How to boil peanuts

Boiled peanuts are tasty snacks that are believed to have originated from parts of Africa. Their texture can range from snappy to mashed, depending on your personal preference. These treats are made using raw or immature nuts. When boiled for the right length of time, they can be juicy, nutritious and very delicious. Make your own healthy snacks at home by learning how to boil peanuts the right way.

Buying the Best Peanuts

Buying peanuts to boil can be tricky because different peanuts have different textures and flavors when cooked. The peanuts to look for are those that are not completely dried. You might have to ask your grocer to help with you selection because immature peanuts are roughly the same size as their mature counterparts.

In many Southern states, cooks prefer to use either Valencia or Virginia jumbo peanuts. This is because their texture is easier to manipulate. You can boil the peanuts for a longer or shorter time to achieve the desired texture and taste.

photo credit: wikimedia.org (Llez)

How to Boil Peanuts at Home

The most important factor to keep in mind when learning how to boil peanuts is time. The length of time you boil the nuts determines their texture and affects their flavor. Therefore, you should taste peanuts occasionally while cooking them to check if they are to your liking.

To boil peanuts, you will need:

• Raw or immature peanuts, preferably Valencia or Virginia
• Water as needed
• Salt as needed

Prepare the peanuts by running them under cool water. This is to remove dirt and any substances that might be harmful to your health.

Add the raw peanuts to a large pot and cover with enough water to float them. Add the salt. The recommended ratio of salt to water is 8 tablespoons per gallon.

Boil the peanuts on high heat for 1-4 hours. Start tasting the peanuts after an hour of boiling. Keep in mind that the drier your peanuts are, the longer it will take to cook them. You can also use a pressure cooker to accelerate the softening process. When they are done to your desired taste and consistency, serve and enjoy.

How to Boil Peanuts Cooking Tips

When you go shopping for raw peanuts, take a few samples of different types and brands. Finding the right peanuts takes trial and error. Although Valencia and Jumbo Virginia nuts are recommended, you might find other types of peanuts that cater to your tastes better. It is also a good idea to learn about the types of peanuts available, as well as their moisture content and firmness. Moisture and firmness play a determining role in cooking time.

Learning how to boil peanuts is not a difficult task. You only need to pay close attention to the cooking time and use the right salt-to-water ratios. Try to invest in high quality raw peanuts from a credible vendor. Keep sampling different varieties of peanuts until you find the type with your desired texture, softness and flavor.

Hot, homemade boiled peanuts are truly delicious, but you can order them already prepared online. Matt and Ted started their business with this regional treat (5 pounds for $26.50); boiledpeanuts.com.

Prep: 5 minutes; Soak: 8 hours; Cook: 5 hours; Cool: 1 hour.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups salt, divided, plus more to taste
• 2 pounds raw peanuts in the shell

How to Make It

Dissolve 1/2 cup salt in 2 gallons water in a 3-gallon stockpot; add peanuts. (Weigh down peanuts, if desired, with a large plate or lid to ensure they’re fully submerged.) Soak 8 hours or overnight.*

Drain water; refill pot with 2 gallons water and remaining 1 cup salt. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer, covered, 5 to 8 hours or until peanuts are tender, adding water as needed to keep peanuts covered; stir occasionally. (South Carolina-style peanuts are very soft, but some cooks prefer them al dente.) When the peanuts have boiled 3 hours, check for texture and saltiness. If the peanuts are not salty enough, add salt in 1/4-cup increments, turn off heat, and let soak 1 hour. Check peanuts for seasoning every hour.

Remove from heat, and cool 1 hour.

Drain and eat immediately or store (in the shell) in a sealed container in the refrigerator or freezer. Boiled peanuts will keep 7 days in the refrigerator, several months in the freezer.

*The soaking step is not essential, but it reduces the cooking time by a couple of hours and helps ensure that the peanuts cook more thoroughly and uniformly. The salt in the soaking liquid keeps yeasts and molds from developing overnight.

How to Make Boiled Peanuts in the Crock Pot, Instant Pot, or on the Stovetop! This EASY Cajun Boiled Peanuts Recipe is so zesty and fabulous, you’ll fall in love with southern boiled peanuts all over again.

Revitalizing the Lost Southern Snack

When we first moved to the Carolinas, I immediately noticed something I had never seen before.

Boiled Peanuts. Pronounced bold peanuts here in the south.

Then seemed to be everywhere… Sold at little roadside stands. Soaking in barrels located in the grocery store produce department. On restaurant menus. At gas stations.

So what was all the fuss about?

The first time I tried “grocery store” boiled peanuts I was underwhelmed. They were ultra salty, with a strange grape-like texture.

Then I tried them again at a local barbecue joint, and suddenly, I understood why this old-time snack was, and is still, so popular!

These boiled peanuts were salty. Yet they were also firm, spicy, and packed with smoky essence.

My eyes had been opened.

Our Favorite Cajun Boiled Peanuts Recipe

Boiled peanuts are a great snack for casual parties and events.

They are unique in taste and texture, and have the nostalgic appeal of something that has been around for generations, based in its sheer simplistic perfection.

A good boiled peanut recipe is easy to make, and includes spices and herbs to complement the flavor of the softened peanuts.

Today I’m sharing my favorite version of boiled peanuts, a recipe that can be made on the Stovetop, in an Instant Pot, or in a Slow Cooker.

There’s no need to break this recipe up into three separate recipes, because it’s basically the same for all three methods. You only need to adjust the cooking time!

You can make the Instant Pot Boiled Recipe when you are in a hurry. Make the Stovetop Boiled Peanuts when you plan to hang around the house all day. Or make Crock Pot Boiled Peanuts when you want to set and forget them overnight.

Best Boiled Peanuts Recipe Ingredients

Although you can make boiled peanuts with just peanuts, salt, and water, they are SO much better with a few added spices. Here’s what you will need…

• Raw or Green Peanuts
• Kosher Salt
• Cajun Seasoning (or Creole Seasoning) – A great way to add a lot of herbs and spices with one ingredient!
• Crushed Red Pepper
• Garlic Powder
• Liquid Smoke – My secret ingredient to create a fabulous old-school open-flame flavor.
• Water

Green Peanuts vs Raw Peanuts – What’s the Difference?

