If you find yourself in the south, there’s a good chance you’ll come across Cajun boiled peanuts. The Carolinas, Florida, Louisiana, Georgia, and other southern states boast about boiled peanuts. Only one state claims boiled peanuts as their state snack: South Carolina.
Many southerners consider boiled peanuts to be a delicacy – and Cajun boiled peanuts are a popular option. In fact, many call boiled peanuts the “caviar of the South.” Whether you’re seeking a recipe for a spicy snack or need a tasty appetizer for a dinner party, Cajun boiled peanuts may be your answer.
What’s So Special About Boiled Peanuts?
One of the best things about boiled peanuts is the mix of flavor and texture in tiny bite size pieces. Think of a firm, yet soft snack that offers salty, spicy, and smoky in every bite. Boiled peanuts may easily become your favorite appetizer or snack.
Boiled peanuts can be made with any number of seasoning mixes. Cajun boiled peanuts are a fantastic option – and the recipe can be adjusted to fit your taste for spice. If you are unsure about the desired spice level, consider adjusting the jalapeno portion of the recipe first.
Another important ingredient in Cajun boiled peanuts is the liquid smoke. Although liquid smoke is less common in pantries than some other ingredients, it adds a flavor that you won’t want to miss. The aroma it adds to the appetizer is second only to the taste.
Unfortunately, store-bought boiled peanuts rarely hit the mark. This addictive Southern snack is best purchased at roadside stands or southern events. When you want Cajun boiled peanuts and are not in the South, your best bet is to make them yourself.
Making Cajun boiled peanuts can be done in a number of ways, including a stockpot, slow cooker, or pressure cook in an Instant Pot.
For this particular recipe below, the instructions are for a stockpot on the stovetop. However, converting the steps to other methods simply requires a change in cooking times. A swap could result in tasty peanuts in less (or more) time.
The process for cooking over the stovetop is simple – just dump the ingredients into a pot and wait for the perfect texture.
How to Make Cajun Boiled Peanuts
Prep time: 10 minutes
Total time: 6 hours
Ingredients
- 1 pound raw or green peanuts in shells
- 1/4 cup chopped jalapeno peppers (optional)
- 2 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1/3 cup salt
- 3 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 tablespoon red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon liquid smoke
- 1 tablespoon Frank’s Red Hot Sauce
Instructions
- Wash raw peanuts well under cool water.
- Place peanuts in a large stock pot and add enough water to submerge them. Turn on medium-high heat.
- Chop jalapeno peppers and add them to the pot. Be sure to wear gloves or thoroughly wash your hands immediately after chopping jalapenos, as the oils can irritate your skin or eyes.
- Add garlic powder, salt, Cajun seasoning, red pepper flakes, liquid smoke, and Frank’s Red Hot Sauce to the pot. Stir to mix and cover with a lid.
- Bring the contents of the pot to a boil and stir.
- Lower heat to medium-low and keep peanuts covered for 6 hours. You may need to add water over time to keep the peanuts submerged.
- Drain water, allow to cool, and enjoy your Cajun boiled peanuts!
Cajun Boiled Peanuts
Ingredients
- lbs raw or green peanuts in shells
- ¼ cup chopped jalapeno peppers optional
- 2 tbsp garlic powder
- ⅓ cup salt
- 3 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tbsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tsp liquid smoke
- 1 tbsp Frank’s Red Hot Sauce
Instructions
- Wash raw peanuts well under cool water.
- Place peanuts in a large stock pot and add enough water to submerge them. Turn on medium-high heat.
- Chop jalapeno peppers and add them to the pot. Be sure to wear gloves or thoroughly wash your hands immediately after chopping jalapenos, as the oils can irritate your skin or eyes.
- Add garlic powder, salt, Cajun seasoning, red pepper flakes, liquid smoke, and Frank’s Red Hot Sauce to the pot. Stir to mix and cover with a lid.
- Bring the contents of the pot to a boil and stir.
- Lower heat to medium-low and keep peanuts covered for 6 hours. You may need to add water over time to keep the peanuts submerged.
- Drain water, allow to cool, and enjoy your Cajun boiled peanuts!
Nutrition
Do You Need to Soak Peanuts First?
Soaking peanuts is not a requirement for making delicious Cajun boiled peanuts. However, while it is not required, it may cut down on your boiling time. Should you choose to soak your peanuts, it is best to do so overnight or for 8 hours.
If you want to soak your peanuts to reduce your cook time, you will want to test a peanut or two every couple of hours. It is possible to overcook boiled peanuts, leaving them mushy and unappealing. To ensure that you’re achieving the correct texture, aim for Cajun boiled peanuts that are not crunchy but soft.
When you’ve cooked your peanuts for several hours and a crunch is still present, you will need to continue cooking. The exact texture of boiled peanuts is a personal preference. Most agree that the best cooked Cajun boiled peanuts are slightly firm but soft, but not crispy or mushy.
You may want to experiment with soaking and cooking times to reach the perfect mix for your taste.
Are Cajun Boiled Peanuts Good for You?
Cajun boiled peanuts are a snack for those seeking flavor and health benefits. Peanuts are packed with vitamins and antioxidants and are beneficial to your health in several ways. One fantastic benefit of boiled peanuts includes the presence of vitamins E and B.
The vitamins present in boiled peanuts are known to reduce birth defects when eaten during pregnancy. This is because of vitamin B’s role in producing red blood cells and folic acid. Vitamins in boiled peanuts may also assist in hair growth.
Additionally, peanuts, in moderation, are known to assist with weight loss. They can make you feel fuller for longer and offer an energy boost. Swapping out a candy bar for some peanuts is a smart move in improved eating.
Another benefit of peanuts that you don’t want to miss includes a positive impact on the body. Magnesium, phosphorus, and zinc impact muscles, teeth, bones, and nerves. Even though boiled, boiled peanuts retain a lot of these vitamins. Consuming Cajun boiled peanuts is not simply a tasty snack. It could help to prevent heart disease and cancer, and reduce inflammation. If you are aiming for a healthier lifestyle, Cajun boiled peanuts may be a great option to add to your regular diet.
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Have questions or suggestions? Leave them in the comments below. Until next time: Stay salty, and sweet 😉
