Chinese

Illustrated guide

Red Bean Soup

This comforting Red Bean Soup is a beloved traditional dish in China, perfect for warming the soul. Made with simple ingredients, it's sweet and nourishing, making it ideal for any time of day.

Prep10 minutes

Cook1 hour 15 minutes

LevelEasy

Serves4

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Illustrated cooking guide

Step-by-step visual method

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Red Bean Soup illustrated step-by-step cooking guide

Written method

Instructions

Read through once, then cook at your own pace with the illustrated guide above.

1
Rinse the adzuki beans under cold water and remove any debris.
2
In a large pot, combine the rinsed adzuki beans and 5 cups of water. Bring to a boil over high heat.
3
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the beans simmer for about 1 hour, or until they are tender.
4
Add 3/4 cup of sugar and 1/4 teaspoon of salt to the pot, stirring gently until the sugar has dissolved.
5
Simmer the soup for an additional 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
6
Taste the soup and add more salt or sugar if desired, adjusting to your preference.

Cook notes

Tips

For a creamier consistency, mash a portion of the cooked beans before serving.

Make sure to soak the beans overnight to reduce cooking time if preferred.

Add coconut milk for a rich twist on traditional flavors.

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Helpful notes

Practical storage, serving, swap, and troubleshooting notes for a better first try.

Storage Tips

Store cooled soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Freeze any leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.

Substitutions

Use brown sugar instead of white sugar for a richer flavor.
If adzuki beans are unavailable, you can try using small red beans.

What to Serve With

Enjoy with sweet rice cakes
Serve alongside fried dough sticks
Pair with steamed buns

Common Mistakes

Not rinsing the beans before cooking can lead to a gritty texture.
Overcooking the beans may cause them to break apart excessively.

Recipe FAQ

Can I use different beans in this recipe?

While adzuki beans are traditional, you can substitute with other sweet beans like mung beans.

Is Red Bean Soup served hot or cold?

This soup is traditionally served hot but can also be enjoyed chilled depending on personal preference.

How long does the soup keep?

Red Bean Soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Kitchen tools

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Blender

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Saucepan

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Chef knife

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Cutting board

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Measuring spoons

Useful for balancing spices, salt, acids, and sauces.

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