There two kinds of in-shell peanuts you can use to make boiled peanuts.

Green Peanuts are “fresh from the farm” peanuts. They take less time to cook, but are perishable. So if you buy them more than a day before cooking, you will need to refrigerate them.

Raw Peanuts are raw but dried, so they are safe to sit out for a week or two at room temperature. Yet they can take up to double the amount of cooking time, depending on the method you use.

Is one better than the other? No. They both produce soft plump boiled peanuts in the Instant Pot, Crock Pot, or on the stovetop.

How To Make Instant Pot Boiled Peanuts

The fastest boiled peanuts cooking method…

1. Season – Place the peanuts in a large 6-8 quart electric pressure cooker. Add all the seasoning and water.
2. Set – Lock the lid into place and pressure cook on High. Remember, raw peanuts will take more time than green peanuts.
3. Steam Release – Perform a natural release. Then only open the Instant Pot when the steam button drops.

How To Make Boiled Peanuts On The Stovetop

The classic old-timey method…

1. Season – Mix all the ingredients in a large dutch oven.
2. Simmer – Bring to a boil and simmer for 2-8 hours, depending on whether you use green or raw peanuts.

How To Make Boiled Peanuts In A Crock Pot

This is the slowest, but most hands-off method…

1. Season – Dump all the ingredients in a large 6+ quart slow cooker.
2. Set – Cover the crock and set the slow cooker on low.
3. Slow Cook – Cook the peanuts for 22-38 hours, depending on what type of peanuts you bought.

Get the Full (Printable) Cajun Bolied Peanuts Recipe with All 3 Methods Below!

Boiled Peanuts Recipe FAQ

What if I pressure cook the peanuts, then want to cook them longer?

The texture of boiled peanuts is all about personal preference. Some people like them very soft and plump. However, I prefer them to be slightly more firm.

You can always add a little more water to the Instant Pot, then cover and set on Pressure Cook High (again) for 5-8 more minutes. If you do this, the second time, perform a quick release.

What are Boiled Peanuts Carbs and Calories? Are They Healthy?

One serving of boiled peanuts is 333 calories, and 11 grams of carbohydrates.

We provide full nutritional facts in the recipe form below.

Are Boiled Peanuts Gluten-Free?

Yes, as long as the cajun seasoning you buy is gluten-free, the whole recipe is as well.

Do You Serve Boiled Peanuts Warm?

Yes, you can serve boiled peanuts warm or at room temperature.

How Long Will They Last?

If left submerged in the briny liquid, boiled peanuts with last for weeks and weeks. Yet if you drain off the liquid, they can be refrigerated for up to 2 weeks.

How To Boil Peanuts In A Pressure Cooker

The first question many people outside of the coastal Southeast of the United States would be, “Why would I boil peanuts?”. Most of us are much more familiar with roasted peanuts, and a few of us are familiar with the delectable smell of them wafting along from outdoor peanut vendors. In this article, we are going to guide you on how to boil peanuts in a pressure cooker.

Boiled peanut is mostly a regional dish, with its own outdoor vendors boiling peanuts over a fire along the roadside in some places. However, it is catching on for a lot of reasons. Most boiled-peanut veteran eaters will tell you it is an acquired taste; they are pretty adamant that you won’t like it the first time you have it. However, that does tend to change.

The first step to boil peanuts in a pressure cooker is to make sure the peanut shells are clean. Raw peanuts are immature and often still have dirt clinging to them from harvest. This step is best done by soaking them to get rid of the dried-on dirt.

Once they are clean, you’re ready for the second step, which is putting them in the pressure cooker. For five cups of raw peanuts, you’ll need six cups of cool water. Don’t stop there, though! Seasoning is required before you can seal up the pot.

Add a quarter cup of sea salt should at the very least. Sea salt is lower in sodium than regular salt and usually doesn’t have iodine added to it. After that, season as you like. One recipe recommends adding two tablespoons of garlic powder and one of onion powder. Other possibilities include chili powder, ginger, and any other spice that makes a nice blend.

Traditional methods of cooking boiled peanuts call for about five hours of boiling. However, the blessing of pressure cookers is that the time is down to one hour before the heavenly scented legumes are ready. This does not count the natural steam release or the build-up to pressure so that it may be more like an hour and a half or two hours total.

When they are done cooking, drain them. The boiled peanuts can be eaten as soon as they have cooled down enough to handle, or they can be refrigerated for up to three days. Many say they are just as tasty cold as they are right out of the pressure cooker.

Boiled peanuts are incredibly perishable, unlike their roasted counterparts. Should they last longer than three days, they should be tossed. However, if you want to make a huge batch and preserve some, they can be frozen. Let them come to room temperature. Drain them thoroughly to get as much of the brine out as possible, put them into freezer bags and send them to the freezer.

You may wonder what the benefits of boiled peanuts are. Believe it or not, despite the salt, they are even better for you than roasted peanuts. That is because they have so many antioxidants in them. Roasting can take away some of them, but boiling in a pressure cooker leaves them intact.

Related Video:

Tips on making your own boiled peanuts and even making boiled peanut hummus.

If you happen to live outside the South, you likely haven’t even heard of boiled peanuts, much less tasted them. But Southerners―from diamond-wearing dowagers to face-painted football fans―love this damp, salty snack with a passion.

Most of us purchase them to enjoy on the way to the beach or at sporting events, but boiled peanuts are very easy to make at home. The basics are water, peanuts, and lots of salt, but you can add other flavors such as ham and Cajun seasoning. Purists might disapprove, but these variations can be wonderfully tasty.

Even though peanuts are members of the bean family, we’d never seen a recipe that calls for boiled peanuts as an ingredient. So we were thrilled when we came across Boiled Peanut Hummus at a Georgia restaurant. Once you taste it, you’ll thank the chef who created it for realizing that peanuts would be a delicious substitute for the traditional chickpeas. We think you’ll agree that it really does take one of the South’s favorite snacks to a whole new level.

Hats Off to Hummus
We were delighted to discover this recipe for Boiled Peanut Hummus created by chef Hugh Acheson of Five and Ten in Athens, Georgia.

