A delicacy of the South and a symbol of Southern hospitality, boiled peanuts is a unique and tasty snack that is meant to be enjoyed with friends and family!
Prep time: PT10M
Cook time: PT360M
Total time: PT370M
Rating
5 stars (66 reviews)
Keywords
Boiled Peanuts
Ingredients
2 pounds raw or green peanuts in the shell ((NOT roasted peanuts))
4 quarts water
1/2 cup kosher or sea salt ((adjust according to taste; 1/2 cup is typical))
3 tablespoons seasoning of choice (optional) ((see blog post for lots of delicious ideas!))
Categories
Snack
Cuisine
American
Southern
Steps
Wash the peanuts to remove any debris, discarding any bad peanuts while you're at it. If you're using green peanuts, wash them 3 times, changing the water between washes. If you're using raw peanuts you only need to wash them once.
Place the peanuts in a large pot with the water and salt and stir to combine. Stir in any additional seasonings if using. Bring the pot to a boil over medium-high heat. Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and let the peanuts simmer. I weigh down the peanuts with a large dinner plate to ensure they remain immersed under water. Allow the peanuts to simmer for about 2 to 4 hours for green peanuts or 5-8 hours for raw peanuts, depending on the desired tenderness. Some people let them simmer all day. Check the peanuts occasionally for desired doneness. Some people prefer them very soft, almost mushy, while others like them firmer. Check the water level periodically and add more water as needed. Once the peanuts have achieved their desired degree of doneness, remove the pot from the heat and let the peanuts cool in the cooking liquid. Once cooled, drain the peanuts. Boiled peanuts can be enjoyed hot, at room temperature, or cold. You can reheat them in the microwave if you prefer them warm. To eat, crack open the shells, eat the nuts inside, and discard the shells. They will store in the fridge for up to a week.
Nutitrion
Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 418 kcal
Carbohydrates: 16 g
Protein: 20 g
Fat: 36 g
Saturated Fat: 6 g
Sugar: 3 g
Unsaturated Fat: 30 g
Reviews
Emil Infusino on 2025-06-07 (5 stars): I add soup flavoring to mine such as ham flavoring or beef brings the flavor up a couple degrees add flavoring to suit your taste. I usually do 5 lbs 2 or 3 times a year my kids and grandkids go crazy for them zi can in qt jars
April on 2025-05-20 (5 stars): Excellent addition to my boiled peanuts. Thanks!
T. Saunders on 2025-02-21 (5 stars): With my first batch, I did about everything wrong. I cooked a quarter pound and thought they were done after 5 hours at 210 on my induction burner. I then drained and refrigerated them. Apparently chilling them makes them harder even after microwaving. Back in the salted water they went for another 2 hours. I tested a few more and thought they were done so I drained the water and let them cool again. They got hard again so back in for a 3rd time only without salt. Needless to say, the water needed salt. I just left the water in the pan, added some salt, stirred it, brought it up to a boil, turned off the heat and let them cool in the water.
The second batch was so much easier. I did a pound, adjusted the salt accordingly and boiled at 250 on my induction burner for 8 hours. I then let the ones I didn't eat cook in the remaining liquid overnight. About 6 hours. I'm getting an order of jumbo peanuts so I'm going to have to see what adjustments I have to make in the way of time and salt since there will be greater surface area.
Jim G. on 2024-11-17 (5 stars): Can you "can" the boiled peanuts? Companies sell them canned and they seem to have a longer shelf life than fresh ones that will keep about a week in the refrigerator or 6 months in the freezer? If so, what's the best way to can them? Thank you.
Evelyn D on 2024-09-03 (5 stars): From TN here! I just grew my own goobers and harvested them yesterday, and having no family recipes for cooking them, I looked here to get an idea, and found just what I needed! Thanks a bunch! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
They're my favorite snack! 😋
L on 2024-04-21 (5 stars): So good, but don’t fully drain! The best part is the salty water encapsulated in the peanut shell! Yummmm!
Linda on 2024-03-22 (5 stars): What do you use for seasoning for spicy peanuts?
Craig on 2024-02-07 (5 stars): There is just a couple of us that likes
them. Can you put them in the freezer so they last longer, And if so how long?
