Instant Pot Sweet Mung Bean Soup Recipe

Instant Pot Sweet Mung Bean Soup is the ultimate comfort in a bowl—a silky, lightly sweetened Chinese classic that comes together with almost zero effort thanks to pressure cooking. The magic of this soup lies in how just a few humble pantry staples transform into something heartwarming and quietly elegant. It’s one of those dishes you’ll find yourself reaching for year-round, whether you’re craving a light dessert, a nourishing snack, or a chilled summertime treat. If you’re new to mung beans, this is the best way to let their delicate flavor shine through with absolute ease!

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be amazed by how just a handful of essential ingredients work together to produce the gentle, inviting flavors in Instant Pot Sweet Mung Bean Soup. Every item here brings a unique element, from creaminess to sweetness, making each bowl pure comfort.

• Dry mung beans: These petite, jade-green beans are the star; they cook up beautifully tender and subtly nutty in the Instant Pot.
• Water: Generous water ensures the soup turns out light and silky, letting the beans’ flavor shine while creating dreamy texture.
• Rock sugar: This traditional Chinese sweetener adds delicate sweetness and a slightly mineral finish; substitute with your favorite sweetener if rock sugar is unavailable.

How to Make Instant Pot Sweet Mung Bean Soup

Step 1: Rinse the Mung Beans Thoroughly

Give your mung beans a good wash under cold water. Swirl them around with your fingers—this step gets rid of any grit and helps ensure that Instant Pot Sweet Mung Bean Soup tastes smooth, clean, and inviting from the very first spoonful.

Step 2: Combine Beans and Water in the Pot

Add the rinsed mung beans directly into your Instant Pot, then pour in 10 cups of water (or fill to the halfway mark if you’re measuring by pot). The beans will absorb a surprising amount of liquid, so don’t skimp!

Step 3: Pressure Cook to Perfection

Secure the Instant Pot lid, lock it in place, and select the ‘Bean/Chili’ option on High Pressure. Set your timer for 30 minutes—during this time, the beans will soften and release their subtle flavor into the soup base.

Step 4: Natural or Quick Pressure Release

Once the timer finishes, the Instant Pot Sweet Mung Bean Soup will automatically switch to ‘Keep Warm.’ For an extra silky soup, let the pot naturally release pressure for 25 to 30 minutes. If you’re short on time, you can safely use manual release according to your Instant Pot’s instructions.

Step 5: Adjust Consistency and Sweeten

If you prefer a richer, thicker soup, switch to the ‘Sauté’ function after pressure release and simmer until the texture is just right. Once satisfied, stir in your rock sugar (or chosen sweetener) until it dissolves completely. Give the soup a quick taste—you can always add a little more sweetness if it suits your fancy!

Step 6: Serve Warm or Chill for Later

Instant Pot Sweet Mung Bean Soup is ready to enjoy immediately, served warm in bowls for cozy comfort. If you’d rather have it chilled, simply let the soup cool, transfer it to an airtight container, and keep it in the fridge until you’re ready for a refreshing treat.

How to Serve Instant Pot Sweet Mung Bean Soup

Garnishes

Take your bowl of Instant Pot Sweet Mung Bean Soup up a notch with favorite toppings like a drizzle of coconut milk for extra richness, a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds, or even a scattered handful of dried osmanthus flowers for floral aroma. These garnishes add a beautiful finish, both visually and in flavor.

Side Dishes

Pair your sweet mung bean soup with crisp sesame cookies, flaky Chinese pastries, or a plate of fresh tropical fruits like mango or lychee. These sides bring texture and contrast, turning your soup into a mini dessert feast or afternoon tea highlight.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve Instant Pot Sweet Mung Bean Soup in dainty glass cups or vintage teacups at your next get-together. You can also chill it in small bowls and crown with seasonal fruits for a colorful summer dessert platter. It’s a showstopper at potlucks, delighting guests who may not expect how satisfying something so simple can be.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any extra Instant Pot Sweet Mung Bean Soup cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. The soup will keep well for up to four days, ready to brighten up lunchboxes, afternoon breaks, or late-night cravings whenever you please.

Freezing

This soup actually freezes wonderfully! Portion cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving a little headspace for expansion. It’ll stay fresh for three months—just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the soup gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally to maintain its creamy texture. If it’s a little thick straight from the fridge, simply splash in a bit of water until it’s perfect. You can microwave it too—just cover loosely and use medium power for best results.

FAQs

Can I use split mung beans instead of whole?

Absolutely! Split mung beans will cook even more quickly than whole ones and yield a silkier texture. Just keep an eye on cook times and consider reducing slightly if you prefer more bite to your soup.

Is Instant Pot Sweet Mung Bean Soup gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it a friendly option for anyone with dietary restrictions—just be sure any sweeteners or toppings you add are free from gluten-containing additives.

Can I add flavorings like pandan or ginger?

Definitely—feel free to tuck in a knot of pandan leaf, a slice of ginger, or even some tangerine peel before pressure cooking. These classic additions give the soup an aromatic lift, adding subtle complexity that’s simply irresistible.

How do I adjust the sweetness level?

Start with the recommended rock sugar, then taste and tweak as needed. You can easily add more sweetener if desired, or use options like brown sugar, honey (for non-vegan), or coconut sugar to tailor it to your liking.

Can I enjoy this soup cold?

Yes—Instant Pot Sweet Mung Bean Soup is delicious both warm and chilled! In fact, it’s a summertime favorite in many Asian households. Chilled, it becomes extra refreshing and makes a lovely light dessert or snack.

Final Thoughts

If you’re longing for something nourishing, soothing, and effortlessly delicious, give Instant Pot Sweet Mung Bean Soup a whirl. It’s a recipe that embodies comfort, tradition, and the joy of unfussy home cooking—all in one happy, steamy bowl. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own!

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