Fresh Vs. Dried
The best boiled peanuts are those made from raw or “green” peanuts, harvested June through September. Other times of year, you’ll have to use dried (not roasted) peanuts. You can find dried peanuts in the produce section of the supermarket, or at farmers’ markets. Dried peanuts take up to 10 hours to cook, while green may take only an hour and a half. Store uncooked green peanuts in the refrigerator up to 4 days.

Recipes:

• Boiled Peanuts
• Cajun Boiled Peanuts
• Ham-Flavored Boiled Peanuts
• Boiled Peanut Hummus

“Taste of the South: Best Boiled Peanuts” is from the October 2007 issue of “Southern Living.”

1 Comment June 24, 2020 Post Updated September 3, 2020

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Instant Pot Boiled Peanuts are very tasty, salty snack that is easy to make in your Instant Pot or slow cooker. Boiled peanuts can also be made on the stove. These peanuts or not like your average peanuts. They are not roasted they are boiled. They are delicious and a great high protein snack that can be easily made at home.

Boiled peanuts were made famous by the state of Georgia. Being that it’s the state crop. When driving through Georgia or South Carolina you will see stands on the side of the road selling boiled peanuts. They are also a popular southern snack available at gas stations in the area.

Boiled Peanuts Instant Pot

Green Peanuts are normally used to make boiled peanuts. However, in my finding Green peanuts is not easy. Raw peanuts in the shell are easy to find at your local grocery store and even the Asian market as they are just as delicious. Below are the ones that are used all the time that I get locally. You do not have to soak them overnight.

What do Boiled Peanuts Taste Like?

I would describe boiled peanuts taste similar to of bean. More like a salty kind of garbanzo bean. The texture is soft and the flavor is a salty flavor. And you can flavor them anyway you like with all kinds of spices. Most of the time I make cajun flavored boiled peanuts recipe most of the time. These are just the ones that I am partial to eating lately. I love boiled peanuts.

How do you eat Boiled Peanuts?

Eating boiled peanuts is simple and fun . They are a little bit different than eating roasted peanuts, and this is because boiled peanuts Will have a little bit of liquid left in them. I like to give the shell a bit of a pinch a crack it open and then I suck out the brine liquid. The next step is to crack open the shell and gobble up that boiled peanuts’ goodness.

I am going to warn you ahead of time. Eating boiled peanuts is very addictive. I always feel like it’s the same as eating pistachios. I always eat a bunch of them. There’s never a time where I just eat a few.

Do you eat Boiled Peanuts Hot or Cold?

Boiled peanuts you can be eaten right out of the Instant Pot hot when they are finished cooking. But be careful though as they will be very hot. They also can be eaten at room temperature. I usually and up refrigerating a large amount of them so they can also be eaten right out of the refrigerator.

Can you Reheat Boiled Peanuts?

Yes. Boiled peanuts can easily be reheated in your microwave. Place the peanuts in a glass bowl and cover it with a paper towel. Microwave in small increments. I find 30 second increments works well.

Ingredients in Boiled Peanuts

• Bag of raw peanuts
• Sea salt
• Cajun seasoning
• Water

Full Recipe and Ingredient Amount in Recipe Card Below

How to Boil Peanuts in Instant Pot

Making boiled peanuts in the instant pot is an easy process. Follow my step-by-step process and you will be eating delicious boiled peanuts in no time.

Rinse the Raw Peanuts

Rinsing the raw peanuts is a necessary step. Use a colander to do this to make it easy. It is important to get all the dirt off of the peanuts. Rinse the peanuts under cold water and move them around in the calendar to make sure that they are thoroughly cleaned and then add the peanuts to your pressure cooker.

Season the Boiled Peanuts

Season the boiled peanuts with salt and whatever other spices you choose. In this recipe, I season the peanuts with Salt and some Cajun seasoning or Creole seasoning. I like this flavor it’s delicious. Depending on how salty you want your peanuts you can adjust and add salt if you want them saltier. I usually use about 1/3 of a cup of salt to a pound of peanuts. If you like them saltier adjust the salt amount to about 1/2 cup. If you like them a little spicier add more Cajun seasoning.

Boiled Peanut Variations

As there are many variations to making boiled peanuts. you’re not just limited to Cajun seasoning. Barbecue seasoning is another good addition to boiled peanuts.

Cooking Boiled Peanuts

Once your peanuts are added to the pressure cooker water needs to be added to the peanuts and seasoning mixture. I find that it usually takes about 3 quarts to 3 1/2 quarts of water to cover the peanuts. Be careful not to fill the instant pot past the max line.

I usually place a trivet on top of the peanuts to keep them weighted down and submerged in the water. Pretty much anything that is flat and will fit in the instant pot on top of the peanuts can be used.

Place the lid on the Instant Pot and turn the valve to the Seal position. Pressure cook the peanuts on high pressure for a cooking time of 65 to 75 minutes.

I like the texture of the peanut after 65 minutes, but if you like them a little bit softer then lean towards 75 minutes. Cook for at least 60 minutes. Some people even cook them as long as 80 minutes for a really soft texture.

Be sure to turn off the keep warm function as this is not needed. When cooking is complete do a natural pressure release. This will take about 30 to 45 minutes or so. You will then remove the lid from the Instant Pot.

How to Cook Boiled Peanuts in the Slow Cooker

Making boiled peanuts in the slow cooker is also an easy process. Add all ingredients to the slow cooker. Cook on HIGH setting for 12 hours. It is a good idea to do this overnight.

Do you Drain the Boiled Peanuts?

Once the cooking is complete drain the liquid from the peanuts using a colander. Some water will remain inside the peanuts. The”brine” liquid in the peanut is it tasty part of eating boiled peanuts.

Young, just-dug peanuts are called green peanuts. Here in the South, we boil these peanuts in the shell with a lot of salt. In late August or early September, you can find these green or boiled peanuts at farm stands and some grocery stores like Piggly Wiggly. As the Georgia bumper sticker says, “It is time to Brake for Boiled Peanuts.”

