How Long To Soak Beans With Baking Soda

Soaking beans with baking soda can take anywhere from 4 to 12 hours, depending on the type of bean and how soft you want them to be.
 
The baking soda helps break down the beans’ natural pectin, which is what makes them tough and slow to soften.
 
When you soak beans with baking soda, you’re essentially speeding up the hydration process so they cook faster and more evenly.
 
If you’ve been wondering how long to soak beans with baking soda, the short answer is: usually overnight, but sometimes just a few hours will do the trick.
 
In this post, I’ll walk you through exactly how long to soak beans with baking soda, the science behind it, and the best practices so you get perfect beans every time.
 
Let’s get right into it.
 

How Long to Soak Beans With Baking Soda

How long to soak beans with baking soda depends on the bean variety and your recipe.
 
Here’s a simple breakdown to help you plan.
 

1. Overnight Soak (8 to 12 Hours)

For most dried beans like black beans, kidney beans, and pinto beans, soaking them with baking soda overnight is the gold standard.
 
You’ll want to use about 1 teaspoon of baking soda per pound of beans, dissolved in enough water to cover them by 2 to 3 inches.
 
Soaking beans with baking soda for 8 to 12 hours gives the soda enough time to soften the skins and start breaking down the tough starches.
 
This is the most reliable answer to how long to soak beans with baking soda if you want creamy, tender results.
 

2. Quick Soak (1 to 4 Hours)

Short on time?
 
You can still soak beans with baking soda in just 1 to 4 hours if you use hot water.
 
Bring your water to a boil, add the baking soda, then pour it over the beans and let them sit for a few hours.
 
This method works best for smaller beans like lentils or split peas, which soften faster.
 
For larger beans, a 4-hour soak with baking soda will help but may not get them fully tender.
 
So if you’re asking how long to soak beans with baking soda when you’re in a rush, aim for at least 4 hours with hot water.
 

3. Very Quick Soak (1 Hour or Less)

You can technically soak beans with baking soda for just 1 hour if you use boiling water and keep the pot covered.
 
But honestly, this is the bare minimum.
 
The beans will still be a bit firm in the center, and you’ll need to cook them longer.
 
If you’re really pressed for time, this works in a pinch, but it’s not the best answer to how long to soak beans with baking soda.
 
For the best texture, stick with the overnight method whenever you can.
 

Why Baking Soda Helps Beans Soften Faster

Baking soda is a game-changer when it comes to soaking beans.
 
Here’s why it works so well.
 

1. It Breaks Down Pectin

Beans contain pectin, a natural fiber that acts like glue holding the cell walls together.
 
Baking soda is alkaline, and that alkalinity helps dissolve pectin faster.
 
When you soak beans with baking soda, the pectin breaks down more quickly, so the beans soften in less time.
 

2. It Softens the Skin

The outer skin of beans is tough and waxy.
 
Baking soda helps break down that waxy layer so water can penetrate faster.
 
That’s why soaking beans with baking soda gives you creamier beans with less cooking time.
 

3. It Reduces Cooking Time

Because the beans absorb water faster and their skins soften, they cook much quicker on the stove.
 
So if you’re wondering how long to soak beans with baking soda to cut down on cooking time, even a 4-hour soak with baking soda can shave 30 minutes off your simmer.
 

Tips for Soaking Beans With Baking Soda

Before you run off to soak your beans, here are a few tips to get it right.
 

1. Don’t Use Too Much Baking Soda

More isn’t better here.
 
Use about 1 teaspoon per pound of beans.
 
Too much baking soda can leave a soapy taste and make the beans mushy.
 

2. Rinse Beans Well After Soaking

Always drain and rinse your beans after soaking beans with baking soda.
 
This removes any leftover soda taste and excess sodium.
 

3. Adjust for Bean Type

How long to soak beans with baking soda also depends on the bean.
 
Lentils and split peas need only 1 to 2 hours.
 
Chickpeas and kidney beans need 8 to 12 hours.
 
Black beans and pinto beans fall somewhere in between at 6 to 8 hours.
 

4. Skip Baking Soda for Certain Recipes

If you’re making a dish where you want the beans to hold their shape, like a salad, you might want to skip the baking soda.
 
It can make them too soft.
 
But for soups, stews, and refried beans, soaking beans with baking soda is perfect.
 

So, How Long to Soak Beans With Baking Soda?

Soaking beans with baking soda usually takes 8 to 12 hours overnight.
 
If you’re in a hurry, 4 hours with hot water works, and 1 hour is the absolute minimum.
 
The baking soda speeds up softening by breaking down pectin and the bean skins, so you get tender beans faster.
 
Just remember to use about 1 teaspoon per pound of beans, rinse thoroughly, and adjust the time based on the bean type.
 
Now that you know how long to soak beans with baking soda, you can enjoy creamy, perfectly cooked beans every single time.