Red Bean Soup Recipe Chinese Dessert is a traditional and beloved sweet soup in Chinese cuisine, cherished for its comforting warmth and natural sweetness. Made primarily from red adzuki beans, this dessert soup is often enjoyed after meals to soothe the palate and aid digestion.
It serves as a nourishing treat that balances sweetness with a smooth, creamy texture, making it perfect for both cold and hot servings. Whether you’re new to Chinese desserts or looking for a classic recipe to try at home, this red bean soup offers a delicious, easy-to-make option that brings a taste of authentic Chinese culture to your table.
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What Makes Red Bean Soup Recipe Chinese Dessert Special?
Red Bean Soup stands out due to its perfect balance of natural sweetness and earthy flavors from adzuki beans. Unlike many sugary desserts, it offers a healthy source of protein and fiber, making it both nourishing and satisfying.
The addition of dried tangerine peel and pandan leaves adds subtle aromatic notes that elevate the taste. Expert tip: soaking the beans beforehand ensures faster cooking and creamier texture. This soup is a timeless comfort food enjoyed across generations in China.
How to Make Red Bean Soup Recipe Chinese Dessert Step by Step
Red Bean Soup is a slow-cooked dessert made by simmering adzuki beans with water and sweeteners until soft and flavorful. It can be served hot or chilled.
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Red Bean Soup Recipe Chinese Dessert
- Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
Description
A traditional and comforting Chinese dessert soup made with red beans, lightly sweetened and optionally enhanced with coconut milk or tapioca pearls.
Ingredients
- 1 cup dried red beans (adzuki beans)
- 6 cups water
- 1 piece dried tangerine peel (optional but traditional)
- 1/2 cup rock sugar (or adjust to taste; white or brown sugar optional)
- 1–2 pandan leaves, knotted (optional, for aroma)
- A pinch of salt
- Optional Add-ins:
- Coconut milk or evaporated milk (for creaminess)
- Tapioca pearls (for texture)
- Glutinous rice balls (tang yuan)
Instructions
- Soak Beans (Optional but Recommended): Rinse and soak red beans in water for at least 4 hours or overnight. Drain before cooking.
- Boil Beans: In a large pot, add soaked beans, 6 cups water, and dried tangerine peel. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beans are very soft.
- Sweeten & Flavor: Add rock sugar, pandan leaves, and a pinch of salt. Stir until sugar dissolves. Simmer another 10–15 minutes.
- Texture Options: Leave it chunky (traditional), or blend part or all of the soup for a smoother texture using a blender.
- Serve: Serve hot as a winter dessert, or chilled in the summer. Optionally add a swirl of coconut milk for extra flavor.
Notes
For quicker preparation, use a pressure cooker or Instant Pot to cook the beans in about 30 minutes!
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 1.5–2 hours
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 1g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Tips for the Best Red Bean Soup:
- Use rock sugar for authentic sweetness and clear soup color.
- Simmer slowly to develop rich flavors and soften beans thoroughly.
- Remove tangerine peel before serving to avoid bitterness.
Recommended Tools:
- Large pot or slow cooker
- Optional: Immersion blender for smoother texture
How to Store Red Bean Soup for Freshness:
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave, adding water if too thick.
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- List of Chinese Soups (Wikipedia) – Explore a variety of traditional Chinese soups and their rich history.
FAQs
What type of beans are used in red bean soup?
Red bean soup uses adzuki beans, small red beans popular in East Asian desserts for their natural sweetness and creamy texture.
Can I make red bean soup without soaking the beans?
Yes, but soaking reduces cooking time and helps achieve a smoother texture. Without soaking, beans may take longer to soften.
Is red bean soup served hot or cold?
Both! Red bean soup is delicious served warm in winter and chilled in summer as a refreshing dessert.
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