Boiled Green Peanut Recipe – Southern Style

Ingredients

• 2-3 pounds raw green peanuts in the shell (this is about 12 cups peanuts with shells) The peanuts are not green, just raw
• 1/2-1 cup salt
• 3-4 quarts water or enough to cover the peanuts – add more water as they cook

Instructions

Nutrition

Like this recipe? Follow us on Pinterest: @bigmill or tag #bigmillbb

Raw, Uncooked “Green” Peanuts at Piggly Wiggly in Williamston, NC

I grew up eating boiled green peanuts in eastern NC in late summer and early fall, especially at the Tobacco Market auctions. We all ate them – you can imagine my surprise when I learned that my friends who did not grow up in the South had never heard of them and could not bear to eat boiled peanuts. These same folks usually had no clue that peanuts grew in the ground and not on a peanut tree. We all have lots to learn!

After they were dug these green peanuts were stacked to dry. After they were dry the Peanut Picking machine came through the field and picked the peanuts, leaving the hay behind. Later another machine would come and bale the hay that we fed to our animals.

Click on Photo to PIN FOR LATER

Big Mill Bed & Breakfast, Williamston, NC
252-782-8787

• Total: 7 hrs 10 mins
• Prep: 10 mins
• Cook: 7 hrs
• Servings: 6 servings

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Boiled peanuts are a Southern favorite, and the snack can be found throughout the South during the peanut harvest. While it may be a tradition to stop by your favorite peanut stand on the way to a game, they’re also very easy to make at home. Although the classic recipe for boiled peanuts is to cook them over an open fire, and many home cooks have also tried the stovetop method, cooking them in the crockpot makes the task considerably easier.

The key to great boiled peanuts is to begin with raw (or “green”) peanuts that have been freshly harvested (they’re not actually green in color, though). The other trick is to use plenty of salt and, as you see in this recipe, it really is a lot of salt. From there it’s easy—you just have to wait until they’re done (which may be the hardest part).

If you want to eat boiled peanuts in true Southern fashion, an ice-cold beer, chilled sweet tea, or a cold can of cola is the way to go. It’s a perfect sweet and salty snack with a cold beverage.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 quarts raw peanuts in the shell
• 1/2 cup salt
• 2 1/2 quarts water

Steps to Make It

Place nuts in a colander and wash peanuts until the water runs clear.

Place clean peanuts in crockpot; add salt and the water and stir.

Cook, covered, on high for 5 to 7 hours. If necessary, add more water to keep peanuts covered in liquid.

The Southern roadside staple

photo: Johnny Autry

“What’s so beautiful about boiling peanuts is that anyone can do it,” says Matt Lee, who, with his brother, Ted, has supplied the roadside staple through their Lee Bros. Boiled Peanuts Catalogue since 1994. “It’s as simple as putting the right peanuts in boiling water for a long time.”

THE NUT
“You can use fresh green peanuts or dried peanuts. Eight out of ten times, people use dried, often of the Valencia variety, which is sweeter than the fresh Virginia peanut. And dried peanuts are available year-round. The Virginia peanut, which you can find in the late summer and fall, is softer and more delicate. A little grassier.”

THE WATER
“For salty South Carolina–style peanuts, the water should have about the salinity of seawater. In fact, we tried using seawater this past summer, and it works like heck. Start with one cup of salt per two gallons of water, and correct to taste as you boil.”

THE BOIL
“How long you boil depends on the peanuts—whether they’re thick, thin, wet, dry. Typically, green peanuts are ready in two to three hours, and dried peanuts in six to eight, but you should sample frequently while boiling and take them out when you feel like they’re ready.”

by Curtis R. Fennell

Boiled peanuts are the official state snack of South Carolina, loved by most Southerners and 50% of Yankees who try them (the other 50% just won’t admit it). Although they’re often viewed as a Southern oddity, the truth is that the Northern US is one of the few places in the world where boiled peanuts are not eaten. They’re popular around the globe, from South America to Africa to Asia.

The best ones come straight from big kettles at roadside stands. These aren’t quite as commonplace as they used to be, but they’re still out there, and it’s worth seeking them out. You get the real thing, and you help preserve a fine tradition.

Boiled peanuts are available at many local convenience stores, but they’re usually not cooked on the premises. They come pre-cooked in big cans and are reheated in a crock pot. You can get the same peanuts at the supermarket in smaller cans and microwaveable bags. Like most pre-packaged foods, they lose some quality in the process, but they’re better than you might expect and acceptable for emergencies.

If you can’t find an authentic boiled peanut purveyor and don’t feel right opening a can, you can make them yourself. After all, it’s a simple recipe—put some peanuts in water, throw in some salt, and boil them until they’re done. Nothing much to debate, right? Well, if we’ve learned anything from the Internet, it’s that there’s always room for controversy. Boiled peanuts are no exception. If you talk to enough people you’ll soon discover opposing schools of thought regarding specifics such as which type of peanuts to use and whether the raw nuts should be green or dried.

Green or Dried?

Green peanuts aren’t a separate variety. They’re just peanuts of any type that are harvested early and sold while they’re still moist. You can only get them during the growing season.

Green Peanuts

The phrase “boiled green peanuts” is used so much that a lot of people think it’s the authentic and preferred method of preparation. This is misleading. The main advantage of green peanuts is that they cook faster, but the early harvest means more underdeveloped nuts. You get everything that comes out of the ground, including a lot of small, slug-like specimens and empty shells that fill up with water. You’re more likely to get an eyeful of salty water from a green boiled peanut, but you can have a batch ready in a couple of hours.

Dried peanuts take much longer to boil. If you’re penciling this activity into your schedule, all day is a reasonable time to allow. Supporters of the dried peanut method believe that it produces a superior product that’s worth the wait. Peanuts destined to be dried are allowed to mature a little longer before harvesting, then culled for size and quality to yield consistent, flavorful, fully formed nuts.

Dried Peanuts

You can get dried locally-grown peanuts at farmers markets, jockey lots, or direct from the grower. You can also buy bagged dry raw peanuts at the grocery store, but these have the lowest moisture content and require the longest cooking time. If you do buy them from the supermarket, make sure to pay attention and get raw ones. I have no idea what would happen if you tried to boil roasted peanuts, but the end result could only be embarrassment.

Types of Peanuts

There are four main types of peanuts grown in the US, ranging in size from the small Spanish and Valencia to medium-sized Runners to large Virginia peanuts. In the Southeast, the robust, high-yielding Runners have increased in prominence over the last half-century to become the region’s primary peanut crop. These are what you’re most likely to find, especially from large-scale producers.

