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Chinese Boiled Peanuts

Chinese boiled peanuts are served as a snack or appetizer before a meal, though they're becoming less common today. That's why we've recorded this recipe!

Prep Time
2 hrs
Cook Time
1 hr
Total Time
3 hrs
Servings: 8
Calories: 312 kcal
Course: Appetizer , Others

Ingredients

  • 20 ounces fresh raw peanuts, in the shell (green peanuts, 565g)
  • 6 cups water (or enough to submerge the peanuts)
  • 1 tablespoon sea salt (or to taste; add more if you like them salty)
  • 1 tablespoon Sichuan peppercorns
  • 1 small cinnamon stick
  • 3 bay leaves
  • 1-2 star anise pods

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Soak the peanuts in water for 30 minutes to loosen any dirt still clinging to the shells. Wash them thoroughly and drain. Repeat as necessary until the soaking water is clear.
  2. Using your thumb and index finger, crack open one end of each peanut (the pointier side is easier to crack open) by lightly pressing it. This is so the brine can get inside the peanut shell.
  3. Put the peanuts in a medium pot along with 6 cups water so the peanuts are totally submerged. Add 1 tablespoon sea salt (or to taste), 1 tablespoon Sichuan peppercorns, 1 small cinnamon stick, 3 bay leaves, and 1-2 star anise pods (use 1 for a lighter flavor or 2 for stronger flavor).
  4. Bring the peanuts to a boil, cover, lower the heat, and simmer for 45 minutes to 1 hour. This will produce a slightly al dente peanut, which is the way we like it. Increase the time if you like your peanuts softer and periodically taste test test to check the consistency.
  5. Turn off the heat and leave the cover on; they will continue to cook and absorb the flavors of the briny liquid. Let the boiled peanuts cool to room temperature. It’s best to let them soak overnight in the refrigerator and eat them cold.

Notes

  • As you eat your Chinese boiled peanuts, remember to keep any leftover peanuts in the brining liquid or they will turn dry! When you’re ready to eat your peanuts, drain and enjoy.
  • As you eat your Chinese boiled peanuts, remember to keep any leftover peanuts in the brining liquid or they will turn dry! When you’re ready to eat your peanuts, drain and enjoy.
  • Total time includes approximate cooling time.

Nutrition Information

Calories 312kcal (16%) Carbohydrates 9g (3%) Protein 14g (28%) Fat 27g (42%) Saturated Fat 4g (20%) Sodium 387mg (16%) Potassium 407mg (12%) Fiber 5g (20%) Calcium 58mg (6%) Iron 2mg (11%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 8Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 312

% Daily Value*

Calories 312kcal 16%
Carbohydrates 9g 3%
Protein 14g 28%
Fat 27g 42%
Saturated Fat 4g 20%
Sodium 387mg 16%
Potassium 407mg 9%
Fiber 5g 20%
Calcium 58mg 6%
Iron 2mg 11%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.