How to Cook Split Mung Beans
The easy way of cooking split mung beans. Learn more about split mung beans in our skill guide
![A bowl of split mung beans]({"src":"public:\/\/featured-images\/a-bowl-of-split-mung-beans.jpg","style":"yct_crp","type":"min_scale","steps":160,"ratios":{"ls":{"interpolation":"linear","minWidth":160,"maxWidth":2560,"crop":{"width":2560,"height":1440,"x":1720,"y":1280}},"sq":{"interpolation":"linear","minWidth":160,"maxWidth":2560,"minHeight":160,"maxHeight":2560,"crop":{"width":2560,"height":2560,"x":1720,"y":720}},"po":{"interpolation":"linear","minHeight":160,"maxHeight":2560,"crop":{"width":1440,"height":2560,"x":2280,"y":720}}},"full_width":"6000","full_height":"4000","focalPoint":{"x":"50","y":"50"}} "A bowl of split mung beans")
It's no secret that as a vegan I am trying to incorporate as many beans and grains into my diet. We recently discovered split mung beans in an Asian supermarket and were super curious to try them. Turns out, split mung beans are versatile, nutritious and super delicious.
![Split mung beans in a bowl]({"src":"public:\/\/split-mung-beans-in-a-bowl.jpg","style":"yct_adaptive","type":"scale","steps":160,"ratios":{"ls":{"interpolation":"linear","minWidth":80,"maxWidth":2560},"sq":{"interpolation":"linear","minWidth":80,"maxWidth":2560,"minHeight":80,"maxHeight":2560},"po":{"interpolation":"linear","minHeight":80,"maxHeight":2560}},"full_width":6000,"full_height":4000,"focalPoint":{"x":"50","y":"50"}} "Split mung beans in a bowl")
What are split mung beans?
Whole mung beans have green skin and are very tiny. During processing, the green skin is removed and split in half. The result is a pale yellow small bean which can be cooked in a variety of ways. If you never heard of split mung beans it's probably because you might know them as Mung Dal, their popular Indian name. And if you ever visited India, then you'll know that Mung Dal is used in a lot of delicious curries.
Split mung beans are predominantly used in Asian cuisine and in places like Thailand, for example, you will even find this ingredient used in desserts.
![Split mung beans in a grey bowl]({"src":"public:\/\/split-mung-beans-in-a-grey-bowl.jpg","style":"yct_adaptive","type":"scale","steps":160,"ratios":{"ls":{"interpolation":"linear","minWidth":80,"maxWidth":2560},"sq":{"interpolation":"linear","minWidth":80,"maxWidth":2560,"minHeight":80,"maxHeight":2560},"po":{"interpolation":"linear","minHeight":80,"maxHeight":2560}},"full_width":4000,"full_height":6000,"focalPoint":{"x":"50","y":"50"}} "Split mung beans in a grey bowl")
How to cook split mung beans
Split mung beans are very easy to cook. The result is a soft bean which can be used in curries, wraps or for patties (our favourite way).
Split mung beans don't need to be soaked in water before cooking. Rinse well in cold water before use to ensure they are fully clean from dust or any other bits.
Boil some water in a kettle. For every cup of split mung beans, use around 2 and a half cups of boiling water. Simmer for around 20 minutes.
As a tip, it doesn't matter what type of cup you use to measure the beans. Just ensure you use the same cup for measuring boiling water so the ratio stays the same.
You will notice that the split mung beans create quite a lot of white foam during the cooking process. Using a ladle or a deep wooden spoon, gently remove the foam from time to time.
![A bowl of split mung beans]({"src":"public:\/\/featured-images\/a-bowl-of-split-mung-beans.jpg","style":"yct_adaptive","type":"scale","steps":160,"ratios":{"ls":{"interpolation":"linear","minWidth":80,"maxWidth":2560},"sq":{"interpolation":"linear","minWidth":80,"maxWidth":2560,"minHeight":80,"maxHeight":2560},"po":{"interpolation":"linear","minHeight":80,"maxHeight":2560}},"full_width":6000,"full_height":4000,"focalPoint":{"x":"50","y":"50"}} "A bowl of split mung beans")
Can you cook split mung beans in a pressure cooker?