In recent years, there’s been a lot more boiling of Virginia peanuts, advertised as jumbo boiled peanuts. This is supposed to be a selling point, but like most produce bred for size, there’s a trade-off, and they just aren’t as good, in either taste or texture, as smaller varieties.

The classic Southern boiled peanut is the Valencia. Although now grown primarily in New Mexico and Texas, some are still produced locally on small farms, often specifically for boiling. If you can’t find a local source, they can be ordered from several online vendors. Many peanut enthusiasts agree that Valencias are sweeter, more tender, and better tasting than other types. They’re easily recognizable, with as many as five plump kernels squeezed tightly together in the shell. If you’re of a certain age and grew up eating boiled peanuts from roadside stands, these are the ones you remember.

Boiled peanuts are a tasty, salty treat that is popular in the Southern US and around the world, and they’re super easy to make as a treat for yourself or a treat to share.

But what do you do with your extras? Can they be refrigerated and kept, or do you need to eat them all? These boiled peanuts have a lot of moisture in them, so it can be difficult to decide if they are something that can be kept or should be eaten as soon as they are prepared.

The first time I made boiled peanuts, I had these questions, so I did some research to find out how to store boiled peanuts so that they wouldn’t go bad. Let’s learn how!

What You Will Need To Follow This Tutorial

Boiled Peanuts

The first (and key) thing that you will need to be able to store boiled peanuts is, of course, boiled peanuts! This salty treat is made by taking shelled peanuts and boiling them in a very salty brine for an extended period of time. Once cooked, they’re a favorite snack to bring along to outdoor picnics or to just munch on at home.

You can make boiled peanuts at home (see the bonus tips for instructions), or you can buy them at the store in certain areas. If you are buying store bought boiled peanuts, remember that they cannot be stored for as long as homemade boiled peanuts.

Freezer Bags Or Airtight Containers

The next thing that you will need is either freezer bags or airtight containers. Both work equally as well as the other, but I prefer freezer bags simply because they are more convenient for me to use.

Freezer bags and airtight containers are both made to keep the air away from foods while they are being stored in the refrigerator or freezer. The less air around your food, the less likely it is to get freezer burn or to go bad quickly. Using these helps to keep your boiled peanuts fresh for longer.

Colander

Colanders are great kitchen tools that are used for draining pasta and other items after they are boiled.

Because completed boiled peanuts will still be in their brine, you will need a colander or strainer to separate the actual peanuts from the salty liquid. While some people like to store foods in the salty brine, I’ve found better results by draining them.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1. Drain The Brine

Take your boiled peanuts and pour them into the colander to get rid of the excess brine. Shake gently to ensure you’ve removed as much as possible.

Step 2. Let Rest

Allow your boiled peanuts to come to room temperature. If you are refrigerating store bought or already drained boiled peanuts, you can skip steps #1 and #2.

Step 3. Pack It Up

Put your boiled peanuts into freezer bags or airtight containers. You want to make sure that whatever you put them into is moisture-proof, airtight, and freezer-safe.

Once you have sealed the packages, keeping as much air out as possible, you’ll be ready to store the peanuts.

Step 4. Store The Peanuts

Now it’s time to put the peanuts into the refrigerator or the freezer.

If refrigerated, you can keep boiled peanuts for 7 to 10 days before they will turn sour and no longer be okay to eat.

If frozen at a temperature of 0 degrees F or lower, they can keep several months or indefinitely since low temperatures inhibit microbial growth on the peanuts.

One last note: if you bought boiled peanuts from a store, they should only be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or you should freeze them immediately. Generally speaking, store bought boiled peanuts do not last as long as homemade boiled peanuts.

Bonus Tips:

Making Your Own Boiled Peanuts

If you haven’t made your own boiled peanuts before, it’s time that you give it a try! Making this treat is actually so simple. All you need is salt, water, a pan , and shelled peanuts.

Check out this quick video about making boiled peanuts and how easy it can be:

See? It’s easy! If you want to make different flavored boiled peanuts, you can easily do this by adding different seasonings to the brine as you prepare them.

Peanuts Can Go Sour

It is possible for boiled peanuts, even if stored correctly, to go sour, and it should be fairly easy to recognize if they do go bad .

Here’s how to tell if your boiled peanuts are no longer good to eat:

• Grey or green spots on the surface of the peanuts (indicates mold growth)
• Shriveled or black looking peanuts
• Peanuts that smell sour

If the peanuts do not look or taste right, toss them. You can make yourself ill by eating boiled peanuts that have gone sour, so it’s best to get rid of them immediately.

When you’re ready to eat your frozen boiled peanuts, simply let them thaw at room temperature or in the refrigerator before enjoying them.

When freezing boiled peanuts, freeze smaller serving amounts in separate bags. By doing this, you will be able to thaw only a small amount of peanuts at once, which will help your supply last longer.

Get Your Peanuts Protected

Have you learned how to store boiled peanuts? It’s easy, right? I was surprised that it was this simple, but it really is. Making and storing boiled peanuts takes very little effort, so they really are a great treat to prepare at home.

Do you have any other tips to add on how to store or enjoy boiled peanuts? I’d love to hear them, so let me know in the comments. Then, share this tutorial with other friends who are dying to learn how to make this delicious treat last longer!

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Are you one of those people who love boiled peanuts? Then good for you as boiled peanuts are one of the healthiest snacks that you can have. But have you ever boiled peanuts only to realize that you can’t consume them in one sitting? What did you do?

What’s the best way to store boiled peanuts? Should you put the boiled peanuts in the freezer? Or simply refrigerate them? I’ll answer those questions in this post.

Why eat boiled peanuts?

If you’re from the Southeastern region of the US, then I won’t be surprised that you love boiled peanuts. This is, after all, one of the more popular snacks in the region. My college buddy back then used to eat boiled peanuts almost every single afternoon. And she didn’t grow tired of it.

Anyway, I can understand why there’s so much love for boiled peanuts. For one, it’s delicious. And it’s healthy, too. Compared to raw peanuts, it has a lower calorie and fat content. It also has lots of nutrients that protect our cells from oxidation.

