Craving a taste of the South? You've found the right place! In this blog post, we will show you how to make Easy Instant Pot Boiled Peanuts, a classic Southern snack with a spicy kick. For any occasion, be it a game day, a road trip, or a simple craving for a salty treat, these spicy boiled peanuts are the perfect answer. Don't forget to check out some other amazing recipes on our blog!
Instant Pot Boiled Peanuts are a Southern salty snack favorite made from raw peanuts boiled in salty water until they become tender and flavorful. Boiled peanuts are often seasoned with Cajun or Creole spices, providing a spicy profile that appeals to die-hard Southerners.
The traditional method of boiling peanuts on the stovetop can take hours, but with the convenience of the Instant Pot, you can enjoy this healthy snack in a fraction of the time.
If you like this Southern recipe, you may also love our Smothered Potatoes Recipe or our Old Fashioned Chicken and Rice Casserole.
Why we love this recipe:
- It's quick - Whip up a batch of delicious boiled peanuts in no time.
- It's addictive - The spicy flavor and soft shells will keep you coming back for more.
- It's nostalgic - This traditional Southern delicacy brings back memories of childhood.
- It's versatile - You can experiment with various spice levels and ingredients
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WHY INSTANT POT BOILED PEANUTS?
Using an Instant Pot for this recipe offers the perfect combination of convenience and flavor. By leveraging high pressure and natural release, the Instant Pot helps flavor the peanuts with all the delicious seasonings while ensuring a tender and juicy peanut. It is the easiest way to enjoy these tasty peanuts.
HISTORY OF BOILED PEANUTS
Boiled peanuts have a history in Southern culture, especially in states like Florida, Georgia, and North and South Carolina. This classic Southern snack is readily available in roadside stands, farmers' markets, gas stations, and local grocery stores.
The tradition of boiling peanuts goes back generations, and for many Southerners, it's a taste that brings back childhood memories of family get-togethers and road trips.
INGREDIENTS
- Raw peanuts - Fresh and unroasted peanuts that will become tender and flavorful during the boiling process. (Make sure not to fill over the maximum line in the Instant Pot).
- Beer - Choose your favorite beer to add a delightful depth of flavor to the boiled peanuts.
- Water - Essential for cooking the peanuts and infusing them with savory and spicy seasoning.
- Cajun or Creole seasoning - A zesty blend of spices that brings a Cajun kick to the boiled peanuts.
- Kosher salt - Enhances the peanuts' natural taste and balances the seasoning.
- Cayenne - Adds a fiery heat to the boiled peanuts, adjust according to your spice preference.
- Granulated garlic - Provides a subtle garlic flavor to complement the spiciness of the Cajun seasoning.
- Liquid smoke - Adds a tempting smoky aroma to the boiled peanuts.
- Jalapeño pepper, sliced - For an extra layer of spiciness and a pop of color in the boiled peanuts.
Note: Refer to the recipe card below for exact quantities.
INSTRUCTIONS
How to Make Spicy Instant Pot Boiled Peanuts
STEP ONE: Prepare the Peanuts
Rinse the raw peanuts under cold water to remove any dirt or debris.
Place the cleaned peanuts in the Instant Pot's inner pot.
STEP TWO: Add the Seasoning
Pour the beer and 7-8 cups of water into the Instant Pot on top of the peanuts. Be careful not to fill beyond the maximum line.
Sprinkle the cajun seasoning, kosher salt, cayenne, and granulated garlic over the peanuts, distributing the seasonings evenly. Add the liquid smoke to infuse the peanuts with a smokiness. Toss in the sliced jalapeño pepper.
STEP THREE: Pressure Cook
Securely close the Instant Pot lid, ensuring that the steam release handle is in the sealing position.
Select the "Pressure Cook" function and set the cooking time to 120 minutes.
STEP FOUR: Natural Pressure Release and Serve
Once the cooking cycle is complete, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for 10 minutes. After the natural release, perform a quick release to release any remaining pressure. Carefully open the Instant Pot lid and give the boiled peanuts a final stir to distribute the flavors.
Serve the spicy Cajun beer-boiled peanuts warm and enjoy this delicious Southern snack.
SUBSTITUTIONS
- Spice - For a milder version, replace cayenne with your favorite mild seasoning blend, or do not include it in the recipe.
- Peanuts - If you want a quicker cooking time and a more tender texture, opt for fresh green peanuts during their seasonal availability (late summer to early fall).
