Soybeans

콩 kong · 大豆 dàdòu · soybean

Flavor and role

The beans from which tofu, soy milk, soy sauce and doenjang are made, high in protein and fat. Immature green soybeans are called edamame.

Typical dishes and uses

Kongjaban (sweet soy-braised beans), kongguksu, homemade soy milk and tofu, edamame boiled in salted water

Substitutes

Chickpeas can replace them in some dishes, but soy milk and tofu are hard to replicate.

Storage

Dried beans keep 1 year sealed at room temperature. Soak 12 hours before use; frozen edamame keeps 6 months.

Main countries

Korea · China · United States

Updated 2026-10-10