Obviously, peanuts are excellent in fiber content, so peanut oil is really popular. Boiled peanuts have slightly higher fiber content than the dry or roasted types. And we need fiber to prevent constipation and make us regular. It can also reduce risks of heart disease and diabetes.

Boiled peanuts are low in calories. I guess that’s why my college buddy used to eat a lot of it. Boiled peanuts can be very satisfying without causing you to gain weight.

There are different ways to eat boiled peanuts. I usually crack the shells open with my hands. My friend tells me that in their area, some guys pop the whole peanut in their mouths and crack it open. They then remove the nut and spit out the shell.

And she insists that she knows people who eat the whole thing.

How long do boiled peanuts last?

Boiled peanuts can only last for 24 hours or so when left at room temperature. The moisture content of boiled peanuts can cause them to spoil quickly.

If you have leftover boiled peanuts, you should refrigerate or freeze them. Storing boiled peanuts to temperatures lower than 40 degrees Fahrenheit can extend their storage life. Low-temperature levels can reduce microbial growth.

Boiled peanuts should be safe to eat in 7 to 10 days when refrigerated. There’s really no impact on the taste of boiled peanuts when they are refrigerated. In fact, boiled peanuts taste so good when they are cold.

But if you want to keep the peanuts fresh for an indefinite period, I suggest you freeze them. Simply put them in a plastic bag and put them in the freezer.

When you feel like eating the boiled peanuts, simply thaw them in the ref overnight. You can also thaw the frozen boiled peanuts in the microwave. Or put them in hot water for 5-10 minutes.

How to tell if boiled peanuts have gone bad?

There are several ways to tell that boiled peanuts have gone rancid. I usually check the surface of the nut.

If there are gray or green spots on the surface, these indicate that molds have developed. Obviously I would discard those peanuts. I also discourage you from eating peanuts which look shriveled or black.

You can also smell the nuts. Fresh peanuts have a strong and nutty smell while those that have gone bad will smell sour. Or just taste the peanut, it should taste creamy and nutty, and not sour and bitter.

Tips for boiling peanuts

How would you come up with perfectly boiled peanuts? Well, one thing you should consider is the quality of the raw peanuts. Avoid buying peanuts that are discolored as this indicates growth of mold.

Mold, after all, can cause the production of aflatoxin. This is a toxic substance that is also cancer-causing. Peanuts that are exposed to humidity are very prone to having aflatoxin. Aflatoxin in peanuts is very common in Africa and Southeast Asia.

You also need lots of time in boiling peanuts. Time is a critical factor in boiling peanuts. The longer that you boil peanuts, the softer they become. Even the time that you spend soaking them can affect the juicy flavor inside the shells.

You should give at least an hour to boil green peanuts. When I have the time, I even boil them for 4 hours. Meanwhile, dried raw peanuts can take up to 24 hours of boiling so they can become very soft.

Conclusion

You don’t need to be from the southern part of the US to appreciate boiled peanuts. It is a very filling and nutritious snack. And unlike most snacks, it can stay fresh especially when refrigerated and frozen.

What do you like most about boiled peanuts? Is its the taste? Or the ease of preparation? Let me know by writing on the comments section below.

Wife, Mom of 4 and so much more living in the Sonoran desert. I am passionate about making meals and snacks healthier without sacrificing flavor! I promise you that if you buy healthy foods and make healthy foods, YOUR KIDS WILL EAT HEALTHY FOODS! My motto: Live as naturally as you want to feel.

…to the shores of Haiti

Boiled peanuts are a favorite late summer snack for our family. When I was little my grandparents use to boil a stockpot full every week in order to supply the never-ending after school hunger of all of their ravenous grandchildren.

Here’s a short tutorial on how we boil penders in the Etress house:

First, if you don’t grow peanuts yourself, find a friendly neighbor that will let you pull up a few green peanuts. It is important to have green peanuts instead of dried (nearly harvestable) peanuts because they boil better, taste heavenly and are easier to get out of the shell.

After you have your peanuts take a moment to thank a farmer. Farmers rock and they feed the world, so this is an important step!

Next, grab a pair of able hands (and a peanut loving basset hound if you like) and start pulling the peanuts off of the vine.

Be sure to toss the peanut loving canine a few. Just to make sure she isn’t cranky.

Next wash your freshly plucked goobers and put them in a stockpot full of water.

Then, place your pot of peanuts on the stove and salt the heck out of them. Boiled peanuts aren’t boiled peanuts until you add lots of salt!

Also fabulous in boiled peanuts is Cajun seasoning. I use it just like salt.

Then, bring the peanuts to a boil. I boiled mine for 2-3 hours, but boiling time will depend on how many peanuts you have and your stove. Taste and salt as needed.

After you are satisfied with your peanuts turn them off and let them sit in the salty water for a few hours. It lets the salt soak into the shell to the now squishy and scrumptious nut inside.

Or, if you are satisfied with the saltiness take them up and starting eating!

1 cup kosher salt, plus more to taste
2 gal. water
3 lbs. green peanuts

In a large (10- to 12-quart) stockpot, stir salt into water until the salt dissolves, then add the peanuts. Note the level of the water on the side of the pot. Bring to a boil. Lower the heat and simmer, covered, for two to three hours, keeping the water in the pot within an inch or so of its original level with regular additions of water, until the peanuts are about as soft as a roasted chestnut.

Once the peanuts have boiled for one hour, sample them to check their texture and salinity. Remove a peanut, and when it is cool enough to handle, crack open its shell and taste the kernel, slurping some brine with it. If the peanut crunches, it should be cooked further. If the brine lacks enough salt, add more to taste; if it is too salty, remove a portion of the water and replace with the same volume of fresh water. Allow the pot to boil for another hour before testing again. Sample every hour until they are pleasantly yielding and as salty as a good pickle.

When the peanuts are cooked to your satisfaction, turn off the heat and allow them to cool in the pot for 30 minutes. When cool enough to handle, drain the water and eat immediately. If not eating, store the shell-on peanuts in a sealed container in the refrigerator or freezer. Boiled peanuts will keep for about seven to 10 days in the refrigerator and up to six months in the freezer.

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Learn how to make boiled peanuts 3 ways: on the stovetop, in a pressure cooker, and in a slow cooker! Just remember: no southern party is complete without the beloved boiled peanut!

