“The Great Oil Debate: Unlocking the Secret to Crispy, Savory Nuts”

The Great Peanut Conundrum: To Soak or Not to Soak?

Home cooks often wonder why their stir-fried peanuts with salt rarely turn out crispy. More often than not, they end up soft and less tasty just a few hours later. So, what’s the secret to achieving that perfect crunch? Well, it all starts with a little pre-frying prep.

Firstly, it’s important to note that simply tossing peanuts directly into a pan of oil isn’t the most effective method. The key lies in preparing the peanuts beforehand, and yes, the amount of oil used matters too. Using too little oil can result in less-than-crispy peanuts.

So, here’s a detailed guide to help you master the art of stir-fried peanuts with salt:

Begin by sorting through the peanuts and discarding any that are damaged or shriveled. Then, soak them in a bowl of warm water for about 10-20 minutes. This process helps remove any impurities from the surface of the peanuts.

Additionally, soaking allows the peanuts to absorb some water, which will then turn into steam during the frying process. This helps cook the peanuts more evenly and results in a crispier texture. After soaking, drain the peanuts thoroughly to prevent oil splatter during frying.

Heat a generous amount of oil in a pan. Fry the peanuts over low heat, adding them gradually to the oil. Avoid frying over high heat, as this can lead to burnt peanuts. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking. Use a slotted spoon to remove the peanuts from the oil and drain them. Repeat this frying process a second time.

Continue frying until the peanuts are golden brown and crispy. At this point, add a tablespoon of white wine to the hot peanuts and stir quickly. This step will enhance the flavor and crispiness of your stir-fried peanuts, ensuring they stay crisp for longer.

Finally, when the peanuts have cooled slightly, add the desired amount of salt or seasoning powder and mix well. Be sure to avoid adding salt while the peanuts are too hot, as this can cause the salt to melt and make the peanuts soggy.

So, to ensure your stir-fried peanuts stay crispy and delicious, remember these three key tips:

– Soak the peanuts before frying

– Fry with ample oil, and fry them twice

– Add a touch of white wine after frying to enhance crispiness and flavor

Ingredients:

– 200g peanuts

– 1-1.5 teaspoons of seasoning powder (or to taste)

– 1-2 tablespoons of oil (or as needed)

When purchasing peanuts, opt for those that are firm and dry. Avoid peanuts that appear shriveled, moldy, or infested.

Instructions:

Step 1: Place a pan on the stove and heat it up. Once hot, add the peanuts and reduce the heat to low to prevent burning.

Step 2: Stir the peanuts frequently to ensure even cooking. After 7-9 minutes, you’ll notice the peanut skins starting to loosen. At this point, add about a teaspoon of oil and continue stirring. Keep the heat low to allow the oil to gradually absorb into the peanuts.

This technique results in crispy and flavorful peanuts. Taste a peanut, and if it has a nutty, slightly crispy texture, it’s ready (they’ll crisp up further as they cool down).

Step 3: Once the peanuts are golden and evenly cooked, remove them from the heat and continue stirring until they cool down. Alternatively, you can transfer them to a large bowl to cool, eliminating the need for constant stirring (as the bowl won’t retain heat like the pan).

Step 4: While the peanuts are still slightly warm, add the seasoning powder and mix well. For 200g of stir-fried peanuts, use about 1-1.5 teaspoons of seasoning powder. Many people make the mistake of adding the seasoning powder immediately after removing the peanuts from the heat. However, doing so causes the powder to clump and fall off once the peanuts cool.

After mixing, allow the peanuts to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. Following these steps will ensure your stir-fried peanuts remain crispy and tasty.

According to Khoevadep