1. Introduction:
“I never thought beans would end up in my smoothie—until I tried this red bean smoothie.”
That’s what I told a friend after tasting a red bean smoothie for the first time in a tiny Taiwanese café. It was nutty, creamy, naturally sweet—and surprisingly satisfying. This delightful blend of Asian comfort and modern health trends has gone global for good reason. If you’ve never blended adzuki beans with banana and coconut milk, now’s your moment.
2. Key Features at a Glance:
✅ Naturally sweet without refined sugar
✅ Full of fiber, plant protein, and minerals
✅ Vegan-friendly & gluten-free
✅ Customizable with matcha, fruit, or oats
✅ Perfect as breakfast, snack, or post-workout boost
3. Ingredient List & Why Each Matters
Makes 2 servings
Ingredient | Measurement | Notes |
---|---|---|
Cooked adzuki beans or red bean paste | ¾ cup | Source of fiber, protein, creamy body. See Healthline on adzuki benefits |
Ripe banana | 1 large | Adds natural sweetness and thickness |
Coconut milk (or oat/almond milk) | 1 cup | Creamy base — coconut enhances the Asian vibe. See Coconut Smoothie recipe |
Honey, maple syrup, or dates | 1–2 tsp (optional) | Use if you prefer a sweeter profile |
Ice cubes | ½ cup | For chill and texture |
Pinch of salt | Tiny | Enhances the overall flavor balance |
Optional add-ins: matcha powder, protein powder, oats | 1 tsp – 1 tbsp | For performance, energy, or flavor |
4. Tools & Equipment
- High-speed blender (Vitamix or NutriBullet recommended)
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Silicone spatula (to scrape every bit!)
- Mason jars or smoothie tumblers for serving
5. Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep the beans: If using canned red bean paste, measure ¾ cup. If cooking your own, soak adzuki beans overnight, boil until soft (about 45–60 mins), then sweeten slightly if desired.
- Add ingredients to blender in this order: milk → banana → red bean → ice → sweetener → any extras (matcha, protein, oats).
- Blend until creamy, about 60 seconds. Stop and scrape sides if needed.
- Taste and adjust: Add more liquid if too thick, or more beans for richness.
- Serve immediately, topped with your favorite extras (see below).
Internal linking opportunity: If you enjoy protein-packed blends, check out Low-Calorie High-Protein Smoothie Recipes.
6. Troubleshooting & Tips
Problem | Solution |
---|---|
Too thick? | Add more milk or a splash of water. |
Not sweet enough? | Use half a date or drizzle a bit more honey. |
Grainy texture? | Use soft-cooked beans and blend longer. |
Want a green boost? | Add ½ tsp matcha or a handful of spinach. See Matcha Green Tea Smoothie. |
7. Serving Suggestions
- Top with crunchy granola, mochi cubes, or chia seeds
- Add a drizzle of coconut cream or nut butter
- For a dessert spin, serve with a scoop of vanilla coconut ice cream
8. Storage & Leftover Ideas
- Fridge: Store up to 48 hours in an airtight jar. Stir before drinking.
- Freeze: Pour into popsicle molds or smoothie packs for later.
- Batch tip: Double the recipe and portion into grab-n-go jars.
9. Conclusion & Engagement
The red bean smoothie may sound unconventional, but it’s a wholesome, creamy surprise your tastebuds (and gut) will love. With rich nutrients and sweet flavor, it’s ideal for breakfast, snack, or post-gym refuel.
Want to try more? Start with our Avocado Green Smoothie Guide or explore our tropical vibes in the Mango Smoothie Recipe.
10. FAQs
A: Mildly nutty and earthy, like sweetened beans blended with banana—soft, rich, and naturally creamy.
A: High in fiber, low-GI carbs, antioxidants, and plant-based protein. Great for digestion and heart health.
A: Yes! Just ensure it’s not overly sweetened or adjust the rest of your ingredients accordingly.
A: Matcha, coconut, banana, strawberries, and oats. See this Reddit thread on red bean pairing ideas.
11. Additional Resources
- Vegan Adzuki Milkshake — 2 Ingredients
- Red Bean Protein Shake for Workouts
- Azuki Shake from Obsessive Cooking
- Explore All Delicious Smoothie Recipes
Red Bean Smoothie (Adzuki Banana Blend)
- Total Time: 5 minutes (plus bean prep time if cooking from scratch)
- Yield: 2 servings
Description
This Red Bean Smoothie is a creamy, nutty, and naturally sweet blend of Asian tradition and modern nutrition. Inspired by Taiwanese cafés, it combines cooked adzuki beans with ripe banana and coconut milk for a high-fiber, protein-rich treat. Vegan, gluten-free, and endlessly customizable—perfect for breakfast, snack, or a post-workout boost.
Ingredients
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¾ cup cooked adzuki beans or red bean paste (unsweetened preferred)
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1 large ripe banana
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1 cup coconut milk (or oat/almond milk)
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1–2 tsp honey, maple syrup, or 1 pitted date (optional, for extra sweetness)
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½ cup ice cubes
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Pinch of salt
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Optional add-ins:
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½–1 tsp matcha powder
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1 tbsp oats
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1 scoop plant-based protein powder
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Instructions
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Prep the beans: If using canned red bean paste, measure out ¾ cup. If cooking from dried, soak adzuki beans overnight, then simmer until soft (45–60 minutes). Sweeten slightly if desired.
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Load the blender: Add ingredients in this order — milk → banana → red beans → ice → sweetener → optional add-ins.
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Blend: Process on high speed for about 60 seconds, until smooth and creamy. Stop to scrape the sides if needed.
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Taste and adjust: Add more milk for a thinner texture or more beans for richness.
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Serve immediately: Pour into glasses or smoothie jars. Garnish with granola, chia seeds, mochi, or a swirl of nut butter.
Notes
Additional Notes:
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For a dessert twist, top with coconut ice cream.
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Store in the fridge for up to 48 hours; stir well before drinking.
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Freeze leftovers in popsicle molds or smoothie packs for a grab-and-go option.
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Want a boost? Add ½ tsp matcha or a handful of spinach for a green version.
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(Varies based on milk choice and sweeteners)
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- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes (if using pre-cooked or canned beans)
- Category: Beverage / Breakfast / Snack
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 glass
- Calories: ~220
- Fat: ~6g
- Carbohydrates: ~35g
- Protein: ~6g