Behold, the boiled peanut. Sweet and salty morsels of heaven and a southerner’s standby summertime snack.

There is nothing in this world quite like sucking on the briny deliciousness of a freshly boiled peanut when your hair is dripping wet from the ocean or you’re slugging back a Pepsi Cola while cheering on the local minor league baseball team.

No secret exists on how to make boiled peanuts…you just need to choose the correct kind of peanuts, prepare them via your favorite cooking method, store them correctly, and make sure you add enough salt!

A perfectly boiled peanut has a soft outer shell (that you usually crack open with your teeth) and tender red peanuts inside that don’t stick to the shells when they’re opened.

I prefer to cook my peanuts al dente, meaning they are just firm enough to maintain a bit of texture, but they are still soft and creamy. So, if you never acquired the taste of boiled peanuts because you couldn’t handle the texture, please make a batch my way before completely writing them off.

Green Peanuts

Believe it or not, green peanuts aren’t actually green. In fact, green red-skinned peanuts are the best type of peanuts to boil.

Green peanuts are peanuts that have been picked straight from the soil and are washed and sold as-is with no drying or roasting processes involved. Green peanuts are fresh and raw and must be cooked within a couple of days of purchase.

Here in SC, green red-skinned peanuts are seasonally prevalent and are available for purchase at local farmer’s markets, roadside stands, and even in grocery stores through the months of May-August.

Sometimes all you may be able to find are dried peanuts.

Be aware, dried peanuts are different from green peanuts. Much of their moisture content has been removed giving them a much longer shelf life.

Dried peanuts don’t taste as good as fresh green peanuts when boiled. Raw dried peanuts can be boiled (note NOT DRY ROASTED PEANUTS), but they take much, much longer to cook than raw green peanuts.

How to Salt Boiled Peanuts

Cooking boiled peanuts is an easy fete, and the hardest part about the whole process is making sure the salt measurements are correct.

Boiled peanuts are bland and tasteless without salt so adding enough is imperative. Starting off with 2 lbs of peanuts, add a 1/2 cup of standard grain sea salt and, once they’ve cooked for a couple of hours, taste test them and add more salt in 1/4 cup increments, if needed.

Allowing the boiled peanuts to soak in the salty brine after cooking will also allow the salt to penetrate deep inside the peanuts. Just make sure not to soak them for too long which can cause them to become slimy and soggy.

How to Freeze Boiled Peanuts

We southerners like to make giant batches of boiled peanuts and freeze them so we can serve them to family and friends year-round!

1. To freeze simply cook the peanuts as desired then cool completely. Once cooled, add to a colander and shake off as much excess water as possible.

2. Pack the peanuts into sealed, airtight, freezer-safe containers and freeze indefinitely or until ready to eat. When ready to eat, just take them out of the freezer to thaw!

How to Make Boiled Peanuts on the Stovetop

Cooking boiled peanuts on the stovetop is super simple:

1. Boil water, add salt and green peanuts to a large pot, lower heat to simmer, cover, and boil for 2 hours. Check for saltiness and softness, add more salt, if needed, in 1/4 cup increments, and continue to cook for another 2-3 hours or until desired tenderness is reached.

2. Once done, turn off the heat and allow to soak for 30 minutes to an hour in the cooking liquid.

3. When cooled, drain the liquid and serve!

How to Make Boiled Peanuts in the Instant Pot

Cooking boiled peanuts on the stovetop used to be my preferred method of cooking, but cooking them in the pressure cooker absolutely changed my life!

1. Add 2lbs of green peanuts to the pressure cooker, cover with water, stir in salt, place trivet on top of the peanuts to weigh them down, and cook on high pressure for 75 minutes.

2. Allow to naturally release and depressurize for 15 minutes, then manually release, drain, and serve!

How to Maked Boiled Peanuts in the Slow Cooker

There is no downside to cooking boiled peanuts in a slow cooker! Just throw everything in the pot and set it and forget it for 5-7 hours while you do other things around the house!

1. Add green peanuts to the slow cooker, cover with water, stir in salt, cover, and cook on high for 5-7 hours.

2. Once cooked, allow the peanuts to soak for another 30 minutes before draining and serving!

A Perfect Snack to keep you satiated for longer, Boiled peanuts with it’s many benefits, are the way to go.

Growing up in the tropical climates of the Coastal City of Durban in South Africa, We were spoiled for choice with many fresh and raw vegetables and fruits. Raw Peanuts was one such produce. Peanuts are generally legumes, but have been classified as Nuts because of the similar nutrition composition. Did you know… about 28 grams of Boiled Peanuts, contains just 90 calories.
This together with boiled peanuts being lower in Fat, makes them a perfect addition to your diet.

These salty and damp snacks have always been a favourite of mine growing up, so much so that Even when I had married and left my hometown, the 1st year after marriage, My dearest Aunts and late Mum, would religiously keep away a Packet full of boiled nuts, in their freezers, all because I was not around to enjoy it with them. So out would come these frozen yummies whenever I travelled back to Durban… #PreciousMemories #FamilyLove … I Just realised, there was NO #FOMO moments back in the day…THANKS TO MY FAMILY 😜💕

On a recent visit to Durban, I was once again reminded of those childhood joys, when my littlest niece, 4 year old, HAMNAH ASSAN, regaled me with her mimic acts of a local lady selling these raw peanuts on her road. It was so adorable, and now I wish I had recorded her for you to listen too. And then it was, GOD’S WISH, I believe, that my beautiful sister in law Afsana, brought out a bowl of these salty snacks when I visited her. Let’s just say, My Nephews, Shaheer and Shahzaib SAYED, definitely got their love for Boiled Peanuts from me 😆 , there was no stopping us, once we got ‘cracking’…hahahaha

Anyways, It is a rather simple method of preparing these, but be warned, it does take a long time to boil and reach the tenderness you desire. These boiled peanuts make for a perfect to snack on Game Nights, or even whilst watching your favourite movie. It is perfect enjoyed hot or cold.

