To make boiled peanuts, follow these steps:
Ingredients
- 2 pounds raw or green peanuts in the shell (not roasted)
- 4 quarts water
- 1/2 cup kosher or sea salt (adjust to taste)
- Optional: additional seasonings like Cajun spice, garlic powder, or hot peppers
Instructions
- Wash the peanuts thoroughly to remove dirt and debris. For green peanuts, wash 3 times, changing water each time; for raw peanuts, wash once and discard any bad peanuts
- Place peanuts in a large pot and add water to cover them completely. Add salt and stir to dissolve. Add any optional seasonings at this point
- Bring the pot to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and let simmer
- Simmer the peanuts :
- For green peanuts: 2 to 4 hours
- For raw peanuts: 5 to 8 hours
Cooking time depends on your preferred tenderness—some like them soft and almost mushy, others firmer. Check occasionally and add water as needed to keep peanuts submerged
- Test for doneness by removing a peanut, letting it cool briefly, then cracking the shell and tasting the nut inside. When tender and flavorful, they are ready
- Cool and drain the peanuts in their cooking liquid. They can be enjoyed hot, at room temperature, or cold. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to a week
Tips
- Weigh down peanuts with a plate to keep them submerged during cooking
- You can use a stovetop, Instant Pot, or slow cooker for boiling peanuts. Cooking times vary by method (Instant Pot cooks faster, slow cooker takes longer)
- For spicy boiled peanuts, add jalapeños, habaneros, or Cajun seasoning to the cooking water
This method yields a salty, tender, and addictive Southern snack perfect for gatherings or casual snacking
