I tend to prefer 15/1. GREG
Ingredients
- 1 pound frozen edamame (in pods)
- shichimi togarashi (to taste)
- goshimo (to taste, see recipe)
- lemon wedges (as needed)
Directions
Fill a large pot fitted with a steamer insert or basket with 2 to 3 inches water. Bring water to a simmer over medium-high heat. Steam edamame, covered, until hot, 3 to 4 minutes. Transfer to a bowl, and sprinkle with shichimi togarashi and goshimo to taste. Toss and sprinkle again. Serve immediately with lemon wedges for spritzing.
Ingredients
- 15 teaspoon sesame seeds (whole, raw, and unhulled )
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
Directions
Place a small, heavy skillet over medium heat. Add sesame seeds and toast, swirling the seeds often until they start to crackle and pop, about 2 minutes. Be careful not to burn them. Remove from heat.
Immediately after toasting (they could burn if left in a hot skillet) place the sesame seeds and salt to a spice grinder or mortar and pestle. Grind them a bit to a chunky powder.
Store in an air-tight container in a cool, dry place.
Edamame is so addicting and this version is not only easy, but looks like the perfect snack!
I love edamame and I will make your goshimo with my sesame grinder I bought in a Japanese store years ago. Thanks for the recipe.
Never knew about gomasio so I just love this post- thanks!!!
Wow!! I can’t believe how easy this is! I agree. So addicting! These would be gone within a couple of minutes
They are so addictive, particularly with the amazing seasonings you’ve added. They surely would be difficult to resist! I haven’t made edamame in such a long time because, we’ve been trying to cut down on soy because they are all seem to be GMO.
I do love how you describe food! Eating edamame is so addicting. Love your spin on it.
The first time Mark popped an edamame pod in his mouth, he assumed the entire pod was edible. That didn’t go very well… now he loves them, and I think your spicy version will suit us both.
Totally addicting yes! I love the sprinkle of gomasio on your edamame. I’ve always known the (also addictive) sesame salt with the second spelling.
I too can’t stop eating edamame when it’s placed in front of me. If a bowl of your spicy sesame edamame were to be placed in front of me I would hog it all to my self.
Edamame, how I love thee ! So healthy, so yummy ! I use it in salads, stir fry, snacking, you name it. This looks like another way to be happy 🙂