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How long you should soak beans depends on the type of bean, but most beans need anywhere from 6 to 12 hours of soaking.
If you’ve been wondering how long to soak beans before cooking, the short answer is overnight, but there’s a lot more to it than just tossing them in water and walking away.
Some beans soak faster, some take longer, and some don’t even need soaking at all.
In this post, we’ll break down exactly how long you should soak beans, why soaking matters, and how to know when your beans are ready.
Let’s get into it.
How Long Should You Soak Beans?
Soaking beans is one of those kitchen tasks that seems simple until you actually start doing it.
The truth is, how long you soak beans really comes down to the variety and your personal preference.
Here’s what you need to know.
1. Most Beans Need 6 to 12 Hours
If you’re soaking beans like black beans, kidney beans, pinto beans, or navy beans, you’re looking at 6 to 12 hours.
Overnight soaking is the easiest approach because you can just set them up before bed and forget about them.
Just make sure the beans are fully covered with at least 2 to 3 inches of water since they’ll expand as they soak.
This is the most common answer to how long should you soak beans, and it works for most recipes.
2. Smaller Beans Soak Faster
Smaller beans like lentils, split peas, and mung beans don’t need nearly as long.
In fact, you can soak these for just 2 to 4 hours, and some people skip soaking them entirely.
If you’re wondering how long to soak beans that are on the smaller side, a shorter soak is totally fine.
They’ll cook up soft and tender without all the waiting.
3. Larger Beans Take Longer
Bigger beans like chickpeas, fava beans, and large lima beans might need a full 12 hours or even up to 24 hours.
These denser beans take more time for water to penetrate fully.
If you try to rush it, you’ll end up with beans that cook unevenly and stay tough in the middle.
So when it comes to how long should you soak beans that are on the larger side, lean toward the longer end of the range.
4. The Quick Soak Method Takes About an Hour
If you forgot to soak your beans overnight, don’t panic.
The quick soak method is your best friend here.
Just rinse your beans, put them in a pot with plenty of water, bring it to a boil, and let them boil for 2 to 3 minutes.
Then turn off the heat, cover the pot, and let the beans sit for about an hour.
This answers the question of how long should you soak beans when you’re short on time, and it works surprisingly well.
Why Soaking Beans Matters
You might be tempted to skip soaking altogether, but there are real reasons why it’s worth the wait.
1. It Makes Beans Easier to Digest
Beans contain complex sugars called oligosaccharides, and these are the main culprits behind the bloating and gas that beans are famous for.
Soaking beans helps break down these sugars, so your stomach has an easier time handling them.
If you’ve ever avoided beans because of digestive discomfort, soaking them properly can make a huge difference.
2. It Cuts Down on Cooking Time
Soaked beans cook faster than unsoaked ones by a pretty wide margin.
When you soak beans, they absorb water and soften, which means they don’t need to spend as long on the stove.
This is especially helpful if you’re cooking dried beans from scratch on a busy weeknight.
3. It Improves Texture and Flavor
Beans that have been properly soaked cook up creamier and more evenly.
They also absorb seasonings better because their skins are more permeable after soaking.
So if you want beans that taste rich and have that perfect melt-in-your-mouth texture, soaking is the way to go.
4. It Removes Some Anti-Nutrients
Dried beans naturally contain phytic acid and other compounds that can block your body from absorbing certain nutrients.
Soaking beans helps reduce these anti-nutrients, making the beans more nutritious overall.
It’s a small step that pays off in a big way.
How to Know When Your Beans Are Done Soaking
Not sure if your beans have soaked long enough?
Here are a few signs to look for.
1. They’ve Doubled in Size
If your beans have soaked properly, they should be roughly twice their original size.
This is a clear visual cue that they’ve absorbed enough water.
2. They’re Smooth and Plump
Soaked beans should look smooth, plump, and firm but not hard.
If they still look shriveled or wrinkled, they need more time.
3. They’re Tender When Squeezed
Pick one up and squeeze it between your fingers.
A properly soaked bean will feel tender and give slightly, but it shouldn’t be mushy.
If it’s still rock hard, keep soaking.
Tips for Soaking Beans the Right Way
Here are a few quick tips to make sure your beans soak perfectly every single time.
1. Always Use Cold Water
Cold water is best for soaking beans because it allows them to hydrate slowly and evenly.
Hot water can cause the outer skin to soften too quickly while the inside stays hard.
2. Add a Pinch of Salt
Adding a little salt to your soaking water can actually help beans soften more evenly.
It also seasons them from the inside out, which means better flavor in the final dish.
3. Drain and Rinse Before Cooking
Once your beans are done soaking, drain the water and give them a good rinse.
This removes any remaining sugars and compounds that cause gas.
4. Don’t Soak Too Long
While it’s rare, soaking beans for more than 24 hours can cause them to ferment and get mushy.
If you can’t cook them within a day, drain them, rinse them, and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days.
So, How Long Should You Soak Beans?
Most beans should be soaked for 6 to 12 hours, with larger beans needing closer to 12 to 24 hours.
Smaller beans like lentils only need 2 to 4 hours, and if you’re in a pinch, the quick soak method can get the job done in about an hour.
Soaking beans properly makes them easier to digest, faster to cook, and better tasting overall.
So the next time you’re planning a bean dish, give them the time they need and you’ll taste the difference.