How to Cook Soybeans

Co-authored by wikiHow Staff

Last Updated: May 6, 2021 Approved

Soybeans are rich in dietary protein and fiber, while at the same time being low in fat. They are typically sold dried, but you can also find them fresh. Once cooked, you can use soybeans in various recipes, including soups and sauces.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Pre-Soaking Dried Soybeans

1
Rinse the soybeans with cold water. Fill a bowl with water, then add the beans. Gently rub the beans together with your fingers to get rid of any dust. Pick out any discolored or misshapen beans loose hulls, or grit.^{[1]
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- You must pre-soak dried soybeans. If you are starting with fresh soybeans, you can move on to boiling them.
2
Drain the soybeans. Set a colander into the sink,then empty the beans into it. Shake the colander to dislodge any excess water. Once again, if you see any hulls, pick them out and discard them.

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3
Soak the soybeans overnight in the fridge. Transfer the beans into a large bowl or pot. Use 3 cups (700 milliliters) of cold water and 1 teaspoon of salt every 1 cup (200 grams) of soybeans. Place the beans into the fridge, and allow them to soak for 8 to 10 hours.^{[2]
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- Refrigerating the beans while they soak will keep them from fermenting, especially in warmer climates.^{[3]
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4
Drain and rinse the soybeans one last time. Once the beans have soaked, they are ready to cook. Pour them into a colander, then gently shake them to remove any excess water. After this, you can cook the beans as desired.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Boiling Soybeans

1
Place the soybeans into a large cooking pot. Make sure that the beans don't fill more than the bottom fourth of the pot. If the pot is too small, the foam created by the cooking beans will overflow and make a mess.^{[4]
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2
Cover the soybeans with hot water. You will need to use 4 cups (950 milliliters) of hot water for every 1 cup (200 grams) of soybeans.^{[5]
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- Weigh the beans down with a heat-safe plate. This will allow them to cook more evenly.^{[6]
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3
Bring the water to a boil, then simmer the beans 3 hours. Bring the water to a boil over high heat. As soon as it starts to boil, reduce the heat to low or medium-low. Allow the beans to simmer for about 3 hours, or until they are tender.^{[7]
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- Overtime, the water will evaporate. Add more water to the pot as needed.
- Use a slotted spoon to scoop out any floating foam or hulls.
- If you are cooking black soybeans, reduce the cooking time to 1 hour and 30 minutes.^{[8]
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4
Drain and hull the beans, if needed. Use a slotted spoon to remove any hulls from the water first. Drain the beans through a colander, then shake them to remove any excess water. If you see any hulls stuck to the beans, let them cool for a few minutes before picking them off by hand.
- You can discard the cooking water or save it for later use in a soup or sauce.
5
Use the soybeans as desired. You can season them further and serve them as-is, or you can use them in other recipes. Try tossing them into a salad, baking them, or turning them into chili.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Cooking Soybeans in Other Ways

1
Roast soybeans if you desire something more crunchy. Spread the pre-soaked soybeans on top of a lightly-greased baking sheet. Bake them in a pre-heated oven at 350 °F (177 °C) for 40 to 45 minutes, stirring them often. They are ready when they are light brown and crunchy.^{[9]
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- You can use the same technique in an electric frying pan. Grease the pan, add the beans, and fry them at 350 °F (177 °C) for 40 to 50 minutes, stirring often.
2
Use a crock pot if you have more time. Add the pre-soaked soybeans into a large crockpot. Cover them with hot water. Add 1 teaspoon of salt, then cover the pot. Cook the beans on HIGH for 6 to 8 hours.^{[10]
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3
Boil young green soybeans (edamame) for 5 to 6 minutes. Season 4 cups (620 grams) of edamame beans with 2 tablespoons (34 grams) of salt. Let them sit for 15 minutes, then add them to a large pot of salted water. Boil them, uncovered, for 5 to 6 minutes. Drain the beans, then allow them to cool before serving. You can serve them in their pots or you can hull them first.^{[11]
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Community Q&A

Question

My soybeans have been cooking for 6 hours in a pan and they are still like bullets! How much longer do they need?

Community Answer

The best approach is to soak them overnight, then pressure cook them for 10-15 minutes. There is no need to cook that long on the stove top, it's inefficient and as you have found, not that effective either.
Question

Can I eat raw soybeans?

Community Answer

No, you should cook them first.
Question

What is the best way to store boiled soybeans and how long will they keep?

Community Answer

In an airtight container that is clean and covered. Put them in the refrigerator. They should keep for 4 or 5 days.