Craving a delicious and easy snack or side dish that's bursting with flavor? Look no further! These Hawaiian boiled peanuts are a true taste of paradise, perfect for a casual get-together or a quiet night in. This recipe is incredibly simple, making it ideal for both beginner cooks and seasoned chefs looking for a quick and healthy meal option. Prepare to be amazed by how much flavor you can pack into such a humble ingredient!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound raw peanuts in the shell (look for smaller, more uniform peanuts for best results)
- 6 cups water
- 1/2 cup sea salt (or to taste – Hawaiian sea salt is ideal!)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar (or to taste, depending on your preference)
- 1 tablespoon liquid smoke (optional, for that extra smoky depth)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
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Rinse the peanuts: Give your raw peanuts a good rinse under cold water to remove any dirt or debris. This simple step ensures a cleaner and tastier final product.
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Combine the ingredients: In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine the rinsed peanuts, water, salt, soy sauce, brown sugar, liquid smoke (if using), garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Stir everything well to ensure the peanuts are evenly coated.
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Bring to a boil: Place the pot over high heat and bring the mixture to a rolling boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer gently.
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Simmer to perfection: Simmer the peanuts for at least 1.5-2 hours, or until they are tender and the shells are easily peeled. The cooking time will depend on the size and type of peanuts you are using, so check them periodically. For extra tender peanuts, simmer for up to 2.5 hours.
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Drain and serve: Once the peanuts are cooked to your liking, carefully drain them in a colander. You can serve them warm, or allow them to cool slightly before enjoying. They're delicious either way!
Tips for the Best Hawaiian Boiled Peanuts:
- Don't overcrowd the pot: Make sure you have enough space in your pot for the peanuts to cook evenly. If necessary, cook them in batches.
- Adjust seasoning to your taste: Feel free to adjust the amount of salt, soy sauce, and brown sugar to your liking. Some prefer a saltier, others a sweeter peanut.
- Use fresh ingredients: Using fresh, high-quality ingredients will significantly impact the flavor of your boiled peanuts.
Variations:
- Spicy Hawaiian Boiled Peanuts: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce for a spicy kick.
- Ginger Garlic Boiled Peanuts: Add a tablespoon of minced fresh ginger and extra garlic powder for a more pungent flavor profile.
- Sweet and Savory Boiled Peanuts: Increase the brown sugar slightly and add a teaspoon of molasses for a deeper, more complex flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Serving size will vary depending on the number of peanuts consumed. Nutritional information is based on a 1/2 cup serving of boiled peanuts. This is an approximation and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 150-200
- Protein: Approximately 7-10 grams
- Fat: Approximately 8-12 grams
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 15-20 grams
Enjoy your delicious and easy homemade Hawaiian boiled peanuts! They're a perfect snack, appetizer, or side dish for any occasion. This recipe is a great example of delicious dishes that are both healthy and easy to prepare for a quick dinner idea or a fun homemade cooking experience. Share this easy recipe with your friends and family – they'll thank you for it!