Dessert

Steamed Edamame with Homemade Chicken Salt Recipe

ByElena Hart March 9, 2026March 9, 2026

Introduction

Steamed edamame is a simple, nutritious snack that’s perfect for any time of day. This recipe features a flavorful homemade seasoning blend that elevates the natural taste of the beans. Enjoy warm, tender edamame with a savory kick.

A close-up view of a wooden bowl full of bright green edamame pods, some pods are split open showing smooth green beans inside, sprinkled with coarse salt and small red spice flakes. To the right, a small white bowl holds reddish-brown soy sauce with white sesame seeds on the surface. The background is a white marbled texture with scattered sesame seeds and salt around the bowls. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 (0.2-oz) bouillon cubes
2 tsp. garlic powder

2 tsp. onion powder
1/2 tsp. celery salt

1/2 tsp. smoked paprika
1/4 tsp. MSG (optional)

1/4 tsp. turmeric
Kosher salt
1 lb. fresh or frozen edamame

Instructions

Step 1: In a small bowl, use a fork to crush the bouillon cubes into a fine powder.
Step 2: Add garlic powder, onion powder, celery salt, smoked paprika, MSG (if using), and turmeric to the crushed bouillon. Whisk together until fully combined to create the chicken salt seasoning.
Step 3: Pour water into a large pot to about 1/2 inch depth. Stir in 2 teaspoons of kosher salt and bring to a boil.

Step 4: Place the edamame in a steam basket and lower it into the boiling water. Cover with a lid and steam for 8 to 10 minutes, or longer if using frozen edamame, until beans are tender.
Step 5: Drain the edamame and transfer them to a large bowl. Sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of the chicken salt seasoning and additional kosher salt to taste. Toss well to evenly coat the beans.
Step 6: Serve warm and enjoy by gently squeezing the beans out of the pods with your fingers.

Tips & Variations

Make the chicken salt seasoning up to 6 months in advance and store it in an airtight container at room temperature to save time.
For a spicy twist, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the seasoning blend before tossing with the edamame.
Try adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a drizzle of sesame oil after seasoning for extra brightness and flavor.

Storage

Store leftover steamed edamame in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or steam briefly until warmed through, then toss with seasoning again before serving.

How to Serve

A round wooden bowl filled with bright green edamame pods, each pod lightly sprinkled with coarse salt and seasoning, showing a slightly fuzzy texture on the pods. The edamame are piled high, filling the bowl to the edges with some pods leaning over the rim. In the top left corner, there is a partial view of a white bowl with dark soy sauce and sesame seeds floating on top. The setting has a white marbled surface that gives a clean, bright background to the dish. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen edamame for this recipe?

Yes, frozen edamame works well for steaming. It may take a couple of minutes longer to become tender than fresh edamame.

What is MSG, and can I omit it?

MSG (monosodium glutamate) is a flavor enhancer that adds umami depth. It is optional and can be omitted without significantly affecting the overall flavor of the seasoning.