Adzuki beans, also known by other names like red beans or azuki beans, are small, red beans popular in many Asian cuisines. The beans are often used in sweet dishes like red bean paste and savory dishes like curry. While the beans are relatively easy to find in Asian markets, they can be more difficult to find in other parts of the world due to lack of popularity.
But that doesn’t mean you’ll have to forego your adzuki bean recipes if you can’t find them. There are plenty of substitutes for adzuki beans, and luckily we’ve compiled a list of all the beans that will seamlessly replace them in any dish you have in mind!
Outline
9 Best Substitutes For Adzuki Beans
1. Red Kidney Beans
Also known as ‘rajma’ in Hindi, red kidney beans are a very popular type of bean used in many Indian dishes. These beans get their name from their shape and color, which resembles a kidney. The beans are usually simmered with spices to create delicious curries, but you can add them in recipes like miso soup, mushroom soup, or stews in place of adzuki beans.
Both kidney beans and adzuki beans have the same flavor and composition, but kidney beans take longer to soak and cook, so keep that in mind while using them as a adzuki beans substitute.
How to substitute: Remember to boil the kidney beans for at least 10 minutes before using them in a recipe and use the same quantity as adzuki beans when replacing.
2. Black Sesame Seeds
Black sesame is a type of seed derived from the sesame plant. It has several health advantages, such as improving blood pressure and heart health. Black sesame seeds are used in various Asian dishes, including sushi toppings, but one way to use them as a substitute for adzuki beans is to grind them into powder.
Although black sesame has no sweet flavor of its own, it may be used to produce a sweet taste that resembles red bean paste by combining it with other ingredients. You can use this powder in sweet or savory dishes to add flavor and texture.
How to substitute: When grinding the black sesame seeds, use 1/4 cup of seeds for every 1/2 cup of adzuki beans called for in the recipe. Add sweeteners or other flavors as desired.
3. Butter Beans
Butter beans are different from most other beans because of their smooth and creamy texture, which is why they’re also called Lima beans. These large white beans are popular in the southern United States, often used in soups and stews.
While they don’t have the same flavor as adzuki beans, they can be used as a replacement because of their similar size, texture, and creaminess. Many chefs have used butter beans to create a substitute paste for red bean paste called ‘shiroan,’ and it is a good alternative to adzuki beans.
How to substitute: Use the same quantity of butter beans as you would adzuki beans when making a dish. The flavor won’t be precisely the same, but the texture and creaminess will be very similar.
4. Black Beans
Black beans, also called turtle beans, are a variety of the common bean that is popular in Latin American cuisine. The beans are small and black with a smooth texture. They have a slightly sweeter flavor than most beans and are often used in soups and stews.
When put in comparison against adzuki beans, you’ll find that black beans have a higher protein content and are also a good source of fiber. One great thing about these beans is that they’re very easy to find in most parts of the world.
How to substitute: You can use black beans as a 1:1 replacement for adzuki beans in any dish.
5. Mung Beans
These small green beans are popular in Indian and Chinese cuisine and are used to make soups, curries, and stews. Mung beans have a similar flavor and texture to adzuki beans, which is why they’re preferred as an excellent substitute for the latter. The beans are also very nutritious and a good source of protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
One thing to keep in mind is that mung beans take a little longer to cook than adzuki beans, so plan accordingly. They have a slightly nutty and earthy flavor that goes well in savory dishes, but people also prefer using mung bean paste when making desserts.
How to substitute: When using mung beans as a replacement for adzuki beans, use the same quantity called for in the recipe.
6. Cannellini Beans
Cannellini beans are a type of white kidney bean that is popular in Italian cuisine. When considering replacing these beans with adzuki beans, it’s important to keep in mind that they have different cooking times. Adzuki beans cook much faster, so plan and soak the cannellini beans overnight before using them in a dish.
They are pretty similar in the nutty and earthy flavor but lack the sweetness that adzuki beans have. Despite that, many people still find them a great replacement because of their similar texture.
How to substitute: Cannellini beans can be used as a 1:1 replacement for adzuki beans.
7. Great Northern Beans
Great northern beans are a variety of white kidney beans popular in the United States and Canada. The beans are large and have a mild flavor that makes them versatile for use in many different dishes. While they don’t have the same sweetness as adzuki beans, they can be used as a replacement because of their similar texture and creaminess. If you’re a fan of white kidney beans, you’ll likely find that great northern beans are a good substitute for adzuki beans.
How to substitute: Great northern beans can be used as a 1:1 replacement for adzuki beans in any dish.
8. Cranberry beans
Also known as Borlotti beans, Cranberry beans make a good substitute for adzuki beans since they have a creamy texture and a nutty flavor which is similar to adzuki beans.
So, if you can’t find adzuki beans, then cranberry beans make a great substitute. Just keep in mind that the flavor of your dish may be slightly different than what you’re used to. But who knows, you might just find that you prefer the taste of cranberry beans to adzuki beans.
How to substitute: When using cranberry beans as a replacement for adzuki beans, use the same quantity called for in the recipe.
9. Pinto Beans
Last but definitely not the least substitute for adzuki beans are pinto beans. Pinto beans are a type of common bean that is popular in Mexican and Tex-Mex cuisine. They are small, oval-shaped, and have a mottled brown color. Pinto beans and adzuki beans have a flavor similar to that of adzuki beans.
Both pinto and adzuki beans contain folate, vitamins, and antioxidants, so they’re a great match. Do keep in mind that these beans don’t do as well in sweet dishes as adzuki beans.
How to substitute: Pinto beans can be used as a 1:1 replacement for adzuki beans in any dish.
So if you were thinking of throwing the recipe out the window, stop and use these substitutes for adzuki beans! All the beans on this list can be used in either sweet or savory dishes, making them a brilliant alternative to adzuki beans!
