Wood Grilled Edamame Recipe

Thaw/Prep

If edamame is frozen, measure and put in a colander. Rinse briefly under cold water to remove any ice crystals. Bring 1 cup water and 1 tsp kosher salt to a gentle boil in a small pot.

Add the edamame pods to the boiling water and blanch for 2 minutes. Blanching partially cooks the beans and helps them hold color and texture when grilled. Immediately drain and transfer the edamame to an ice bath or very cold water for 1 minute to stop cooking. Drain well and pat dry with a towel.

In a small bowl combine 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp soy sauce, 1 tsp toasted sesame oil, 1 tsp fresh lime juice, 1 tsp red pepper flakes, and 1/2 tsp smoked paprika. Whisk or stir until combined. Taste and adjust — add a pinch more soy for saltiness or more lime for brightness. Set aside.

If using a charcoal or gas grill, soak 1/4 cup wood chips for 20–30 minutes, then drain. For a gas grill, place the drained chips in a smoker box or wrap in foil with holes poked and place over the heat source. For charcoal, sprinkle chips over hot coals. Preheat grill to medium-high — target surface temperature about 400°F (200°C). If using a cast-iron grill pan on a wood or gas fire, ensure it is well heated.

Lightly toss the blanched, dried edamame with the seasoning mixture so pods are evenly coated. If worried about sticking, very lightly oil the grill grates or spray pods with 1 tsp neutral oil.

Place edamame pods directly on the grill grates (or in a grill basket) in a single layer. Close the lid and grill for 3–5 minutes, turning once halfway through, until pods develop charred spots and a light smoky aroma. Watch closely to avoid burning; chips should produce a steady smoke but not flare ups.

Remove pods from the grill and transfer to a serving bowl.

While still warm, toss the grilled edamame with any remaining seasoning in the bowl so flavors cling to the pods. Sprinkle 1/4 tsp flaky sea salt evenly over the pods and give a final toss. Optionally squeeze a little extra lime for brightness.

Serve immediately as a snack or appetizer. To eat, squeeze the soybean from the pod with your teeth into your mouth and discard the pod.