VARIATIONS
- Flavor - For classic boiled peanuts omit the spicy seasonings.
EQUIPMENT
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- Instant pot or Electric Pressure Cooker
- Slotted spoon
STORAGE
Store any leftover fresh boiled peanuts in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
This dish is freezer friendly.
Note: Refer to Top Tips below for more storage and reheating tips.
TOP TIPS
To enhance the flavor, let the boiled peanuts sit in the seasoned water for a few hours before cooking.
For a tastier snack, allow the boiled peanuts to cool down slightly before enjoying them.
To reheat boiled peanuts, use the stovetop or microwave method. On the stovetop, heat peanuts in a saucepan with enough water or broth to cover until warmed. In the microwave, use a microwave-safe bowl with water, cover, and heat on medium for 1-2 minutes, stirring in between.
MORE RECIPES
Have leftover ingredients?
- Roast leftover peanuts and include them in a trail mix.
- Use the leftover spices to season roasted vegetables or grilled chicken.
In the mood for a similar dish?
Try these other snack ideas:
More lunch recipes you will love:
FAQ
Boiled peanuts are raw peanuts cooked in salty water until they become tender and infused with delicious flavors, making them a popular Southern snack.
Yes! You can use a slow cooker to make boiled peanuts. Cook them on high for about 6-8 hours until they reach the desired tenderness.
Peanuts are a good source of protein, healthy fats, and essential nutrients such as vitamin E and magnesium. Additionally, boiled peanuts are lower in calories compared to some traditional snacks like chips or candy. However, it's essential to moderate the amount of salt added during the boiling process, especially for those watching their sodium intake.
Green peanuts are freshly harvested and haven't undergone the drying process, resulting in higher moisture content. As a result, green peanuts are naturally more tender and cook faster when boiled versus raw peanuts.
📖 Recipe
Easy Instant Pot Boiled Peanuts (Spicy)
Equipment
- Slotted spoon
Ingredients
- 1.75-2 lbs raw peanuts unshelled
- 12 oz beer
- 7-8 cups water (Do not fill above the max line in your Instant Pot)
- 3 tablespoon cajun or creole seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon granulated garlic
- 1 teaspoon liquid smoke
- 1 qty jalapeño pepper halved
Instructions
- Thoroughly wash the raw peanuts in cold water to remove any dirt or debris.
- In your Instant Pot, combine the washed peanuts, beer, water, Cajun seasoning, kosher salt, cayenne pepper, granulated garlic, liquid smoke, and sliced jalapeño pepper. Mix well to ensure the peanuts are evenly coated with the flavorful mixture. Note: If you are using a 6-quart Instant Pot, ensure not to fill it above the max line to avoid any potential issues during the cooking process.
- Close the Instant Pot lid securely and set the steam release valve to the "Sealing" position.
- Select the "Pressure Cook" function and set it to high pressure for 2 hours. The Instant Pot will take some time to come up to pressure before the cooking process begins.
- Once the 2-hour pressure cooking is complete, allow the Instant Pot to perform a natural release for 10 minutes. To do this, leave the Instant Pot undisturbed after cooking.
- After the natural release, carefully switch the steam release valve to the "Venting" position to release any remaining pressure.
- Check the tenderness of the boiled peanuts. If they have reached your desired level of softness, you can proceed to serve them. However, if they are not as tender as you'd like, continue with the following step.
- Switch the Instant Pot to the "Slow Cook" function and cook the peanuts for an additional 1 to 3 hours, depending on how soft you prefer them. Keep an eye on the tenderness and adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Carefully transfer the boiled peanuts to a serving bowl using a slotted spoon, leaving behind any excess liquid. Serve the Southern Cajun-style boiled peanuts while they're still warm.
Video
Notes
- Spice - For a milder version, replace cayenne with your favorite mild seasoning blend, or do not include it in the recipe.
- Peanuts - If you want a quicker cooking time and a more tender texture, opt for fresh green peanuts during their seasonal availability (late summer to early fall).
Nutrition
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FOOD SAFETY
Comply with the safety instructions prescribed by the Instant Pot manufacturer. Do not fill the pot above the max line.
- Wash hands and create a clean work area.
- Rinse fresh produce thoroughly.
- Do not use the same cutting board or utensils on cooked food or produce, that previously touched raw meat or seafood.
- Do not leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods.
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