How Long To Cook Adzuki Beans

How long to cook adzuki beans depends on whether you’re using dried beans, soaked beans, or canned beans.
 
If you’re working with dried adzuki beans that haven’t been soaked, you’re looking at about 60 to 90 minutes of simmering on the stovetop.
 
Soaked adzuki beans cook much faster, usually in about 45 to 60 minutes.
 
And if you’re using canned adzuki beans, well, they’re already cooked, so you just need to heat them up for 5 to 10 minutes.
 
The cooking time for adzuki beans also depends on your preferred texture, your altitude, and whether you’re using a pressure cooker or a regular pot.
 
In this post, we’ll break down exactly how long to cook adzuki beans using different methods so you get perfectly tender beans every single time.
 
Let’s dive in.
 

How Long to Cook Adzuki Beans on the Stovetop

The stovetop is the most common way to cook adzuki beans, and it gives you the most control over texture.
 
Here’s how long to cook adzuki beans on the stove, depending on whether you soaked them or not.
 

1. Unsoaked Dried Adzuki Beans

If you skip the soaking step, add your rinsed adzuki beans to a large pot with about 3 cups of water for every 1 cup of beans.
 
Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat and let them simmer.
 
Unsoaked adzuki beans usually take 60 to 90 minutes to become tender.
 
Check them after the 60-minute mark because overcooked adzuki beans turn mushy fast.
 

2. Soaked Dried Adzuki Beans

Soaking adzuki beans overnight or for at least 6 to 8 hours cuts the cooking time significantly.
 
Drain and rinse the soaked beans, then simmer them in fresh water.
 
Soaked adzuki beans typically cook in about 45 to 60 minutes.
 
This is my favorite way to cook adzuki beans because the texture comes out creamy but still holds its shape.
 

3. How to Tell When Adzuki Beans Are Done

The best way to know how long to cook adzuki beans is to taste them, not just watch the clock.
 
Scoop out a few beans and squeeze one between your fingers.
 
If it smashes easily with no gritty center, your adzuki beans are done.
 
If it’s still firm in the middle, keep simmering and check again in 10-minute intervals.
 

How Long to Cook Adzuki Beans in a Pressure Cooker

A pressure cooker is the fastest way to cook adzuki beans, hands down.
 
Here’s how long to cook adzuki beans using this method.
 

1. Unsoaked Adzuki Beans in a Pressure Cooker

Add 1 cup of rinsed adzuki beans and 3 cups of water to your pressure cooker.
 
Cook on high pressure for about 25 to 30 minutes, then let the pressure release naturally.
 
That’s a huge time saver compared to the stovetop.
 

2. Soaked Adzuki Beans in a Pressure Cooker

If you soaked your adzuki beans first, the cooking time drops to just 15 to 20 minutes on high pressure.
 
So if you’re wondering how long to cook adzuki beans when you’re in a hurry, this is the way to go.
 

3. Quick Release vs Natural Release

For adzuki beans, always use a natural release for at least 10 minutes before doing a quick release.
 
A quick release can cause the beans to split and lose their shape.
 
Patience here makes a big difference in how your adzuki beans turn out.
 

How Long to Cook Adzuki Beans in a Slow Cooker

The slow cooker is hands-off, which makes it perfect for busy days.
 
Here’s how long to cook adzuki beans when you’re using this method.
 

1. Soaked Adzuki Beans in a Slow Cooker

Add soaked, drained adzuki beans to your slow cooker with enough water to cover them by 2 inches.
 
Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours.
 
The exact time depends on your slow cooker, so start checking at the earlier mark.
 

2. Unsoaked Adzuki Beans in a Slow Cooker

Unsoaked adzuki beans work too, but they need more time and more liquid.
 
Cook them on low for 8 to 10 hours or on high for 5 to 6 hours.
 
Either way, you’ll get tender adzuki beans with almost zero effort.
 

3. A Quick Tip for Slow Cooker Adzuki Beans

Don’t add salt or acidic ingredients like tomatoes until the beans are fully cooked.
 
Salt and acid can toughen the skins and keep your adzuki beans firm no matter how long you cook them.
 
Season at the end for the best results.
 

So, How Long to Cook Adzuki Beans?

How long to cook adzuki beans comes down to your method and whether you soaked them first.
 
On the stovetop, soaked adzuki beans take 45 to 60 minutes, while unsoaked ones need 60 to 90 minutes.
 
In a pressure cooker, that drops to 15 to 30 minutes, and a slow cooker takes 3 to 10 hours depending on your setting.
 
Whatever method you choose, taste your adzuki beans near the end of the cooking time and pull them once they’re tender but not mushy.
 
Now you know exactly how long to cook adzuki beans, so go ahead and make that pot of red bean soup, curry, or rice bowl you’ve been craving.