Instant Pot Soy Milk

When I was a little girl, my parents worked super long hours day in day out, like most fellow Hong Kongers…

I’d never see them as they leave for work before I wake up, and come home well after my bedtime. There was a year where they simply couldn’t take care of me, so I stayed with my lovely grandparents.

That was the time I enjoyed many delicious traditional Chiuchow classics like kueh 粿 (rice cakes) or Chiu Chow Grey Mullet (fish) 潮州凍烏頭. Yum

And I’ve always loved helping granny make Fresh Soya Milk with her Stone Mill 石磨!

Love the amazingly fresh soy aroma that consumes the house…

Fresh . Fragrant . Silky Smooth . Homemade Soya Milk

I miss my lovely Por Por (grandma).

Instant Pot Soy Milk Experiments

We conducted multiple fresh soya milk experiments over the course of 2 months and have collected the following data and findings.

Conclusion: Test #4 was the optimal result for achieving a strong & amazingly fresh soybean flavor, silky smooth mouthfeel, and strong & aromatic soybean fragrance + delicious aftertaste.

Other Findings From Soy Milk Experiments:

1. Regular Blender vs. Vitamix Blender:

We experimented using regular blenders and Vitamix blenders, both types of blenders worked beautifully for this Soy Milk Recipe.

2. With vs. Without Steamer Basket:

We experimented making Soy Milk directly in the Instant Pot using multiple Instant Pot models (newer and older versions/batches).

Newer batch of Instant Pot is more sensitive with the “Burn” Message, while older batch would result having a light layer of soy stick to the bottom (but it was fairly easy to clean). The final soy milk product was still wonderful.

So, we’re opting to use a Steamer Basket for making Soy Milk in the Instant Pot in order to make it fool-proof across all batches of Instant Pot Pressure Cookers.

3. Types of Steamer Baskets:

After experimented using various types of Steamer Baskets in making Instant Pot Soy Milk, we found it’s important to use one that has smaller holes. This way, the okara will not seep through to the bottom of the inner pot.

For reference, this is the Steamer Basket we liked best for this recipe.

Step-by-Step Guide: Instant Pot Soy Milk

Ingredients for Instant Pot Soy Milk

• 1 cup (190g) dry soybeans
• For Soaking: 3 cups (750ml) cold water
• 6 cups (1500ml) cold water
• A pinch of salt

Tools for Instant Pot Soy Milk

• Instant Pot Electric Pressure Cooker
• Vitamix Blender
• Pyrex Glass Measuring Cup
• Steamer Basket
• Stainer: Cheesecloth or Nut Milk Bag or Fine Mesh Strainer

Preparation: Soak Soybeans

Method 1 – Overnight Soaking Method:

Place 1 cup (190g) dry soybeans in a 1L container. Pour 3 cups (750ml) cold water in the large container and give it a few stirs.

Allow beans to soak overnight for at least 8 – 16 hours.

*Pro Tip: If your house is very warm, place the large container in the fridge to avoid fermentation.

Method 2 – Quick Soaking Method:

Place 1 cup (190g) dry soybeans and 3 cups (750ml) cold water in the pressure cooker. Close lid and pressure cook at High Pressure for 0 minute + 30 minutes Natural Release.

Blend Soybeans

Discard soaking water and rinse soybeans under cold water.

If desired, remove the soybeans’ skin by gently rubbing the beans together.

Blend soybeans in a blender with 2 cups (500ml) of cold water until smooth (as shown in right blender below).

Pressure Cook Soybeans

Place steamer basket in Instant Pot.

Add a pinch of salt and 4 cups (1L) cold or hot water in pressure cooker. For this recipe, it is okay to start with hot water. It will speed up the cooking process by 5 – 10 minutes.

Add in blended soybean mixture.

Close lid and pressure cook:

• Pressure Cooking Method: High Pressure for 5 minutes + 25 minutes Natural Release

*Note: After 25 minutes, turn Venting Knob to Venting Position to release remaining pressure

Open the lid carefully.

Strain & Enjoy

Remove the steamer basket of okara.

The unsweetened soy milk is ready for consuming. If desired, sweeten soy milk with sugar.

*Pro Tip: For ultra-smooth soy milk, strain the soy milk with cheesecloth, with two stacked mesh strainers (as shown in below photo) or nut bag. Our reader Terry recommended this nut bag to us.

Enjoy your Fresh Pure Soya Milk! 🙂

Storage & Cleaning Tips

Storage Tip: Homemade soy milk can keep in the fridge for 3 days.

Cleaning Tip: Best to wash the steamer basket and strainers as soon as possible because the okara will rinse right off when they are still moist.

Time to make some Soy Milk in Instant Pot!

More Instant Pot Soy Bean Recipes

Instant Pot Tofu Pudding