Steaming Peanuts: A Simple, Savory Snack Guide

Steamed peanuts are a delicious snack that can be made in a variety of ways. The most common method is boiling raw peanuts in salted water for several hours, resulting in a soft and juicy texture. However, steamed peanuts can also be prepared using pressure cookers, slow cookers, or stove-top methods. Seasonings such as cinnamon, star anise, garlic, and chilli peppers can be added to enhance the flavour, creating a unique and addictive treat.

How to boil shelled peanuts

Boiling shelled peanuts is a great way to bring out their natural flavours and create a mouthwatering snack. Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to boil shelled peanuts:

Ingredients and Equipment:

• Raw shelled peanuts (fresh and high-quality)
• Water
• Salt
• Optional seasonings (chilli powder, garlic powder, paprika, etc.)
• Large pot
• Stove
• Colander (optional)

Step-by-Step Process:

• Wash the shelled peanuts thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt or debris.
• Fill the large pot with enough water to fully cover the peanuts.
• Add salt and any desired optional seasonings to the water.
• Place the pot on the stove and bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat.
• Once the water is boiling, carefully add the shelled peanuts to the pot.
• Reduce the heat to low and let the peanuts simmer. The boiling time can vary depending on how soft you want them. For shelled peanuts, this can take around 1 to 2 hours. For peanuts in the shell, this can take 2 to 3 hours or longer.
• Periodically check the peanuts for tenderness. They should be soft and easy to bite into. For shelled peanuts, you can also taste a few to check.
• Once the peanuts reach the desired tenderness, remove them from the heat and drain the water using a colander.
• Let the boiled shelled peanuts cool for a few minutes before serving.

Tips and Serving Suggestions:

• Boiled shelled peanuts can be enjoyed both warm and cold.
• Sprinkle some salt or your favourite seasoning on top for extra flavour.
• Pair boiled shelled peanuts with refreshing beverages like iced tea or cold drinks.
• They make a great snack for game nights, movie marathons, or any social gathering.

How to season boiled peanuts

Boiled peanuts are a delicious and savory snack that can be seasoned in a variety of ways. Here is a guide on how to season boiled peanuts:

Choosing the Right Peanuts

The first step is to choose the right type of peanuts. Raw peanuts commonly come in two forms: fresh raw peanuts, also known as green peanuts, which are fresh out of the ground and still very moist in their shells, or raw peanuts that have been shelled and air-dried. If you are using the dried variety, be sure to soak them overnight before boiling to reduce the cooking time.

Preparing the Peanuts

Once you have selected your peanuts, give them a good rinse to remove any dirt or debris. If you are using peanuts in their shells, you can lightly crack open one end of each peanut to allow the brine to penetrate the shell during cooking.

Seasoning Options

Now comes the fun part—seasoning your peanuts! The most basic approach is to simply season your peanuts with salt. However, feel free to experiment with a variety of spices and seasonings to suit your taste. Some popular options include:

• Cayenne pepper
• Garlic powder
• Crushed red pepper
• Old Bay seasoning
• Smoked paprika
• Shrimp boil mix
• Star anise
• Sichuan peppercorns
• Cinnamon stick
• Bay leaves
• Cajun seasoning
• Chili peppers
• Lemongrass

Cooking the Peanuts

Place your seasoned peanuts in a pot and add enough water to completely submerge them. You may need to weigh down the peanuts with a heat-proof plate or lid to keep them submerged. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat and allow the peanuts to simmer. The cooking time will depend on your preferred level of doneness. For slightly al dente peanuts, simmer for 45 minutes to 1 hour. For softer peanuts, increase the cooking time and periodically taste-test to check the consistency.

Serving and Storing Tips

Once your peanuts have reached the desired level of doneness, turn off the heat and let them cool to room temperature. For the best flavor, it is recommended to let them soak in the refrigerator overnight before serving. Remember to keep any leftover peanuts in the brining liquid to prevent them from drying out. Boiled peanuts can be stored in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

How long to boil peanuts for

Boiled peanuts are a popular snack in several states in the US and in China and the Philippines. The cooking time varies depending on the desired softness of the peanuts and the method used to cook them.

Stovetop

On a stovetop, boiled peanuts are cooked for anywhere between 2 to 3 hours or longer. Some recipes suggest boiling them for at least 3 hours and then checking if the peanuts have reached the desired softness. If not, the peanuts can be boiled for longer. The longer the peanuts are boiled, the saltier and softer they will become.

Slow Cooker

In a slow cooker, the cooking time is much longer, with some recipes suggesting a cooking time of 10 to 12 hours.

Pressure Cooker or Instant Pot

Using a pressure cooker or Instant Pot significantly reduces the cooking time. Some recipes suggest cooking the peanuts for 60 to 80 minutes in a pressure cooker or Instant Pot, while others suggest a cooking time of 75 minutes.

Chinese Boiled Peanuts

The Chinese version of boiled peanuts is cooked for less time than the Southern US version, resulting in a slightly al dente peanut. This method involves boiling the peanuts for 45 minutes to 1 hour, and then leaving them to cool to room temperature.

How to eat boiled peanuts

Boiled peanuts are a popular snack in the Southern United States, as well as in China and Malaysia. They are usually made with raw peanuts, boiled in salted water for hours. The longer the peanuts are cooked, the saltier and softer they will become.

To eat boiled peanuts, simply crack the shell with your fingers and eat the cooked peanuts inside. The shells are soft and tender but have no nutritional value and may upset your digestive system, so it is best to discard them. Be careful, as the shells absorb some water which can squirt out when you bite into them. For this reason, people usually eat boiled peanuts outside.

How to boil peanuts in a pressure cooker

Boiled peanuts are a popular snack in the southern states of the US and in China. They are made by boiling raw peanuts in salted water for hours until they reach the desired level of softness.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound of raw unsalted peanuts
• 1/2 cup of sea salt (or table salt)
• Water
• Optional: Cajun seasoning, barbecue seasoning, jalapeño pepper, white sugar, or other spices and seasonings of your choice

Method:

• Rinse the peanuts under cool water and remove any debris, dirt, or twigs.
• Add the peanuts, salt, and water to your pressure cooker. Place a plate or trivet on top to hold down the peanuts.
• Lock the lid and close the pressure valve.
• Cook on high pressure for 65 minutes.
• After the beep sounds, wait at least 30 minutes or longer before opening the pot. The longer the peanuts sit, the better they will taste. If the peanuts are too hard for your liking, add more time.
• For a softer texture, allow for a full natural pressure release.
• Drain the boiled peanuts in a colander.
• Shell the peanuts with your fingers or teeth, and enjoy!

Tips:

• It is recommended to use fresh raw peanuts. Check the date on the bag.
• If you want to add extra flavour, do so after adding the salt. Sea salt gives the nicest flavour for boiled peanuts.
• The longer the peanuts sit in the salty water, the better.
• Boiled peanuts can be enjoyed hot, warm, at room temperature, or cold.
• Boiled peanuts can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.

Frequently asked questions