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    Home » Vegan Guides & Resources

    How to Soak Cashews (3 Easy Methods)

    Published Dec 6, 2020 · Updated Dec 6, 2020 · 5 Comments

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    This post may contain affiliate links which won’t change your price but will share some commission. See my disclosure policy.

    JUMP TO RECIPE

    Learn the 3 easy methods for soaking cashews: two quick soak methods (microwave and stovetop) and the overnight method.

    Two bowls of cashews, raw and soaked, with the words "raw cashews to soaked cashews"
    Jump to:
    • Best Cashews to Use
    • Quick Soak Methods
    • Overnight Soak Method
    • Recipe
    • Comments

    Do you have a recipe that calls for soaked cashews, but you aren't sure how to do that? Or maybe you're in a time crunch and need to know how to achieve perfectly soft cashews fast. This guide has a method that will work for you!

    Cashews are often used in vegan and dairy-free recipes as a dairy substitute. To recipes, they offer creaminess, lusciousness, and viscosity. And unlike many nuts or seeds, cashews don't have an overpowering flavor. Once soaked, they become easy to blend up into a smooth sauce or "cheese".

    Plus, cashews have wonderful nutritional benefits!

    Best Cashews to Use

    Most recipes that call for soaking cashews are calling for raw cashews as opposed to roasted cashews.

    Raw cashews are more neutral in flavor and will have a creamier result when blended.

    However, if all you have are roasted cashews, you can still use them in many savory dishes, like cashew alfredo sauce. The roasted flavor does come through, so keep that in mind when making this substitution.

    I do not recommend using roasted cashews in desserts, like vegan cheesecake.

    Cashews soaking in a bowl of water.

    Quick Soak Methods

    If you want to know how to quick-soak cashews, I have 2 methods for you. Each takes about the same amount of time, but one method uses the stove and the other uses the microwave.

    Microwave

    Using the microwave to soak cashews fast is my go-to method.

    • In a large microwave-safe bowl, add the cashews and enough water to cover them by about a half-inch.
    • Microwave for 2 minutes.
    • Let cashews sit in the hot water for about 20 minutes.
    • Drain and use as the recipe instructs.

    Properly soaked cashews will appear duller in color and are easy to break apart with your fingers.

    Cashews and water in a pot.

    Stovetop

    The stove method is perfect for those who don't have a microwave or prefer to not use one.

    • Add cashews to a pot. Add enough water to cover them by a half-inch.
    • On medium heat, bring to a simmer.
    • Remove from the heat, cover with a lid, and let soak for 20 minutes.
    • Drain.

    Overnight Soak Method

    If you've got the time and are thinking ahead, soaking cashews overnight is a great option.

    A glass container with cashews and water.
    • To a container, add the cashews and enough water to cover them by a half-inch. Cover.
    • Let sit in the fridge overnight (or for at least 4 hours.)
    • Drain.

    Note: Oversoaking cashews can lead to a bitter taste and off-putting texture. I don't recommend soaking for more than 24 hours.

    Recipe

    How To Soak Cashews

    Karissa Besaw
    There are three easy methods to soaking cashews, 2 quick soak methods and an overnight method.
    5 from 8 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Total Time 25 minutes mins
    Course Vegan
    Cuisine Vegan
    Servings 1
    Calories 178 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • raw cashews
    • water

    Instructions
     

    Quick Microwave Method

    • In a large microwave-safe bowl, add the cashews and enough water to cover them by about a half-inch.
    • Microwave for 2 minutes. Let cashews sit in the hot water for about 20 minutes. Drain.

    Quick Stovetop Method

    • Add cashews to a pot. Add enough water to cover them by a half-inch.
    • On medium heat, bring to a simmer.
    • Remove from the heat as soon as it comes to a simmer, cover with a lid, and let soak for 20 minutes. Drain.

    Overnight Method

    • To a container, add the cashews and enough water to cover them by a half-inch. Cover.
    • Let sit in the fridge overnight. Drain.

    Notes

    *Nutrition facts are for ¼ cup of cashews.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 178kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 6gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 3gSodium: 4mgPotassium: 213mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2gCalcium: 12mgIron: 2mg
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

    Recipes that Use Soaked Raw Cashews:

    • Cashew Cream Cheese
    • Vegan Caesar Salad Dressing
    • Dairy-free Sour Cream

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