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Discover how to cook soybeans from scratch in a standard pot at home. It’s super simple, and always beans cooked from scratch taste better.
Not only are they an excellent source of protein and fiber, but they’re also incredibly versatile and easy to prepare at home.
In this recipe, I’ll show you how to cook soybeans to perfection, resulting in tender, flavorful beans that you can use in a variety of dishes. With just a few simple steps and a little bit of patience, you’ll have a batch of delicious soybeans that are perfect for adding to nourishing soups, hearty and satisfying stews, veggie burgers, refreshing salads, and more.
HOW TO COOK SOYBEANS
(Please read the printable recipe card below for detailed ingredients, measurements, steps, and notes).
Preparing soybeans in your own kitchen is a hassle-free and time-efficient task since you can soak the beans while you are sleeping and cook them while doing other activities at home. Nonetheless, it’s essential to remain present to monitor the simmering soybeans and replenish the water as required.
Since it requires a couple of hours to finish the entire process, I usually prepare about 2 cups of dry soybeans weekly. I use one to cook soy patties and the other for recipes like stews, salads, or soups.
KITCHEN EQUIPMENT
To prepare and cook these soybeans at home, the tools we need are super simple:
- Bowls to soak the beans.
- A medium/large cooking pot or Dutch oven.
INGREDIENTS
Here is a list of everything you will need to prepare these versatile soybeans:
- Soybeans – the star of the recipe. Try to buy organic soybeans to avoid GMOs (genetically modified organisms) and their potential impact on health.
- Water to soak and cook the soybeans.
- Bay leaves are often used in cooking to add flavor and aroma to a dish. When it comes to cooking soybeans, bay leaves are optional, but they can add a subtle earthy flavor and aroma to the beans.
- Salt to taste – It’s also optional.
DIRECTIONS
To cook the soybeans, rinse them thoroughly in cold water to remove any dirt or debris before being soaked in water for at least 8 hours (pick out any dark or discolored beans). This first step helps to soften the beans and reduce cooking time.
Once the beans are soaked, drain them, rinse them again, and remove any discolored beans you didn’t see in the first step.
Add the soybeans to a medium/large pot with water (using a 1:4 ratio of soybeans to water), along with bay leaves and salt, if desired. Bring to a boil, then simmer them on medium heat for 2 ½ to 3 hours or until the soybeans are soft and tender.
After cooking them, remove the bay leaves and drain any excess water. You can season the soybeans with salt to taste (if desired). The cooked soybeans can be used as a side dish or in a recipe of your choice.
What to love about this recipe? Well, you will find that it is:
- Simple and easy!
- Great for batch-cooking.
- High protein food.
- You have beans ready for your favorite recipes!
Let’s cook these soybeans at home!
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RECIPE AND INSTRUCTIONS
HOW TO COOK SOYBEANS (DRY BEANS)
Equipment
- 1 mixing bowl
- 1 Cooking pot or dutch oven
Ingredients
- 1 cup organic soybeans (200 gr of dry beans)
- 4 cups water
- 2 bay leaves (optional)
- Salt to taste (optional)
Instructions
- Rinse the dried soybeans thoroughly in cold water to remove dirt or debris. Also, pick out any dark or discolored beans.
- Soak the soybeans in water for at least 8 hours or overnight (8-12 hours for best results). This step will help soften the beans and reduce cooking time.
- Drain and rinse, removing any dark or discolored beans you didn’t see in the first step.
- Add the soaked soybeans to a medium/large cooking pot or Dutch oven, add 4 cups of water*, and the bay leaves and a pinch of salt if using.
- Bring the preparation to a boil, then reduce to medium heat and simmer the soybeans (without a lid) for at least 2 ½ to 3 hours, or until they are soft and tender, skimming off the foam that will rise to the water’s surface and the hulls. Check on the cooking soybeans now and then, stirring occasionally **.
- Once the soybeans are cooked and soft, remove the bay leaves if using, drain any excess water, and season with salt to taste (if desired).
- Serve the soybeans hot as a side dish, or use them in your favorite recipe.
Notes
- *Always cook soybeans in a 1:4 ratio with water. And since the cooking liquid from soybeans forms a foam, it’s a good idea to use a large pot with enough space above the water.
- ** You may need to add more water to the pot during cooking to prevent the beans from drying out.
- The total time in the recipe card doesn’t include the hours of soaking the beans.
- Cooked soybeans can be stored in the fridge for 3 to 5 days. Keep them in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag to maximize their shelf life. It is essential to prevent moisture and air from getting in, which can cause them to spoil more quickly. It is also recommended to let them cool to room temperature before refrigerating to avoid creating condensation inside the container. If you want to store cooked soybeans for a more extended period, you can freeze them for up to 6 months.
- One cup of dried soybeans typically yields approximately 2 1/2 to 3 cups of cooked soybeans. The exact amount may vary depending on factors such as the quality of the beans, the cooking method, and the amount of water used.
WAYS TO ENJOY THESE COOKED SOYBEANS
Cooked soybeans are versatile and nutritious ingredients that can be used in a variety of dishes. Here are some ways to enjoy and use cooked soybeans:
- Side dish: Season the cooked soybeans with salt and pepper and serve them as a nutritious side dish.
- Soups and stews: Add cooked soybeans to soups and stews for a protein boost and a hearty texture. They pair particularly well with vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and onions.
- Salads: Toss cooked soybeans into salads for added protein and texture. They work particularly well in grain salads or green salads with various vegetables.
- Veggie burgers: Use cooked soybeans as a main ingredient in homemade veggie burgers.
- Stir-fries: Add cooked soybeans to stir-fries for a protein-rich addition. They pair well with flavors like soy sauce, ginger, and garlic.
- Snacks: Roast cooked soybeans with a bit of salt and spices for a crunchy, high-protein snack.
If you are hungry for more meals with beans, you could also try these yummy recipes:
- Black Bean Soup.
- Easy Gluten-Free Vegan Meatballs.
- Vegan Beet Quinoa Burgers.
- Peach and Black Bean salad.
- Stuffed baked sweet potatoes.
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