Satisfy Your Cravings with Spicy Roasted Peanuts
As a chef specializing in southern-style cuisine, I am thrilled to share with you my recipe for Southern Spicy Roasted Peanuts. This appetizer has been a favorite among my guests and is sure to impress yours too. Whether you’re looking for an easy snack to munch on or something to serve at your next gathering, this recipe is perfect.
With just a few simple ingredients like Spanish peanuts, cayenne pepper, and Worcestershire sauce, these peanuts are full of flavor and pack the perfect punch of heat. The combination of spices and seasoning gives them a unique cajun taste that you won’t be able to get enough of.
Not only are these peanuts tasty, but they are also very easy to prepare. With just a little bit of time in the oven, you’ll have delicious and crispy roasted peanuts that will make you wonder why you haven’t made this recipe sooner.
So next time you’re craving a spicy snack or looking for something to serve at your next party, give this recipe a try. You won’t be disappointed!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you a fan of spicy treats that leave your taste buds tingling for more? If yes, then Southern Spicy Roasted Peanuts Recipe is the perfect fit for you! When it comes to snacks, there are countless options available but there is something about peanuts that make them our all-time favorite. And when combined with potent spices like cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, garlic powder and Cajun seasoning, these cute little nuts take on an entirely new flavor profile.
What’s even better about this recipe is that it’s easy to prepare and doesn’t involve any complicated steps or equipment. You simply coat your peanuts in some Worcestershire sauce, liquid smoke, and butter then sprinkle them with some spices before roasting them in the oven or slow cooker. The result is a crispy snack that hits all the right notes: salty, smoky, spicy and buttery. It’s crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside – just like how a good roasted peanut should be.
These Southern Spicy Roasted Peanuts isn’t limited to just snacking. It makes for an excellent addition to salads and sandwiches to add some crunchiness and spice. You can also serve them at parties as a crowd-pleasing appetizer – your guests won’t be able to resist these addictive nuts!
Trust me when I say that once you try this recipe out, you’ll never want another boring snack again! So go ahead, grab some Spanish or boiled peanuts (if you can’t find Spanish), throw in some delicious ingredients, add that characteristic smokiness to create an irresistible bowl of Southern Spicy Roasted Peanuts.
Ingredient List
To make these spicy roasted peanuts you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 pound raw peanuts, shelled
- 1/4 cup white vinegar
- 3 cups water
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 tablespoon cajun seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 4 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon liquid smoke
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
You can use either Spanish or boiled peanuts. If using boiled peanuts, you can skip the soaking process and start from step 3. Cajun boiled peanuts are recommended to get a more authentic taste. Also, for a milder version, reduce the amounts of cajun seasoning, garlic powder and cayenne pepper. Make sure to stir the peanuts occasionally throughout the recipe for a consistent flavor.
The Recipe How-To
- 1 pound of raw Spanish peanuts, shelled
- 1 tablespoon of butter
- 2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon of white vinegar
- 2 teaspoons of liquid smoke
- 1 ½ teaspoon of salt
- ¼ teaspoon of cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon of creole seasoning
- ½ teaspoon of garlic powder
- â…› teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes
Preheat the oven and prep the peanuts
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, combine the peanuts, salt, cajun seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes, and mix well.
Once you’ve thoroughly mixed everything together, transfer the peanuts onto a baking sheet. Roast in the oven for around 20 minutes until crispy and golden brown. Don’t forget to stir them every so often to ensure even cooking.
Coat with the Spice blend
Now that your peanuts are roasted and ready add butter and stir until melted. Add in Worcestershire sauce, white vinegar, liquid smoke, cayenne pepper, creole seasoning, and garlic powder, then stir until evenly coated.
Once you have added these ingredients to your peanuts, put them back into the oven at 250°F (125°C) for thirty minutes more. Remember to stir them every ten minutes.
Let the peanuts rest
Once they’re done roasting, take the peanuts out of the oven and let them cool completely before eating or storing. This will allow them to harden up enough so that they don’t lose their crunchiness during storage.
Now that you are familiar with this recipe it’s time to make some delicious southern-style spicy roasted peanuts!
