How to Cook Beans in a Rice Cooker: Cooking with Kimberly
How to Cook Beans in a Rice Cooker: Cooking with Kimberly is a easy Asian recipe that serves 4. 150 calories per serving. Recipe by CookingWithKimberly on YouTube.
Prep: 7 min | Cook: 45 min | Total: 1 hr 2 min
Cost: $17.43 total, $4.36 per serving
Ingredients
- 2 cups Split Moon Beans (rinsed well in a fine mesh sieve)
- 4 cups Water (filtered)
- 2 leaves Bay Leaves (dried)
- 0.5 tsp Crushed Chili Flakes (adjust to heat preference)
- 0.5 tsp Freshly Ground Cracked Pepper (coarsely ground black pepper)
- 1 tsp Coconut Oil (to lubricate beans after cooking, prevents clumping)
Instructions
Rinse the beans
Place the split moon beans in a fine mesh sieve and rinse under cold running water until the water runs clear.
Time: PT2M
Add beans and aromatics to rice cooker
Transfer the rinsed beans to the rice cooker inner pot. Add 4 cups of filtered water, 2 bay leaves, ½ tsp crushed chili flakes, and ½ tsp freshly ground cracked pepper.
Time: PT3M
Cook the beans
Close the rice cooker lid, select the regular "Cook" setting, and let it run. The cooker will automatically switch to "Warm" when the beans are done (about 45 minutes).
Time: PT45M
Finish with coconut oil
Open the lid, remove the bay leaves, and stir in 1 tsp coconut oil to coat the beans and keep them from clumping.
Time: PT2M
Serve or store
Serve the beans warm in a salad, soup, or as a side. Transfer any leftovers to an airtight container.
Time: PT0M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 150
- Protein
- 9g
- Carbohydrates
- 25g
- Fat
- 2g
- Fiber
- 6g
Dietary info: Vegan, Gluten‑Free, Dairy‑Free
Allergens: Coconut
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Split Moon Beans: Mung beans, Black-eyed peas
- Instead of Water: Vegetable broth for extra flavor
- Instead of Bay Leaves: Dried thyme, Oregano
- Instead of Crushed Chili Flakes: Red pepper flakes, Paprika
- Instead of Freshly Ground Cracked Pepper: White pepper
- Instead of Coconut Oil: Olive oil, Vegetable oil
Equipment Needed
- Rice Cooker
- Measuring Cups
- Fine Mesh Sieve
- Spoon
- Kitchen Towel (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Do not add salt or any acidic ingredient (vinegar, lemon juice) before cooking the beans.
- Add coconut oil after cooking to prevent the beans from sticking together.
Chef Tips from the Video
- If you have time, soak the beans for 2‑4 hours to shorten cooking time further.
- Toast the bay leaves briefly in a dry pan for a deeper aroma before adding them.
Troubleshooting
Beans are still firm after the cycle.
Add an extra ½ cup of water and run another short "Cook" cycle (10‑15 minutes).
Beans are mushy or breaking apart.
Reduce the water by ¼ cup next time and check the cooker’s "Warm" timing; some models stay on longer.
Beans stick together in clumps.
Stir in a little more coconut oil or a neutral oil before the final step.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze in portioned bags for up to 2 months.
Room temperature: Do not store at room temperature; beans will spoil.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Cooked beans keep well refrigerated; reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of water.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of split moon beans in Asian cuisine?
Split moon beans, also known as mung beans, have been a staple in East and Southeast Asian cooking for centuries, valued for their quick cooking time and nutritional profile. They appear in dishes ranging from sweet desserts in China to savory salads and soups in Vietnam and Thailand.
What are the traditional regional variations of split moon beans in Asian cuisine?
In Chinese cuisine, mung beans are often boiled and sweetened for desserts. In Korean cuisine, they are ground into a paste for "nokdu-muk" (mung bean jelly). In Indian cuisine, split mung beans (moong dal) are cooked with spices into a hearty dal. Each region adapts the bean to local flavors and textures.
How are split moon beans traditionally served in Vietnam?
Vietnamese households frequently serve boiled mung beans as a cooling salad called "gỏi đậu xanh," tossed with lime, fish sauce, herbs, and peanuts. The beans provide a light, protein‑rich component to the fresh salad.
What occasions or celebrations feature split moon beans in Asian cultures?
Mung beans are often prepared for Lunar New Year celebrations as a symbol of renewal and health. In some Chinese regions, sweet mung bean soup is served to guests as a welcoming dish during festivals.
What other Asian dishes pair well with rice cooker split moon beans?
These beans complement steamed jasmine rice, grilled fish, or a simple stir‑fried vegetable medley. They also work beautifully as a protein boost in noodle bowls or as a topping for bibimbap‑style rice dishes.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for split moon beans versus acceptable substitutes?
Traditional recipes use water, bay leaves, and aromatics like ginger or garlic. In this recipe, coconut oil is added after cooking to keep beans separate. If coconut oil isn’t available, any neutral oil such as vegetable or olive oil works as a substitute.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making rice cooker split moon beans?
The biggest errors are adding salt or acidic ingredients before cooking, which prolongs the cooking time, and forgetting to stir in oil after cooking, which can cause the beans to clump together. Also, using too little water will leave beans under‑cooked.
Why does this rice cooker split moon beans recipe use no salt or acid during cooking?
Salt and acid harden the bean skins, making them take much longer to soften. By omitting them, the beans cook quickly and evenly in the rice cooker’s sealed environment.
Can I make rice cooker split moon beans ahead of time and how should I store them?
Yes, you can cook a batch ahead and store the beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days or freeze them for up to two months. Reheat gently with a splash of water to restore moisture.
What does the YouTube channel CookingWithKimberly specialize in?
The YouTube channel CookingWithKimberly focuses on practical, everyday cooking tips, especially using common kitchen appliances like rice cookers, slow cookers, and Instant Pots to simplify home meals.
How does the YouTube channel CookingWithKimberly's approach to Asian-inspired cooking differ from other cooking channels?
CookingWithKimberly emphasizes low‑maintenance, one‑pot techniques that let busy home cooks achieve authentic Asian flavors without extensive prep or constant supervision, unlike many channels that rely on stovetop monitoring.
Last updated: September 6, 2026