Why add them to your diets.
BENEFITS OF BOILED PEANUTS

When compared to dry or roasted peanuts, boiled peanuts, have a slightly higher level of fibre. This makes for better health benefits like, prevention of constipation, protection against heart diseases and diabetes, and most importantly, appetite control

GOOD SOURCE OF FLAVONOIDS AND POLYPHENOLS

Antioxidants like flavanoids and polyphenols, help protect YOUR CELLS AGAINST FREE RADICALS, Reducing the risk of diseases such as cancer.

GREAT SOURCE OF PROTEIN, AS WELL AS MONOUNSATURATED FATS AND VITAMIN E … MAKING IT A POWERHOUSE OF OVERALL HEALTH BENEFITS.

So recently, I had been browsing along the streets of Fordsburg in Johannesburg, and was thrilled to have have seen a vendor selling these raw peanuts, and Naturally, I just had to purchase some. And Whilst most of you lovelies, are already done with your Ramadaan Preps, This is what I was munching on, enjoying the showcase of beautiful food flooding my social media sites.
You can find my step by step Tutorial for Beginners below, and when you make your next batch, drop me a pic feedback, I love hearing from you.

DO YOU ENJOY BOILED PEANUTS? LET ME KNOW IN COMMENTS BELOW…

HAPPY “Boiled Peanut” MAKING LOVELIES
LOVE MARRIAM 💕

HOW TO MAKE PERFECTLY BOILED PEANUTS

• Difficulty: Easy
• Print

Ingredients
1 KG FRESH RAW PEANUTS
2-3 LITRES WATER
1/2 CUP SALT (+ Additional 1/4 Cup Salt If needed – see NOTES)

Instructions

Soak the raw peanuts in water, and gently wash away any excess soil that may adhere to the peanuts.

Soak and Wash Raw Peanuts

After a few washes, Add the washed peanuts to a large and deep pot (stock pots are great).

Fill the pot with 2-3 litres Water

Now add in the Salt.

Add Washed peanuts to a deep Pot and add water and salt, bring to boil.

Boil on medium high, for +/- 2 hours , or until peanuts have reached the tenderness you desire.

To Test tenderness of peanuts, remove 1 or 2 peanuts after 1 and 1/2 hours, at regular intervals, crack open the shell and taste test.

When Done to you liking, Allow to rest for 20 minutes in Brine Solution (salted water it is boiled in), then Boiled Peanuts may be strained and Enjoyed.

After Boiled, allow peanuts to stand in Salted Brine water, and test for saltiness.

NOTES BY FOODEVA MARSAY

I make mention in my recipe above, an additional 1/4 cup Salt, Only use from this amount, at the resting stage. Allow the boiled peanuts to stand off the stove top, in it’s Brine solution for 20 minutes before straining, and at every 5 minute interval, taste a peanut for saltiness. If you need to add more salt, add from the additional salt mentioned. Stir well, and keep doing this until you are satisfied.

These Boiled Peanuts, keep well in the refrigerator for a week or two, and can be frozen in freezer suitable bags. To enjoy, bring back to room temperature, and you may opt to gently warm these in the microwave before enjoying.

>> For Quicker Boiling time, Use a Pressure Cooker BOILED PEANUTS, READY TO BE ENJOYED

By Leona Kesler on Oct 25, 2010 with Comments 0

One of the most delicious snacks to munch in is boiled peanuts. The procedure of boiling peanuts might take quite some time but the process is easy.

Basically, there are two ways of which you can boil peanuts.

First is the use of crock pot while the second one is through using a stove with the use of a large pot.

If you want the boiled peanuts done faster, you need to use the stove but this needs more effort on your part.

If you are more willing to wait and do not want to hassle, you use the crock pot in boiling the peanuts.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED

Ingredients

• Water
• 1 pound peanuts (raw and shelled)
• 4 to 5 tbsp of salt

Equipment

• Large Pot
• Sealable bag or container
• Stove
• Crock pot, 3 quart

INSTRUCTIONS

Boiling Peanuts Using a Crock Pot

1. Put 1 pound of peanuts (raw and shelled) inside the crock pot. Fill the pot with water. You must continuously fill the crock pot because the raw peanuts will absorb most of the water. After which, you must let the peanuts get soak for about 8 hours. Then, drain the water out of the pot.
2. Take off the skins from the peanuts and put them back to the pot. Then, fill in the pot with water and add 4-5 tbsp. of salt. You can put less or more salt, it depends upon your preference. For 8 hours, you must cook the peanuts on low temperature. After which, cook the peanuts at a high temperature and do this for about 90 minutes or so. Then, drain the peanuts and let them cool for about 10 minutes and serve.

Boiling Peanuts Using a Stove

1. Put 1 pound of peanuts (raw and shelled) inside a pot. You must use the largest you could ever find in your kitchen. Fill up the pot with water until it reaches the top. You must continue to filling up the pot with water since peanuts do absorb the water. Then, you can add 4-5 tbsp. of salt.
2. On a high heat, cook the peanuts. Then, put on the lid of the pot. Wait till the water comes to a boil. When it starts boiling, slowly reduce the heat. If it’s needed, add more water to the pot. Cooking time will be approximately 4 hours. After the allotted time, get a piece and take off the shell to check whether the peanuts are already cooked or not. If they are done, you drain the peanuts and let them cool. Wait for about 10 minutes before you start serving them.

Filed Under: Food & Cooking

About the Author: Leona Kesler is a head-chef at a very popular food restaurant in New York. Also she is a blogger who shares her experiences, tips, and other informative details about food and cooking. Her recipes are featured on many magazines.

Healthy Vegetarian Recipes

Boiled peanuts are popular in places where peanuts are common. Fully mature peanuts do not make good quality boiled peanuts rather the raw or green ones are used. Boiling the peanuts are very easy at home. You can cook raw peanuts in different ways like stockpot method or in pressure cooker or crock pot. I prefer pressure cooker method which makes my work easier. Cooking time vary greatly depending on how fresh the peanuts are. The fresher the peanuts, less time it takes to cook. You can make so many Indian recipes with peanuts like burfi, laddu, rice and chat. But I love to eat the fresh boiled peanuts for evening snack as it has no extra calories in it like no oil or sugar. Try this recipe at home and enjoy .
Ingredients
3 cups of Raw, Fresh Peanuts
5 cups of Water
3.5 tsp of Salt
Pressure Cooker

Method