Substitutions and Variations
When it comes to making Southern Spicy Roasted Peanuts, there are a few ways you can switch up the recipe ingredients or cooking methods to create unique variations. Here are some ideas for substitutions and variations:
– Instead of Spanish peanuts or raw peanuts, try using boiled peanuts for a softer texture and a bit of extra flavor. You can make your own cajun boiled peanuts ahead of time using crab boil, garlic powder, and cajun seasoning.
– For a sweeter version of this snack, try making honey roasted peanuts instead. Simply coat your peanuts with honey, salt, and a bit of oil, then roast in the oven until golden brown.
– If you’re not a fan of spicy foods, you can omit the cayenne pepper and red pepper flakes from this recipe. Alternatively, you can add more spices or herbs to give the dish a different flavor profile. Try using creole seasoning or smoked paprika for a smoky twist.
– If you don’t have liquid smoke on hand, try adding a splash of white vinegar or Worcestershire sauce to your peanut mixture instead. This will help give your roasted nuts a rich depth of flavor.
– For an even easier preparation method, you can also make this recipe in a crockpot. Simply toss all of the ingredients together in the pot and cook on high for 2-3 hours (or low for 6-8 hours), stirring occasionally.
Whatever substitutions or variations you choose to make, be sure to adjust the cooking times and measurements accordingly. With a little experimentation, you can create your own unique twist on this classic Southern snack!
Serving and Pairing
These Southern Spicy Roasted Peanuts are perfect for snacking on during any occasion or as a tasty appetizer before a party, game night, or barbecue. The peanuts have a bold and zesty flavor that is sure to please any spicy food lover with its blend of cayenne pepper, Creole seasoning, and Worcestershire sauce.
Serve these roasted peanuts in a large bowl with a side of cold beer or your favorite soda to wash down the heat. Try pairing them with a juicy hamburger, chicken wings, or other finger foods for a complete meal. They also make a great garnish for salads or stir-fry meals for an added crunch.
If you’re hosting a Southern-style themed party, try pairing these peanuts with boiled shrimp or crab boil to create an authentic Cajun-inspired feast. You can also mix things up by adding them to your favorite trail mix recipe for an extra flavorful snack.
Don’t forget that these roasted peanuts are also an excellent gift idea. Package them in mason jars with cute labels or ribbons for an irresistible homemade gift for friends and family.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
When it comes to making and storing Southern Spicy Roasted Peanuts, there are a few tips and tricks you’ll want to keep in mind. As these peanuts can last up to several days, they are an excellent choice for make-ahead snacks or party appetizers.
Firstly, for those who want to prep ahead, this recipe can be made a day or even a few hours in advance. After the peanuts have been roasted and allowed to cool completely, store them in airtight containers at room temperature until ready to serve.
If you are serving the peanuts over a period of days, you may want to store them in the refrigerator. Be sure that the peanuts are completely cooled before placing them in an airtight container or food bag. This will help them stay fresh and flavorful for up to 7 days.
If you find yourself with leftovers you want to save for later snacking sessions or perhaps a party, roasted peanuts stored properly will last for weeks. Just like with prep-ahead storage, ensure that the peanuts are entirely cooled before storing them tightly packed in an air-sealed container or bag.
When reheating these spicy treats, there is no need to break out your frying pan or oven. Instead, you can reheat your spicy roasted peanuts right in your microwave!
Just place your desired amount of peanuts into a microwave-safe bowl and heat on high for about thirty seconds. Stir the nuts around for another thirty seconds or until they have regained their warm flavor profile fully.
Now that you know how long these mouthwatering Southern Spicy Roasted Peanuts will last and how easy it is to reheat them, consider adding this recipe to your ‘must-have’ list of party appetizer choices!
Tips for Perfect Results
To achieve the perfect Southern Spicy Roasted Peanuts, there are a few tips I want to share with you. These tips will help you ensure that your peanuts are not only delicious but also have the right texture and flavor.
Firstly, when roasting peanuts in the oven, it’s essential to preheat the oven for at least 10-15 minutes before adding the peanuts. This ensures that the peanuts cook evenly and don’t burn on one side.
