Sunflower Crunch Edamame Salad

SOUND BITE

Trust me, this is not a tasteless pile of soybeans! It’s a showstopping edamame and lentil salad that’s bright, beautiful and brimming with flavor, thanks to the Asian-inspired dressing and the colorful mix of vibrant veggies. Toss in some crunchy sunflower seeds and fresh cilantro and try not to eat the whole bowlful!

What is Hoisin Sauce?

If you’re a fan of Asian cuisine like I am, you’ve probably encountered hoisin sauce at some point.

It's a thick, dark, sweet and salty, flavor-packed Chinese sauce (or condiment), made from ingredients like fermented soybeans, garlic, vinegar, sugar, fennel and five-spice powder.

Some people refer to it as “the ketchup of Chinese cooking” but it’s much more flavorful than ketchup. Chinese barbecue sauce would be a more accurate description.

It’s really a magical ingredient in Asian sauces, marinades and dressings, taking recipes from flat to fabulous in a flash.

I always grab hoisin sauce when my Asian-inspired recipes need a flavor boost. When soy sauce just doesn’t cut it, it’s hoisin sauce to the rescue!

It can be used as a glaze for meat, a dipping sauce, in stir-fries or in salad dressings, like the sesame-ginger dressing you’re about to taste in this Sunflower Crunch Edamame Salad.

Whatever you do, don’t let the hoisin hide in your fridge. It’s time to get back on the sauce!