Soybeans -- also known as edamame -- make for a nutritious snack or side dish to a main meal. Low in fat and high in protein, fiber, calcium and a range of vitamins and minerals, it's recommended that you eat 1 to 2 servings of soy foods each day. Cooking soybeans in the microwave is quick way of getting them on your table.

Remove the soybeans from their packaging and rinse them well under cold water. If you're using frozen soybeans, allow them to sit out for around an hour to defrost.

Place the soybeans in a microwave-safe bowl. For every 5 ounces of soybeans you are going to cook, add roughly 1/2 cup of water to the bowl.

Cook on high for 6 minutes. The beans should pop out of their pods easily and be tender, yet still have a small amount of bite.