The first time I took my mum to a Japanese restaurant, we ordered spicy edamame. She was delighted to see that we could pick the beans with fingers and eat just like the Indian food. She found them so deliciously addictive that I had to learn to make them at home so we didn’t end up at a Japanese restaurant every second day.

This irresistible dish, featuring plump and juicy edamame beans enveloped in a zesty chili garlic sauce, is not only a delightful appetizer or snack but also a nutritious and protein-packed option that is sure to please.

The combination of tender edamame beans, their delicate sweetness providing a neutral base for the sauce, and a fiery chili garlic sauce, its spicy kick balanced by a touch of sweetness and a hint of umami, creates a symphony of flavors that is both addictive and satisfying. The edamame beans, often cooked to perfection, retain their vibrant green color and offer a satisfying bite, while the chili garlic sauce, infused with aromatic garlic, tangy vinegar, and a touch of soy sauce, adds a layer of complexity and heat.