Edamame VS Soybeans: Which is Better?

Edamame and soybeans. What's the difference? And is one better than the other? Let's put them head to head and find out!

What Is Edamame?

Edamame beans are soybeans. But soybeans that haven't fully developed yet. They're still young, green and tender.

And Soybeans?

Regular soybeans instead are left to mature until they turn into hard, dry, and yellow beans. They're mostly used to make soybean oil, tofu, and soy sauce.

How Do You Eat Edamame?

You can have edamame beans steamed or boiled in their pods and enjoy them as a snack or side dish. You can also prepare them as you would do with broad beans or peas.

Edamame VS Soybeans

How do edamame and soybeans compare? We set cooked edamame against cooked soybeans — same weight, same cooking method. And what did we find out?

Both Incredibly Nutritious

Compared to edamame, soybeans have a little more of every nutrient, but they're so close. That's not such a big surprise: they are the same bean after all!

And Good For You

Edamame and soybeans have complete plant-based proteins and the highest protein count among all beans! They're also packed with fibres and low in saturated fats. Super!

How Do They Taste?

But wait, our challenge is not over yet! Nutrition is not everything. How about taste? Soybeans are quite bland and dry, while edamame beans are tender and more flavourful!

Best Bang For You Buck

Are you on a tight budget? Then, dry soybeans are the best. Their nutrition to price value is unbeatable, not only against edamame but all other beans too!

Versatility In Recipes

And how about recipes? Edamame beans are great in salads, rice dishes, dips, or on their own. But soybeans are equally versatile! Use them in stews, casseroles, and veggie burgers.

Recipe Idea #1

We've got a tasty meal idea with edamame you can try today. It's a Japanese dish with stir-fried sushi rice, crispy garlic, shiitake, and edamame. Grab the full recipe below!

Recipe Idea #2

Or how about this fresh edamame salad with spinach, blueberries, and grilled peaches? You'll love it. Perfect for your next lunch box!

Recipe Idea #3

And with soybeans, we've got these buffalo tempeh wings! Ever tried tempeh? It's a like a cake of packed soybeans, great as a meat alternative. Give it a go!

The Takeaway

Edamame and soybeans are equally nutritious and versatile. But if you value flavour over price, then edamame beans are probably the best choice!