This is my favorite recipe for how to cook black beans. Homemade black beans are super flavorful and creamy and taste much better than canned. In addition to our stovetop method, I include tips for Instant Pot black beans below.
Our family eats a lot of black beans. I sometimes use canned beans, but I love how tasty and creamy black beans are when I make them from scratch.
I love these simple black beans and make them often. For another twist, see our creamy coconut black beans!.
Black beans are a versatile legume that can be used in many delicious recipes. However, before cooking dried black beans, it’s important to soak them first Soaking black beans helps reduce cooking time, improve texture, and enhance flavor. But just how long should you soak black beans?
Why Soak Black Beans?
Soaking black beans provides several benefits:
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Reduces cooking time: Dry beans have a tough outer skin that needs to be softened before cooking. Soaking allows water to penetrate the skin and begin the hydration process. This cuts down on cooking time significantly.
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Improves texture Soaked beans cook up tender yet firm with the skins intact. The skins won’t split or the beans won’t become mushy.
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Enhances flavor: Soaking black beans allows them to absorb more flavors when cooked. The beans plump up and the starch breaks down.
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Makes beans more digestible: The indigestible sugars in beans are reduced during soaking, which means less gas and bloating.
How Long to Soak
The ideal soaking time for black beans is anywhere from 4-12 hours There are two soaking methods to choose from
Overnight Soak
This method is hands-off and convenient:
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Place beans in a large pot and cover with water by about 2 inches.
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Add 2 tablespoons of kosher salt per pound of beans. The salt helps soften the bean skins.
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Allow beans to soak for 4 to 12 hours at room temperature, or overnight.
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In the morning, drain the soaking water and give the beans a quick rinse before cooking.
Quick Soak
If you’re pressed for time, try this faster soak:
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Put the beans in a pot and cover with water by 2-3 inches.
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Bring the water to a boil, then remove from heat.
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Allow beans to soak for 1-4 hours in the hot water until softened.
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Drain and rinse the beans before using in recipes.
The quick soak method works best for smaller amounts of beans (2-4 cups). Larger batches may need a longer overnight soak.
Tips for Soaking Black Beans
Follow these tips for best results when soaking black beans:
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Pick over beans and remove any rocks or debris before soaking. Rinse beans in a colander beforehand.
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Use a large bowl or pot with space for beans to expand. Add enough water to cover by 2-3 inches.
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Add a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to the soaking water. It helps soften skins and prevent splitting.
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Soak beans in the refrigerator if counter space is limited.
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Drain beans after soaking and rinse well in a colander. This removes indigestible compounds.
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Cook beans within 1-2 days after soaking. Don’t soak too far in advance.
What Happens If You Don’t Soak?
It’s possible to skip soaking and cook beans from their dried state. However, unsoaked beans usually take 1-2 hours longer to become tender. They also may not cook as evenly or absorb flavors as well.
Cooking unsoaked beans runs a higher risk of uneven texture. The bean skins can split, making them mushy. That’s why soaking is highly recommended for tender, flavorful black beans.
How to Store Soaked Black Beans
Once soaked, black beans won’t keep long at room temperature. For storage, you have two options:
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Refrigerate: Place soaked beans in an airtight container in the fridge. Use within 3-5 days.
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Freeze: Rinse soaked beans, drain well, and transfer to freezer bags. Freeze for up to 6 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before using.
Proper storage prevents soaked beans from spoiling before you can cook them. Label bags with the soaking date for easy reference.
Get the Most from Your Soaked Beans
With a good long soak, black beans transform from dried to tender and full of flavor. Follow the soaking times outlined here, and you’ll get delicious results. Your homemade black beans will be worth the wait!
How to Cook Black Beans
You do not need to soak black beans before cooking them. However, when I have the time, I do it anyway. Soaking black beans speeds up the cooking time the next day. If you don’t have the time to soak, no worries! Your unsoaked beans will cook (promise).
Fill a pot with enough cold water to cover the dried black beans by 3 to 4 inches. Add garlic, onion, and bay leaf to the pot.
Slowly simmer your black beans with the lid off until tender, usually taking 1 ½ to 2 hours. (If your beans are older, they may need a bit longer to cook. ).
To make a creamy sauce like the ones in our pictures, take out the aromatics and keep simmering the beans until the sauce thickens and looks shiny.
When your beans are tender, season them with salt and pepper and, if you like, fresh lime juice. Don’t be afraid to add a lot of salt to black beans. If the flavor doesn’t stand out, add more salt and lime juice.
For cooking dried black beans in an Instant Pot, see the recipe below.
Storing Cooked Black Beans
It’s best to keep cooked black beans in a container that keeps air out for up to five days in the fridge or three months in the freezer. Thaw frozen beans in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
How to Soak Black Beans
FAQ
Do black beans need to be soaked before cooking?
Is 2 hours long enough to soak beans?
How long to soak black beans to reduce gas?
Is it possible to soak black beans too long?
Should you soak black beans before cooking?
The importance of soaking black beans before cooking cannot be overstated. There are several reasons why this step is necessary. First and foremost, soaking beans helps to reduce cooking time. When beans are soaked, they absorb water and begin to soften, which means they will cook faster and more evenly.
What is the serving size of black beans?
You can consume as much black beans as you want. However, they can provide a lot of fiber, which can cause stomach upset and diarrhea. It is advisable to consume a portion the size of a normal plate.
How do you cut the soaking time of black beans?
Here’s how to cut the soaking time considerably: Just like the traditional method, start by sorting and rinsing your black beans to ensure they are clean and free from foreign objects. Place the beans in a large pot and cover them with about 3 inches of cold water. Bring the water to a boil and let the beans boil for two minutes.
How do you clean black beans?
First, pick through your black beans for debris (sometimes tiny rocks can sneak in). Place the beans in a fine mesh colander or sieve and rinse very well. Pour the beans into a large Dutch oven or saucepan (4 quarts or larger in capacity).