Food & Receipts

Should You Fry Peanuts with Lots or Little Oil? A Seasoned Chef’s Answer Will Shock You

Salt-and-pepper peanuts are one of life’s simple pleasures. This recipe will help you create a batch that is crispy on the outside, rich and nutty on the inside, and won't go stale for days, giving you a delicious snack to munch on whenever the craving strikes.

Administrator

22 April, 2024

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Peanuts are a common sight on the dinner table, especially during the summer. Not only are they inexpensive, but salted roasted peanuts also stand out with their crispy texture, nutty flavor, and savory taste. Despite their simplicity, not everyone knows how to prepare them so that the peanuts are always crispy and tasty, as they often become soggy quickly, and the salt does not stick to the peanut shells for long.

With this preparation method, you will always have a plate of delicious, visually appealing salted roasted peanuts, just like those you get from the store.

1. Ingredients for salted roasted peanuts

– Peanuts: 1 small bowl

– Salt

– White wine: ½ tablespoon

Choose large, round peanuts with shiny shells.

2. How to make salted roasted peanuts

Step 1: Prepare the ingredients

– After purchasing the peanuts, pick out any shriveled or damaged ones and wash them thoroughly to remove any dirt.

– Next, place the cleaned peanuts in a small bowl and soak them in water for about 10 minutes to allow them to fully absorb the water. This step prevents the peanuts from burning easily while frying and ensures they remain crispy.

– Remove the peanuts and place them in a cool, dry place until the surface is completely dry. You can also use a soft cloth or towel to pat them dry to prevent oil splattering during roasting.

Do not soak the peanuts in water for too long to prevent the shells from peeling.

Step 2: Roast the peanuts

– Choose a suitable pan, add the peanuts, and pour in enough oil to cover them completely. The more oil you use, the crispier and tastier your peanuts will be.

– Once you hear a crackling sound, remove the peanuts and sprinkle on ½ tablespoon of cooking wine. Use a utensil such as a spoon or chopsticks to mix well. The white wine will give your peanuts a more fragrant aroma and help them stay crispy for an extended period.

– Wait until the roasted peanuts are almost cool, then sprinkle on a sufficient amount of fine salt and stir evenly so that each peanut is coated with a thin layer of salt, making them crispy, nutty, and savory.

The salted roasted peanuts will have an incredibly enticing aroma after being prepared. When you eat them, you will experience the nutty flavor of peanuts combined with the savory taste of salt. You can enjoy salted roasted peanuts as a snack or as a side dish with hot rice.

You can enjoy salted roasted peanuts as a snack or as a side dish with hot rice.

3. Tips for making salted roasted peanuts

– When buying peanuts, choose ones that are large, round, and feel firm when pressed with your fingernail. Avoid peanuts that are not bright in color or shiny, as they may have been stored for a long time and lost their flavor.

– You can also smell the peanuts to differentiate between fresh and stale ones. Those with a musty smell are usually not tasty and will absorb oil easily.

– Do not soak the peanuts for too long, as they may become mushy or have their skins peel off, affecting the appearance.

– Unlike regular frying, you should not preheat the pan with oil before roasting the peanuts. Instead, roast the peanuts in cold oil and over low heat so that both the peanuts and the oil can heat up simultaneously, ensuring the peanuts are evenly cooked.

Frequently asked questions

Fresh peanuts have a bright color and a shiny appearance. You can also assess freshness by smell; stale peanuts may have a musty or rancid odor. Fresh peanuts will also feel firm to the touch.

After selecting your peanuts, remove any damaged or shriveled ones. Then, thoroughly wash the peanuts to eliminate any dirt or impurities.

Soaking peanuts in water for about 10 minutes helps them absorb moisture, preventing burning during frying and ensuring crispiness. However, avoid soaking them for too long, as this can cause the shells to peel.

Use a suitable pan and add enough oil to completely cover the peanuts. Roast them in cold oil over low heat, allowing the peanuts and oil to heat up simultaneously. This ensures even cooking and helps maintain crispiness.

Adding ½ tablespoon of white wine enhances the aroma of the roasted peanuts and helps them stay crispy for a more extended period.

Wait until the roasted peanuts are almost cool, then sprinkle on a sufficient amount of fine salt and stir evenly to coat each peanut with a thin layer of salt.

Choose fresh, large, and round peanuts with shiny shells. Soak them briefly in water, then roast in cold oil over low heat. Add white wine for enhanced aroma and crispiness, and finish with a thin coating of salt.