Yes, you can, but we like cooking the split mung beans on the hob, simmering for 20 minutes. We like the consistency of the bean better.
However, if you wish to cook in a pressure cooker, add twice the amount of water (so 5 cups of water for every cup of split mung beans) and cook for 5 minutes from the moment your pressure cooker becomes fully pressurised. Don't overcook, or the split mung beans will become mushy and not very appealing.
This is another reason why we prefer simmering them on the hob. Since the split mung bean is so small and delicate, you can check on it regularly and ensure it doesn't become mushy at any point.
This recipe has been developed entirely by Yuzu Bakes. Any resemblance with other recipes is purely coincidental.
![A bowl of split mung beans on a wooden chopping board]({"src":"public:\/\/a-bowl-of-split-mung-beans-on-a-wooden-chopping-board.jpg","style":"yct_crp","type":"min_scale","steps":160,"ratios":{"ls":{"interpolation":"linear","minWidth":160,"maxWidth":2560,"crop":{"width":2560,"height":1440,"x":720,"y":2280}},"sq":{"interpolation":"linear","minWidth":160,"maxWidth":2560,"minHeight":160,"maxHeight":2560,"crop":{"width":2560,"height":2560,"x":720,"y":1720}},"po":{"interpolation":"linear","minHeight":160,"maxHeight":2560,"crop":{"width":1440,"height":2560,"x":1280,"y":1720}}},"full_width":"4000","full_height":"6000","focalPoint":{"x":"50","y":"50"}} "A bowl of split mung beans on a wooden chopping board")
Description
The easy way of cooking split mung beans. Learn how to cook split mung beans by simmering them or in a pressure cooker.
Ingredients
- 1 cup split mung beans
- 2 1/2 cups water
- 1 tsp salt
Instructions
- Rinse the split mung beans in cold water.
- Bring 2 and a half cups of water to boil. Add 1 cup of split mung beans and simmer for 20 minutes. You can add salt into the water or a small cube of vegetable stock if you prefer.
Nutritional Information
Total Nutrition Facts
| Amount Per Serving | |||
| Calories 106 | |||
| % Daily Value* | |||
| Total Fat 0 g | 0% | ||
| Saturated Fat 0 g | 1% | ||
| Trans Fat 0 g | 0% | ||
| Polyunsaturated Fat 0 g | |||
| Monounsaturated Fat 0 g | |||
| Cholesterol 0 mg | 0% | ||
| Sodium 1177 mg | 51% | ||
| Total Carbs 19 g | 7% | ||
| Dietary Fiber 8 g | 27% | ||
| Sugar 2 g | 4% | ||
| Protein 7 g | 14% | ||
| |||
| * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs. | |||
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist's advice
What do you think?
Did you like this recipe? Do you have any questions or suggestions? Leave a comment below.
Your Comment
Thanks for the great explanation. I tend to cook them in the instant pot and do notice they turn to mush super easy
Can you steam the mung beans in a steamer, and if so for how long would it take?
I've not tried it yet. I can imagine that it would work but it would take slightly longer than boiling. I would start with 15 min and try a bean to see if it's soft. Then check it every 5 min.
To make patties do you just shape and fry?
Yes! And they are so delicious. But you need to add a little flour and some spices to make them taste awesome.
Thanks for the recipe.
I found that 20 minutes was too long to cook the mung beans. It is better to keep an eye on them, and remove from stove when they have the preferred consistency.For me that was at 14 minutes. ;-)
THANK YOU!!! I could not find this information anywhere else!
Thanks for the tips
Thank you! Easy to follow and they came out great? 😬
Thank you for this post! It is really helpful i bought mung bean in thailand and i was searching how to cook it alone!
Sometimes i cook it with rice in the same pan, it gives a lot of flavour :)
Thank you so much, Coral. With rice in the same pan sounds like an amazing idea. Also, I recently discovered that you can make it into a delicious side sauce. Mixed with some oat milk, with some seasoning and nutritional yeast, then put in a blender. YUM!
Hi. What does adding nutritional yeast do?
Hi Chelaw, thank you for your message. Nutritional yeast gives it a nutty, slightly cheesier taste. So if you miss the taste of cheese, nutritional yeast is perfect for it!