Cajun Boiled Peanuts
These Cajun Boiled Peanuts are bursting with zesty flavor and Southern charm. These savory treats are perfect for cookouts, game nights, picnics, or anytime cravings strike. They are so easy to make and customize to suit your taste.
Servings 24 ounces
Calories 161kcal
Ingredients
- 24 oz raw peanuts or green peanuts Not roasted
- water
- 1-2 teaspoons Cajun Seasoning I tasted the water repeatedly to adjust to my taste and used 2 teaspoons.
- salt to taste
Instructions
- Rinse the raw peanuts under cold water to remove any dirt.
- Place the peanuts in a large pot and cover them with water. Make sure the water level is at least 2 inches above the peanuts as they will absorb some water during boiling.
- Add the spices to the pot and stir. Taste the water and adjust the spices to suit your taste.
- Bring the water to a boil over high heat.
- Once the water is boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low to maintain a gentle simmer. Place the lid on the pot.
- Let the peanuts simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until they reach your desired level of tenderness. It usually takes mine at least 2 hours for the spices to penetrate and for the peanuts to soften.
- Check the peanuts occasionally while they're cooking. If the water level drops too low, add more water to keep the peanuts submerged.
- Taste the peanuts occasionally to check for doneness. They should be soft and fully cooked when done.
- Once the peanuts are cooked to your liking, remove the pot from the heat and drain the peanuts. Serve warm.
Notes
Season to taste. If you don't do this your peanuts will come out bland. They really need to soak in seasoned water in order to soak up the flavor. Adjust the amount of spices noted in the recipe to suit your taste.
Cook time will vary based on the size of your peanuts and how many you cook. Large batches can take up to 4 hours.
How to Tell When They are Done
- Texture: The peanuts should be soft and tender when they’re done. You can test this by removing a peanut from the pot, allowing it to cool slightly, and then squeezing it between your fingers. If it feels soft and yields easily, they’re likely done. If it still feels too firm or crunchy, they need more time.
- Taste: Taste a peanut to check. It should be fully cooked and flavorful, with the seasoning infused throughout. If they taste undercooked or bland, they need more time.
- Color: They will usually turn a darker shade when they’re fully cooked. Keep an eye on the color of the peanuts as they cook, and when they reach a darker shade, they’re likely done.
Nutrition
Serving: 1oz | Calories: 161kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 14g