HOW TO COOK SOYBEANS (DRY BEANS)
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.
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.