How to Cook Kidney Beans on the Stove

How to cook kidney beans on the stove, in a pressure cooker, slow cooker soaked or un-soaked is here. We will share tips to cooking dry beans to tender several different ways, and how to serve them too. Our favorite is 5 ingredient chili but they’re super versatile in soups or as a side dish too.

How Long to Cook Soaked Kidney Beans

That depends on what cooking method you are using. Pressure cooking is fastest, then on the stove and slow cooker to make Beans and Cornbread takes the longest. I will go over all of them in this post but highly recommend soaking overnight before you start any of them. For all you want twice as much water than dry beans, after soaking.

Dried beans of really any variety should be soaked before cooking to help reduce their cooking time and make them easier to digest. Soaking also helps to remove some of the naturally occurring compounds that can cause digestive discomfort.

How Long to Soak Kidney Beans

1. Spread the dried beans on a clean surface and remove any debris or damaged beans. Rinse them under cold running water.
2. Overnight Soak
   • In a large bowl, add the sorted and rinsed kidney beans.
   • Cover the beans with water, ensuring that there’s enough water to allow them to expand as they soak.
   • Let the beans soak for about 8 to 12 hours, or overnight.
   • After soaking, drain and rinse the beans thoroughly under cold water.

How to Quick Soak Dry Kidney Beans

1. Follow the same sorting and rinsing steps as outlined above.
2. Quick Soak
   • In a large pot, add the sorted and rinsed kidney beans.
   • Add enough water to cover the beans by a few inches.
   • Bring the water to a rapid boil and let the beans boil for about 2 minutes.
   • Remove the pot from the heat, cover with a lid, and let the beans soak in the hot water for about 1 to 2 hours.
   • After soaking, drain and rinse the beans thoroughly under cold water.

After soaking, using either method, they should be rinsed again to remove any remaining soaking water. Once soaked and rinsed, the beans are ready to be cooked. Keep in mind that the cooking time for is significantly reduced compared to un-soaked beans.

It’s important to note that red beans contain a naturally occurring toxin called lectin, which can be partially reduced through proper soaking and cooking. For safety reasons, it’s recommended to bring them to a rapid boil for at least 10 minutes before simmering until they are fully cooked and tender. This step helps to further break down the lectin and make the beans safe to consume.

How to cook kidney beans without soaking

In some cases you don’t need to do this at all. I don’t do this often unless making our Pressure Cooker Chili With Dry Beans. Under high pressure allows you to bypass it if necessary. It doesn’t matter what type you want to cook, the steps would be the same for all of them as listed below. There are two ways to do it, I typically just leave overnight covered in water.

Canned kidney beans are already cooked and ready to eat, so they can be heated and served quickly. Unlike dried kidney beans, which need to be soaked and cooked for an extended period, canned kidney beans are a convenient option that can be used in various dishes without the need for prolonged cooking. To heat and serve canned kidney beans from a can, follow these steps:

How Long to Cook Kidney Beans from a Can

First; Open the can of kidney beans and drain the liquid. Rinse the beans thoroughly under cold running water to remove excess sodium and any canning liquid.

on the Stove

• In a saucepan, place the drained and rinsed kidney beans.
• Add a small amount of water or broth to the saucepan to prevent sticking and provide moisture.
• Heat the kidney beans over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until they are heated through. This usually takes about 5-10 minutes.

in the Microwave

• Place the drained and rinsed kidney beans in a microwave-safe bowl.
• Cover the bowl with a microwave-safe lid or microwave-safe plastic wrap.
• Microwave the beans on high in 30-second intervals, stirring between intervals, until they are heated to your desired temperature.

How to Season Canned Kidney Beans

You can season with various herbs, spices, or sauces based on your recipe or taste preferences. Common additions include garlic, cumin, chili powder, and tomato sauce. Remember that canned beans are already fully cooked, so the goal is to heat them evenly and to infuse them with the flavors of any seasonings you add. These are a versatile ingredient that can be used in salads, stews, pressure cooker 15 bean soup, wraps, and more for a quick and nutritious meal.

This is what is featured in the photos. I like to use a Dutch Oven because it is nice and large and since it is cast iron the heat is distributed evenly the whole time.

How to Cook Soaked Kidney Beans on Stove

• Rinse dry beans in a colander.
• Pour into a pot and cover with cool water + 2 inches above the top of the beans. Sit on countertop overnight.
• Rinse thoroughly until water runs clear, drain. Add into a pot over medium high heat with 6 cups of water or broth for more flavor. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to medium, cover with a lid and cook for 25-30 minutes or until tender.
• Drain, season, serve.

in Slow Cooker

1. Kidney beans MUST be boiled for 10 minutes before they are added into the Crock to ensure that the kidney bean lectin is destroyed.
2. Then place the soaked overnight, sorted, rinsed kidney beans in the slow cooker.
3. Add enough water or broth to cover by about 2 inches. You can also add any desired seasonings at this point.
4. Set the slow cooker to the appropriate setting. If you’re using the “Low” setting, the cooking time will typically be around 6 to 8 hours. If you’re using the “High” setting, the cooking time will be around 3 to 4 hours.
5. After the beans have cooked for the specified time, check for doneness. The kidney beans should be tender but not mushy. If they need more cooking, you can continue to cook them for additional time.
6. Once cooked to your liking, drain any excess liquid and season them with salt and other desired seasonings.

How to Cook Dry Kidney Beans in Pressure Cooker

1. Start by sorting the soaked kidney beans to remove any debris or damaged beans. Rinse them thoroughly under cold running water.
2. Place the sorted dry beans in pressure cooker. Add enough water or broth to cover the beans by about 2 inches. You can also add any desired seasonings at this point.
3. Close the lid and ensure it’s properly sealed.
   • For unsoaked kidney beans, the cooking time can vary but is typically around 25-30 minutes at high pressure.
   • For soaked kidney beans, the cooking time is shorter, usually around 10-15 minutes at high pressure.
   • Use the natural release method after the cooking time is complete. Allow the pressure to release naturally, which helps prevent beans from overcooking and bursting.
4. After releasing the pressure, open the lid and check the beans for doneness. They should be tender but not mushy. If they need further cooking, you can continue to pressure cook for a few more minutes.
5. Once they are cooked to your liking, drain any excess liquid and season them with salt and other desired seasonings.

with canned beans

This is the fastest method. You can use your Instant Pot, Crockpot Express or Ninja foodi with the high pressure function to get them tender. Then season and serve as a side dish or make Instant Pot Red Beans and Rice with them after done.

Remember that Instant Pot bean cooking times can vary depending on the type of pressure cooker you’re using, the altitude at which you’re cooking, and the specific batch.

Cooking in a pressure cooker is a quick and convenient way to enjoy this nutritious legume. However, if you’re new to this way of cooking, take the time to read the user manual of your pressure cooker and follow safety guidelines to prevent accidents.