Legume,Bean | Vegan Gluten Free Low Fat High Fiber

Azuki Beans

Vigna angularis Allergen-Free
Azuki Beans

Sourcing & Taxonomy

  • Family Fabaceae
  • Primary Cuisine East Asian
  • Seasonality Year-Round (dried)
  • Source Vigna angularis plant

The Forktionary Angle

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Definition

Small, reddish-brown beans with a sweet, nutty flavor, commonly used in East Asian desserts and savory dishes.

Sensory Profile

TasteSweet,Nutty,Mild,Earthy
TextureMealy,Soft (when cooked)
AromaSubtle earthy,Nutty
AcidityLow

Technical Metrics

Nutrition Facts

Per 1/2 cup (cooked, 90g)
Calories128kcal
Total Fat0.2g
Saturated Fat0.04g
Trans Fat0g
Cholesterol0mg
Protein7.5g
Total Carbohydrate25g
Dietary Fiber7.3g
Total Sugars2.6g
Calcium63mg
Iron1.9mg
Potassium460mg

Chef’s Secret

To achieve a smooth, sweet red bean paste (anko), ensure beans are fully cooked and tender before mashing and sweetening.

Substitutions

Best Match

Kidney Beans (small)

1:1 (savory)

Similar size and texture, but less sweet and more savory. Adjust flavor profile.

Black Beans

1:1 (savory)

Similar size, good for savory dishes, but with a distinct earthy flavor.

Mung Beans

1:1 (savory/sweet)

Smaller, milder flavor, but can be used in similar applications, especially if mashed.

Cannellini Beans

1:1 (savory)

Larger, creamier texture, suitable for savory dishes but less common in desserts.

Buying Guide

Choose dry beans that are uniform in color and free from debris. Store in an airtight container in a cool, dark place.

Flavor Pairings

Rice Coconut milk Green tea Ginger Mochi Pork Winter squash

Recipes Using Azuki Beans

Anman Steamed Buns With Azuki Sweet Red Bean Paste image 168
Grains Main Ingredient Beans Desserts

Anman Steamed Buns With Azuki Sweet Red Bean Paste

Fluffy Anman steamed buns filled with luscious sweet azuki red bean paste – a delightful treat popular in China and Japan! These melt-in-your-mouth buns are perfect fresh from the steamer, but also delicious cold or reheated. Make a big batch – they keep for days! Leftover azuki paste can be refrigerated, frozen, or enjoyed as a spread. This recipe uses a modified azuki paste recipe and a fantastic bun recipe adapted from Recipezaar (credit: Ms. See). Prepare to be amazed!

See Complete Recipe