Secondly, when boiling raw peanuts, it’s important to start with green peanuts that still have their shells intact. If you choose to use boiled peanuts in this recipe, make sure they’re not too soft, or else they’ll turn mushy once roasted.
Thirdly, make sure you stir the peanuts frequently while roasting them in the oven. This will ensure that they’re evenly coated with spices and won’t burn on one side.
Fourthly, spices are the essence of this recipe. Therefore, feel free to adjust the amount of salt and cayenne pepper according to your taste preferences. If you don’t like your peanuts too spicy, reduce the amount of cayenne pepper, or if you prefer more heat, add extra red pepper flakes.
Lastly, if you prefer honey roasted peanuts instead of spicy Cajun ones, you can swap out some of the spices for honey and brown sugar. Add honey after roasting and stir so that everything can be mixed in well.
In conclusion, by following these simple tips, you can achieve perfect Southern Spicy Roasted Peanuts every time you make them.
FAQ
Now that you have all the information to make this delicious Southern spicy roasted peanuts recipe, you may still have some unanswered questions. Do not worry; I have got you covered! In this section, I address frequently asked questions to help you get the best results with your recipe. Take a look at these answers, and soon enough, you will be devouring eagerly on your creamy and spicy roasted peanuts with a big smile on your face.
Why do you soak peanuts before roasting?
When preparing salty peanuts, it’s important to soak them in a brine first to allow the flavor to penetrate the nut. It’s crucial to ensure that the peanuts are properly dried before roasting. After roasting, it’s advisable to allow them to cool in the shell, as they will continue to cook inside.
Why do Southerners boil peanuts?
During the Civil War, Confederate soldiers faced scarcity of essential food like bread and meat, particularly as the war progressed. Nevertheless, peanuts were a staple food item that soldiers always carried with them. To prevent spoilage, they often roasted or boiled peanuts over fires and added salt to preserve them. Soldiers’ letters and memoirs from that time period reflect this use of peanuts as a vital source of sustenance.
What is the southern name for boiled peanuts?
Cooking peanuts in boiling water has been a long-standing tradition in Southern United States for centuries under the name “goober peas.”
Do you have to soak peanuts before frying?
Before frying the skin-on peanuts, it’s essential to soak them in water for a couple of minutes. This helps prevent the skin from burning too quickly. However, avoid over-soaking them as it can lead to the skin coming off. It’s crucial to get the timing right for perfectly fried peanuts.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, I implore the readers to give this southern spicy roasted peanuts recipe a try. It’s a perfect snack for gatherings and parties, and is sure to be a crowdpleaser. The combination of spices and seasonings mixed with roasted peanuts creates the perfect balance of heat and flavor. The versatility of this recipe allows for variations that suit your personal taste preferences, making it a go-to appetizer recipe.
Whether you’re looking for something to munch on during game night or hosting a backyard barbecue, this recipe will not disappoint. The process is easy and straightforward, yet yields delicious results every time. With simple ingredients that are easy to find in any local grocery store, there’s no reason not to give it a try.
So whip up a batch of these southern spicy roasted peanuts today and let your taste buds be taken on an unforgettable journey. Trust me, you won’t regret it.
Southern Spicy Roasted Peanuts Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups shelled raw Spanish peanuts (10 oz.)
- 4 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon liquid smoke
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 teaspoons white vinegar
- 2 teaspoons hot pepper sauce
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Line a large baking sheet with foil.
- In a bowl, toss together the peanuts, Worcestershire sauce and liquid smoke.
- Let stand at room temperature for 30 minutes, stirring now and then.
- Preheat the oven to 325^F.
- Have the oven rack positioned in the center of the oven.
- In a large heavy skillet, melt the butter over medium low heat.
- Cool a little then add the vinegar, hot pepper sauce, salt, and cayenne pepper.
- Return the skillet to the heat and add the peanuts and marinade.
- Stir to coat evenly, about 30 seconds.
- Spread the peanuts on the baking sheet and bake until deep golden brown, stirring now and then, for about 20 minutes.
- Cool on a rack uncovered for at least 6 hours to dry.
- Store at room temperature in an air tight container.
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