Flavor-Filled Cajun Boiled Peanuts Recipe
Introduction
Flavor-Filled Cajun Boiled Peanuts are a spicy, savory snack perfect for anyone craving a taste of southern comfort. Slow-cooked with bold seasonings and a hint of smoky sweetness, these peanuts are addictive and great for sharing with friends and family.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs raw peanuts, in-shell (or green peanuts) – see notes
- ¼ cup Creole Cajun Seasoning – homemade or store-bought
- 2 tablespoons kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning
- 1 tablespoon crushed red pepper
- 1 tablespoon packed brown sugar
- 6 cloves of garlic, crushed
- 2 teaspoons hickory liquid smoke
- 1 (12-ounce) bottle or can of beer – optional
- 3-4 quarts water, or enough to cover peanuts
Instructions
- Step 1: Rinse the raw peanuts thoroughly in a colander under cool water at least twice. Pick over the peanuts to remove any debris or bad shells.
- Step 2: Place the peanuts in a large stockpot or Dutch oven (7-8 quarts). Add the Creole Cajun seasoning, kosher salt, Old Bay seasoning, crushed red pepper, brown sugar, crushed garlic, hickory liquid smoke, and beer if using.
- Step 3: Pour in enough water to completely cover the peanuts. Stir gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Step 4: Bring the pot to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover the pot leaving a small vent for steam to escape.
- Step 5: Let the peanuts simmer gently for 7-8 hours or longer, depending on your preferred texture. Check the water level every hour and add warm or boiled water as needed to keep the peanuts submerged.
- Step 6: Test the peanuts during cooking to achieve your desired tenderness. They should be semi-soft on the outside and tender inside the shell.
- Step 7: Once cooked, enjoy the peanuts immediately or cool them to room temperature.
- Step 8: For storing, transfer the cooled peanuts along with the cooking liquid into an airtight container and refrigerate to let them soak up more flavor. Reheat on the stovetop before serving.
Tips & Variations
- Use green peanuts if you can find them—they tend to cook faster and have a fresher, sweeter flavor.
- Add extra crushed red pepper for more heat or reduce it for a milder snack.
- Try substituting the beer with additional water or a splash of apple cider vinegar for a different depth of flavor.
- If you prefer a smoky taste without liquid smoke, add smoked paprika instead.
Storage
Store boiled peanuts in an airtight container with the cooking liquid in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, warm them on the stovetop with a little water to prevent drying out. They can also be frozen for longer storage and thawed before reheating.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use raw peanuts that are not in-shell?
Using in-shell peanuts is traditional and helps retain the flavor during boiling, but you can boil shelled raw peanuts as well—just adjust cooking time as they may cook faster.
Do I have to use beer in this recipe?
No, beer is optional and adds a subtle depth of flavor. If you prefer, simply replace it with additional water without affecting the overall taste too much.
PrintFlavor-Filled Cajun Boiled Peanuts Recipe
Experience the rich, smoky, and spicy flavors of the South with these Flavor-Filled Cajun Boiled Peanuts. Infused with Creole Cajun seasoning, garlic, and a hint of hickory smoke, these boiled peanuts are a perfect snack for gatherings or a flavorful treat anytime.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 7-8 hours
- Total Time: 7 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern Cajun
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Peanuts
- 2 lbs raw peanuts, in-shell (or green peanuts)
Seasonings & Flavorings
- ¼ cup Creole Cajun Seasoning (homemade or store-bought)
- 2 tablespoons kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning
- 1 tablespoon crushed red pepper
- 1 tablespoon packed brown sugar
- 6 cloves garlic, crushed
- 2 teaspoons hickory liquid smoke
- 1 (12-ounce) bottle or can of beer (optional)
Cooking Liquid
- 3–4 quarts water, or enough to cover peanuts
Instructions
- Rinse peanuts: Place the raw peanuts into a colander and rinse them thoroughly under cool water at least twice. Remove any debris or damaged peanuts that you may find.
- Combine ingredients: Transfer the rinsed peanuts to a large stockpot or Dutch oven (7-8 quarts). Add the Creole Cajun seasoning, kosher salt, Old Bay seasoning, crushed red pepper, brown sugar, crushed garlic, hickory liquid smoke, and the beer if using.
- Add water and stir: Pour in enough water to fully cover the peanuts. Gently stir all ingredients together to evenly distribute the seasonings.
- Bring to boil: Heat the pot over medium-high heat until the water reaches a rolling boil.
- Simmer with lid partly on: Reduce heat to medium-low, cover the pot leaving a small vent for steam to escape, and let the peanuts simmer gently.
- Monitor and cook for 7-8 hours: Allow peanuts to cook for 7-8 hours or longer to reach desired texture. Check the liquid level hourly, adding warm water if necessary to keep peanuts submerged. Test peanuts periodically for softness – the shells should be semi-soft and the nuts inside tender but still slightly firm.
- Serve or store: Once cooked to your liking, enjoy the peanuts immediately or let them cool to room temperature. Store them along with the cooking liquid in an airtight container in the refrigerator to deepen the flavors.
- Reheat before serving: When ready to eat stored peanuts, reheat on the stovetop with some cooking liquid to preserve moisture and flavor.
Notes
- Use raw in-shell peanuts or green peanuts for the best texture and flavor.
- Beer is optional but adds a nice depth of flavor to the broth.
- Adjust simmering time depending on how soft or firm you prefer the peanuts.
- Keep peanuts submerged during cooking to ensure even flavor absorption.
- Storing peanuts in the cooking liquid overnight enhances their flavor.
Keywords: Cajun boiled peanuts, Cajun snack, boiled peanuts recipe, Southern snack, spicy boiled peanuts, Creole seasoning peanuts
