Soy milk is a great alternative to cow's milk. It's delicious, affordable, easy to make, and only requires 2 ingredients: water and soybeans.
Soy milk is a delicious and healthy alternative to dairy milk. It is packed with nutrients and health benefits and this homemade recipe is way better than any beverage you can find at the grocery store.
It is dairy and lactose-free, so it is perfect for you if you have lactose intolerance. Besides, it only requires 2 simple ingredients! You actually need to blend the soy beans with water and then strain them using a nut milk bag.
How to make soy milk – Step by step
- Soak the soybeans in water overnight.
- Drain the soybeans and remove the outer skins. Then add them to a powerful blender and blend them with 3 cups or 750 ml of water until well blended and almost smooth (photo 1).
- Strain the blended mixture using a nut milk bag, a cheesecloth, a napkin or a fine mesh strainer (photo 2).
- Pour the mixture into a pot or a saucepan and add 1 cup or 250 ml of water (photo 3).
- Bring to a boil, stir and skim foam (photo 4).
- Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for about 20 minutes (photo 5).
- Let the soy milk cool and enjoy it (photo 6).
Pro tips
- Use yellow soybeans, it's the best kind of soybeans to make this milk. They're a great source of protein. Soy protein is one of the best vegetable ones!
- Add more or less water depending on how thick you like your milk. However, it naturally tends to be thicker than other milk alternatives.
- Feel free to add any sweeter you want or don't add any sweetener at all. Add it gently until the milk tastes good.
- Some recipes call for a tiny amount of salt, but I prefer my milk salt-free.
- Feel free to add other ingredients like cocoa powder or ground cinnamon.
- Keep it in a sealed container in the fridge for about 3-5 days.
- Before you drink it you need to cook the milk, as soy is a legume and can't be eaten raw.
- You can use your soy milk to prepare recipes like vegan chocolate cake, vegan carrot cake, or vegan cheesecake, or have it with your cereal in the morning.
What is soy milk?
Soy milk is a type of plant milk. It is 100% plant-based and it doesn't contain cholesterol at all. I love to use it for baking because it has a thicker texture than other types of plant milk.
Is soy milk good for you?
Yes, it is! Unless you can't consume soy or it feels heavy in your stomach, this kind of plant milk is perfectly fine for consumption, as it has been in Asia for centuries. Just remember - if the milk has been in the fridge for some time and it smells bad, don't drink it.
Soy milk vs almond milk
Soy milk and almond milk are two different kinds of plant milk. I usually alternate between them and use them for different things; I use the first one for cooking and baking recipes, whereas I prefer to add almond milk to my coffee and smoothies.
Looking for more plant milk recipes?
Did you make this soy milk recipe?
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📖 Recipe
Soy Milk
Ingredients
- ½ cup dried soybeans
- 4 cups water
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract or a piece of vanilla bean, optional
- 4 dates, optional
Instructions
- Soak the soybeans in water overnight (ideally 12 hours or longer).
- Drain the soybeans and remove the outer skins. Removing the outer skins is optional, but your milk will have a better texture if you do.
- Add them to a powerful blender and blend them with 3 cups of water (750 ml) until well blended and almost smooth.
- Strain the blended mixture using a nut milk bag, a cheesecloth, a napkin or a fine mesh strainer.
- Pour the mixture into a pot or a saucepan and add 1 cup of water (250 ml). Bring to a boil, stir and skim foam.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for about 20 minutes.
- Let cool the soy milk. You can add other ingredients such as vanilla extract or dates. Blend the mixture if necessary.
- Keep the leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge for about 3-5 days.
Notes
- Use yellow soybeans, it's the best kind of soybeans to make soy milk.
- Add more or less water depending on how thick you like your milk.
- Feel free to add any sweetener you want or don't add any at all. Add it gently until the milk tastes good.
- Some recipes call for a tiny amount of salt, but I prefer my milk salt-free.
- Feel free to add other ingredients like cocoa powder or ground cinnamon.
Nutrition
Update Notes: This post was originally published in May of 2014, but was republished with new photos, step-by-step instructions, and tips in January of 2022.
Natalie says
I stumbled onto this recipe when trying to make dòufu nǎo. It’s almost impossible to find soy milk in the stores that don’t have any additives which ruin the dòufu nǎo. Anyway… I can’t believe how easy (and cheap) it is to make your own soy milk! I will be using this recipe from now on 🙂
Iosune says
Hi Natalie! I'm go glad to hear that 🙂 Have a nice day!
Mutiara Tan says
I love soy milk and I will make it home made. Thank you for the recipe.
Iosune says
Hi Mutiara! Hope you like it 🙂
Michael says
Is the step for removing soybean skin required after soaking them overnight? Do you know if the skin affects the flavor or is harmful if consumed?
Iosune says
Hi Michael! It is not harmful, but you'll get the best flavor and texture if you remove them 🙂
Samantha says
We have recently began our plastic reduction journey, this is my first attempt at making my own soy milk. Wow what a simple and delightful recipe, easy to follow, simple instructions and ingredients. Will never buy shop bought again now I've done this recipe ☺️
Iosune says
Hi Samantha! So glad to hear that 🙂 Have a nice day!
Josiphine says
Do the soy beans have to be dry. Can you use frozen or fresh soy beans?
Iosune says
Hi Josiphine! I've never used frozen or fresh soy beans, so I don't know, sorry!
Chris says
To make tofu add coagulant after boiling. Press or hang in cheesecloth.
Iosune says
Hi Chris! Thanks a lot for your comment 🙂
Lu says
Can I make Tofu with the leftovers? Thanks
Iosune says
Hi Lu! I've never tried it myself, so I can't help you, sorry!
Dee says
Why do I have to boil it? Can I blend the dates with the soybeans before boiling? Thanks!
Iosune says
Hi Dee! Because soy is a legume and you can't eat it uncooked. I would add the dates after boiling, but you could try if you want. Have a nice day!
Anna says
So, do you have to cook it again before consuming, after it’s been refrigerated ?
Iosune says
Hi Anna! No, you don't, after step #6 you don't need to cook it again 🙂
Laura says
Made this milk for my daughter, I love that it has simple ingredients for her to consume and the process is also very simple. Thank you for sharing this recipe! I added dates to the milk when I was boiling it and then blended it once it cooled. Thank you again.
Iosune Robles says
Hi Laura! Thanks for your kind comment 🙂
Diana says
Turned out great! Very pleased. Making my own soy mild from now on
Iosune Robles says
So glad you liked it Diana 🙂 Have a nice day!
Kristine says
What is the ratio? How many cups of soy beans to water?
Thank you!
Iosune Robles says
Hi! ½ cup dried soybeans (80 g) - 4 cups water (1 l)
Dan says
Turned out great. I added 1/2 tsp of vanilla and 1 tsp sugar to smoothen the flavor.
Thank you for your recipe.
Iosune Robles says
Hi Dan! So glad you liked it 🙂
Sarita Wilson says
Hi,
I am new to making my own soy milk. I bought a 3-piece milk ‘milk maker’. The directions do not mention removing the skins after soaking the beans nor cooking the milk before ingesting. The milk was ultra thick, but had a good flavor. I imagine that it would be thinner and taste even better with your method. I wish I had seen this before buying that milk maker. Thank you so much for this. ~~Sarita
Iosune Robles says
Hi Sarita!Thanks for your kind comment 🙂