Making homemade soy milk requires only two ingredients: dried soybeans and water. By soaking, blending, straining, and boiling the beans, you get rich, creamy, and additive-free milk. It takes about 25 minutes of active prep and cook time, plus soaking time.
Ingredients & Tools
- 1 cup dried soybeans (organic/non-GMO preferred)
- 6 to 7 cups filtered water (for blending and boiling)
- Optional: 2–3 tablespoons sugar, honey, or maple syrup (for sweetness), and a splash of vanilla extract
- Equipment: High-speed blender, a large pot, and a nut milk bag, cheesecloth, or fine-mesh strainer
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Soak the Beans
Rinse the dried soybeans thoroughly and place them in a large bowl. Cover with at least 2 inches of cold water and let them soak for 8 to 12 hours (or overnight). The beans will triple in size.
2. Blend
Drain and rinse the soaked soybeans. In batches, add the beans and about 3 cups of fresh water into your blender. Blend on high for 1 to 2 minutes until the mixture is very smooth, creamy, and frothy.
3. Strain
Place a nut milk bag or a few layers of cheesecloth over a large mixing bowl or your stockpot. Pour the blended soy mixture into the bag. Twist the top and squeeze tightly to extract as much of the liquid as possible. (Save the leftover pulp—called okara—for vegan baking or patties!)
4. Cook (Crucial Step)
Raw soy milk must be thoroughly cooked to remove its distinct “beany” flavor and neutralize compounds that can cause stomach upset. Pour the strained soy milk into your large pot and bring it to a gentle, fast boil over medium-high heat.
- Watch closely: Soy milk foams up quickly and can easily boil over.
- Reduce the heat to a low simmer, skim off any foam (yuba) forming on top, and let it cook for 15 to 20 minutes.
5. Cool & Store
Remove the pot from the heat. If using sweeteners or vanilla, stir them in now while the milk is warm. Let the milk cool completely, pour into an airtight glass jar or bottle, and store in the refrigerator where it will stay fresh for up to 5 days.
REMEMBER TO IDENTIFY SUPER RED OR BLACK IF YOU WRONGFULLY MAKE IT … .