How Long to Soak Cashews (Kaju)

By the CookTimeGuide Editorial TeamKitchen-tested Jan 2026

Recommended Soaking Time

2 hours

Range: 2-4 hours

Water Ratio

1 part cashews to 2 parts water

Overnight OK?

Not recommended

Method

Cover raw cashews with room temperature water and soak. For a quicker soak, use boiling water for 30-60 minutes instead.

Signs of Ready

Cashews are plump, slightly swollen, and blend into a perfectly smooth cream.

Tips

Use boiling water for a 30-minute quick soak if short on time.
Soaked cashews make excellent vegan cream sauces, cashew cheese, and gravies.
Do not over-soak past 4 hours as they can become slimy.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should I soak Cashews (Kaju)?

2 hours is the sweet spot for cashews (kaju) (range: 2-4 hours). Under-soaking leads to uneven cooking, and you will know it is ready when cashews are plump, slightly swollen, and blend into a perfectly smooth cream.

Can I soak Cashews (Kaju) overnight?

No. Cashews (Kaju) should only soak 2-4 hours. Soaking longer breaks down the texture and can cause fermentation in warm temperatures.

What is the water ratio for soaking Cashews (Kaju)?

Use 1 part cashews to 2 parts water (water to cashews (kaju)). Cashews (Kaju) expands during soaking, so start with a bowl at least twice the volume of the dry product to avoid overflow.

How do I know when Cashews (Kaju) is done soaking?

Cashews are plump, slightly swollen, and blend into a perfectly smooth cream. If you are unsure, cut one in half - the inside should be uniform in color with no dry, opaque core.

Can I use hot water to soak Cashews (Kaju)?

Hot water cuts the soaking time roughly in half for cashews (kaju), but cold water gives more even hydration and better final texture.

Method

Signs of Ready

Tips

Frequently Asked Questions

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