Edamame substitutes
Edamame substitutes — 5 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Also called edamame beans
Use Lima beans
Same amount as the edamame
Similar young beans with mild, nutty flavor and tender texture.
The best substitutes for edamame are lima beans, fava beans, or green peas.
- Verdict —
- Works
- Best for —
- snacks
Updated 3 Oct 2026 · no sponsored swaps
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of edamame | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lima beanssnacks | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 2 | Fava beanssnacks | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 3 | Green peassnacks | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 4 | Chickpeassnacks | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 5 | Black beanssnacks | Same amountYou'll taste it | You'll taste it |
Lima beans
similar taste and texture
Similar young beans with mild, nutty flavor and tender texture.
- Best for
- snacks, salads, stir-fries, soups
Very similar to edamame in flavor and texture. Cook them fully first; lima beans should not be eaten raw.
Fava beans
similar taste and texture
Similar young beans with mild, nutty flavor and tender texture.
- Best for
- snacks, salads, stir-fries, soups
Very similar to edamame in flavor and texture. Shell and peel them first. Anyone with G6PD deficiency (favism) should not eat fava beans.
Green peas
similar taste and texture
Similar young beans with mild, nutty flavor and tender texture.
- Best for
- snacks, salads, stir-fries, soups
Very similar to edamame in flavor and texture.
Chickpeas
similar taste, different texture
Cooked mature beans with a nutty flavor; larger, starchier and beige rather than green.
- Best for
- snacks, salads, stir-fries, soups
Nutty like edamame but starchier and firmer, and the green color is lost.
Black beans
different taste and texture
Cooked mature beans, soft, earthy and dark; they stand in for the protein, not the flavor.
- Best for
- snacks, salads, stir-fries, soups
Softer and earthier than edamame, and they darken the dish.
Questions
4 questionsCan I use lima beans instead of edamame?
Yes, lima beans are an excellent substitute for edamame. They have a very similar mild, nutty flavor and tender texture, making them good for the same applications.
What's the difference between edamame and fava beans?
Edamame are young soybeans with a mild, nutty flavor and tender texture, while fava beans are similar young beans with a similar mild, nutty flavor. Both work well in similar applications but have different cultural origins.
Can I make edamame at home?
Yes, you can make edamame at home by properly growing and preparing the soybeans. However, this process requires careful attention to growing times and can be time-consuming.
How long does edamame last?
Edamame can last for 3-5 days when stored properly in the refrigerator. However, it's best to use it within 2-3 days for optimal flavor and texture.
Tips for substituting edamame
7 tips- Edamame is best when used in snacks and salads for its mild, nutty flavor
- Store edamame in the refrigerator and use within 3-5 days
- Edamame pairs well with salt, sesame oil, and soy sauce
- For snacks, edamame adds depth and richness to dishes
- Edamame can be used in both sweet and savory applications
- Add edamame gradually to avoid overpowering other flavors
- Edamame works well in marinades, dressings, and sauces