Updated 11/22/24
A vegetable high in protein might seem like a unicorn, but it exists: Costco edamame. After disappearing from some store shelves, it’s back in stock. Is it worth buying? How should you cook and eat it? Read on for a practical guide to Costco’s edamame.
Let’s cover what you need to know about Costco edamame — price, preparation, nutrition, storage, and recipe ideas.
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Does Costco Sell Edamame?
Yes. Costco carries shelled edamame in the frozen vegetable aisle. The common offering is Imperial Garden Organic Edamame sold in large bulk bags. Each package typically contains several steamable pouches, convenient for portioning and quick cooking.
These steamable bags work well as a simple appetizer, snack, or as an addition to salads and bowls.
Short-term shortages and price shifts led to rumors of discontinuation, but those were temporary supply and market fluctuations rather than a permanent removal.
How Much Is Edamame at Costco?
A typical Costco bag of Organic Edamame is priced around $13.99. That bag contains multiple eight-ounce steamable pouches, which works out to a low cost per ounce compared with many grocery-store alternatives.
Frozen edamame stores well in the freezer for many months, so buying in bulk from Costco can be economical if you use it regularly.
Prices can change over time; the figure above reflects recent pricing but check your local warehouse for the current cost.
How Do You Make Costco Edamame?
Edamame should be cooked before eating. It can be a bit tough when undercooked, so follow one of these reliable methods to get tender, flavorful beans. No defrosting is required for any of the methods below.
How Do You Cook Costco Edamame In The Air Fryer?
Remove pods from the pouch, toss with a little olive oil and salt, and air fry at 390°F for about 7 minutes. For a crisper texture, add another 3–5 minutes, checking frequently to avoid burning.
How To Cook Costco Edamame In The Microwave
Place a steamable pouch directly into the microwave and heat for about two and a half minutes. Most steamable bags are designed to vent during microwaving, so there’s no need to puncture them.
How Do You Steam Costco Edamame?
Bring about a cup of water to a boil in a medium pot. Add edamame to the pot, cover, and steam for roughly three minutes. Drain and serve immediately.
How Do You Know When Edamame Is Cooked
A quick test: squeeze a pod between your fingers. If a bean slides out easily, it’s cooked. If it resists, give it another minute or two.
Is Costco Edamame Good? An Honest Review
Costco’s Imperial Garden edamame gets high marks for taste, texture, and convenience. The pods are not rubbery, beans cook evenly, and the portioned steamable pouches make preparation easy.
Most beans are a good size, and the packaged cooking instructions are reliable. They make a satisfying, healthy snack straight from the pod.
If you plan to use a lot of shelled edamame in salads or recipes, be aware that shelling pods takes time — for large batches, buying pre-shelled edamame elsewhere may save effort. After steaming, the pods can be slightly damp; patting them dry for a minute improves texture before serving.
Overall, this product is highly recommended as an affordable, tasty option for frozen edamame.
How To Use It — Recipes Using Costco Edamame
Edamame is versatile: try it in succotash, mixed into salads with white beans, or added to sesame noodle bowls. It pairs nicely with fish, chicken, steak, or shrimp. For a simple appetizer, sprinkle steamed pods with coarse sea salt or experiment with everything-bagel seasoning, red pepper flakes, or a splash of rice vinegar.
Shelled edamame also works well in bowls with vegetables, grains, and a flavorful dressing like spicy mayo vinaigrette for a quick weeknight meal.
What Are The Nutrition Facts of Costco Edamame?
Each eight-ounce steamable pouch is nutrient-dense, offering fiber, protein, and essential minerals. Typical values per 8-ounce serving include:
- 140 calories
- 5 g total fat (about 0.5 g saturated fat)
- ~5 mg sodium
- 11 g carbohydrates (about 4 g fiber and 2 g sugar)
- No added sugars
- 12 g protein
Edamame is also a source of minerals like calcium, iron, and potassium, making it a filling and nutritious option.
- ~110 mg calcium
- ~2 mg iron
- ~535 mg potassium
Is Costco Edamame Good For You?
An 8-ounce serving provides a balanced mix of protein, fiber, and healthy nutrients in about 140 calories. Many people include edamame as part of a healthy diet, though individuals with specific dietary concerns should consult reliable guidance to determine what’s right for them.
How Do You Eat Shelled Edamame?
If edamame is sold already shelled, it can be eaten with minimal preparation. For podded edamame, do not eat the outer shell — squeeze the pod near the seam to pop the beans into your mouth or a bowl.
How Long Does Costco Edamame Last in Freezer?
Properly stored in a consistent freezer at or near 0°F, Costco edamame should maintain best quality for about 8–12 months. After that window the texture or flavor may decline, though it is generally still safe to eat if there’s no significant freezer burn.
What Is The Country Of Origin Of Costco Edamame?
Costco’s Imperial Garden edamame is distributed by a company based in Houston, Texas, and the product is commonly sourced from China. Edamame has a long cultivation history in Asia, and much of the world’s frozen edamame supply originates from that region.
Organic labeling indicates the product meets organic standards for the country where it’s certified, which prohibits GM ingredients in organic products.
Does Costco Have Shelled Edamame?
Costco typically sells edamame in the pod rather than pre-shelled. Shelling pods is straightforward but can be time-consuming for large quantities. For recipes that require a lot of shelled edamame, consider buying a pre-shelled product if you want to save time.
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