Popularly used in Korean and Japanese cuisine, adzuki beans have a deliciously nutty and subtly sweet flavor. They are also high in protein, dietary fiber, and other nutrients and offer numerous health benefits like aiding digestion, preventing type 2 diabetes, and weight loss.
That’s not all, though! Adzuki beans also cook quickly and complement rather than dominate the flavors of other ingredients in any dish, be it curries, stews, or even dessert! Take a look at some unique recipes to inspire you to incorporate the versatile adzuki bean into your diet!
#1. Adzuki Bean & Quinoa Tabbouleh Salad with a Twist
Make this perfect balance of healthy fats, protein, and whole grains in one flavorful bowl by placing shredded kale on a plate/bowl, top with a tabbouleh made with adzuki beans, quinoa, and chopped veggies, then garnish with goji berries, a handful of sprouts, and pepita and hemp seeds. Serve with grilled or baked sweet potato rounds on the side.
#2. Adzuki Bean Bowls
A colorful grain bowl packed with heart-healthy ingredients, this nutritious recipe is perfect to make ahead. Toss fresh, healthy ingredients like cabbage, carrots, snap peas, adzuki beans, and chopped fresh cilantro with a Sesame Miso dressing, then assemble it with rice and avocados, and top it off with a sprinkle of chili, cilantro, and toasted sesame seeds.
#3. Adzuki Bean Curry
This vegan and gluten-free curry is made by enveloping adzuki beans in a creamy, flavorful coconut curry. Serve it with a side of rice or quinoa or with a slice of toasted bread to mop up all the delicious goodness. Did we mention that this recipe is super customizable? Feel free to add more veggies you like!
#4. Adzuki Bean Hummus with Coriander and Lemon
This recipe transforms the classic hummus recipe by substituting adzuki beans for chickpeas to make an incredibly creamy, tasty dish. The beans are ground with lemon juice, chopped coriander, tahini, garlic, and cumin to uplift the overall flavors. Garnished with toasted sesame seeds, fresh coriander, and olive oil for the authentic hummus experience!
#5. Adzuki Bean Salad with Greens, Cherry Tomatoes, Pears and Cheese
This vibrant adzuki bean salad will make you forget you’re eating a salad — seriously, it’s that good. Complement the cooked adzuki beans with sweet pears, juicy cherry tomatoes, some walnut kernels for crunch, and fresh salad leaves and cheese for color, flavor, and texture. Toss everything together with a dressing mix, then serve immediately to enjoy.
#6. Danpatjuk (Sweet Red Bean Porridge)
A traditional Korean recipe, this delicately sweet bean porridge is a warm, comforting bowl of deliciousness perfect for cold, winter days. Adzuki beans are the star of this recipe cooked with glutinous rice flour, sugar, and honey. Serve this velvety smooth puree with boiled chestnuts, a sprinkle of cinnamon, and pine nuts and paired with homemade rice balls.
#7. Fudgy Adzuki Bean Brownies
An easy recipe to turn beans into brownies, this is a dessert that you can indulge in guilt-free. This dairy-free, gluten-free dessert is made with cooked adzuki beans, Medjool dates, coconut oil, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and dark chocolate chunks. Enjoy this fudgy, chocolatey delight with a scoop of vanilla ice cream to satisfy your sweet cravings.
#8. Instant Pot Adzuki Bean Tempeh
A new take on the traditional soybean tempeh, this instant pot recipe is made with adzuki beans, rice vinegar, and tempeh starter. It is rich in protein and ultra-flavorful. While it takes some time to prepare, you can plan ahead to incorporate it seamlessly into your meal prep. Use this fermented goodness to create your favorite dishes like barbeque tempeh, salads, or tacos.
#9. Mexican Bean And Mushroom Vegan Chili
Bring together adzuki beans, red kidney beans, and black beans to create a flavorsome, healthy, and layered vegan chili. Cook them with miso paste, dried chipotle chilies, and white cup mushrooms. Serve hot with avocado and lime wedges, or on a bed of rice or bread for a filling Mexican-style meal.
#10. Mushroom Lentil Adzuki Bean Soup
This vegan, hearty, and delicious soup is incredibly nourishing. Featuring adzuki beans, legumes, porcini mushrooms, leeks, onion, celery, carrots, mushroom broth, vegetable stock, and various seasonings, this comforting meal will be loved by adults and kids alike. To serve, sprinkle some tarragon on top and dig in!
#11. Red Dragon Pie
This vegan shepherd’s pie is a true work of art. It’s stuffed with leeks, carrots, kale, and adzuki beans, smothered in a delicious herb and tomato sauce, then topped with fluffy mashed potatoes and baked till golden brown and crispy. This savory meal is simple and satisfying enough to serve all year round!
#12. Korean Adzuki Beans and Pumpkin Porridge
A fall recipe that will fill you with warmth, this bowl of porridge will be your go-to on cold autumn evenings! Mashed cooked pumpkin, boiled adzuki beans, and sweet potatoes are sweetened with Medjool dates and seasoned with chestnuts, cinnamon, and pumpkin spice in this simple recipe to create a rich, filling meal. Serve with a drizzle of date syrup and tuck in.
#13. Warm Carrot and Adzuki Bean Salad
Serving up a platter of colorful, antioxidant, and protein-rich ingredients, this salad is a perfect balance of flavors and textures. The combination of earth adzuki beans, sweet and spicy roasted carrots, and a tangy dressing made with cilantro leaves, mint, olive oil, fresh lime juice, red wine vinegar, garlic, and ground cumin is a flavorful masterpiece!
#14. Red Bean Swirl Buns
Perhaps the best way to put the iconic red bean paste to good use, the recipe is deceptively simple! Just add a layer of homemade adzuki bean paste on a rolled-out portion of milk bread dough, fold and seal the edges, score a few slits, and roll and twist the dough into a coil. Once baked, brush them with a sugar glaze, and serve warm!
