If you’re from the South, you already know about boiled peanuts. They are a true Southern delicacy! You’ll find them everywhere at gas stations, roadside stands, or somebody selling them out of a big pot on the side of the road. And when you get a good batch that’s spicy, salty, and cooked just right, they are Off the Chain!
The good news is you don’t have to search for them, you don’t even have to be from the South. They’re actually really easy to make right at home. Throw everything in a big pot, let the peanuts simmer low and slow in that Cajun-seasoned broth, and give them a little time to soak at the end.
That’s really all there is to it. You end up with tender, juicy Cajun boiled peanuts packed with flavor and you can make them as salty or spicy as you like.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Packed with Cajun flavor – Shrimp, crab, and crawfish boil gives the peanuts plenty of Louisiana-style seasoning.
- Super easy – Wash the peanuts, throw everything in a pot, and let them simmer.
- Perfect for a crowd – Put a big bowl out and watch them disappear.
- Easy to adjust – Taste the broth as they cook and add more salt or spice to your liking.
- Eat on these for days – These are even better when you eat them cold days later.
What You’ll Need (Full recipe at bottom)
Green Peanuts – Use Fresh green peanuts from the produce section. Give them a really good wash before they go into the pot since they can hold quite a bit of dirt.
Shrimp, Crab & Crawfish Boil – This is where most of that bold Cajun flavor comes from.
Onions – Peeled and halved so they can release their flavor into the broth as everything simmers.
Fresh Garlic – Smash the cloves before adding them to the pot.
Salt – Start with a few tablespoons, then taste as you go. The seafood boil already contains seasoning, so you can always add more later.
Red Pepper Flakes – Adds another little kick of heat to the pot.
Water – You’ll need enough seasoned liquid to keep those peanuts cooking and soaking.
How to Make Cajun Boiled Peanuts
1. Wash the Peanuts
Start by thoroughly washing and cleaning your green peanuts. Rinse them several times until the water runs clean and any dirt from the shells has been removed.
2. Add Everything to the Pot
Add the cleaned peanuts to a large stockpot along with the water, shrimp/crab/crawfish boil, salt, halved onions, smashed garlic cloves, and red pepper flakes.
Give everything a good stir.
3. Bring It to a Boil
Bring the entire pot to a good boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer.
4. Cover & Simmer
Cover the pot and let the peanuts simmer for about 3 hours.
Check them occasionally and give everything a stir. Taste the broth and peanuts as they cook, especially when it comes to salt. Add more if you think they need it.
You’re looking for peanuts that are tender inside rather than firm and crunchy.
5. Let Them Soak
Once the peanuts are tender, turn off the heat and let them soak in that Cajun broth for another 30 minutes.
This gives them extra time to soak up all that flavor.
6. Drain & Serve
Scoop them out of the seasoned broth, let the excess liquid drain off, and enjoy!
Tips for the Best Cajun Boiled Peanuts
Taste as you go. Seafood boil can already be pretty salty, so don’t go crazy with extra salt at the beginning. Taste your peanuts during cooking and adjust from there.
Give them time. Three hours may sound like a while, but boiled peanuts need time to soften and absorb the seasoned liquid.
Don’t skip the soak. That additional 30-minute soak helps get more Cajun flavor inside the shells.
Want more heat? Add a heavier hand of red pepper flakes.
Check for tenderness. Cooking time can vary a little depending on the peanuts. Crack one open and taste it instead of relying only on the clock.
FAQs
How do I know when boiled peanuts are done?
Crack one open and taste it. The peanut should be tender and soft rather than crunchy like a roasted peanut. If they’re still too firm, keep simmering.
How long do boiled peanuts last?
They will last about 5-7 days in the refrigerator. You can also freeze them for several months.
Can I make Cajun boiled peanuts less spicy?
Absolutely. Just reduce or leave out the red pepper flakes. The shrimp, crab, and crawfish boil gives the cajun flavor but is kind of spicy as well. You can also cook them with ONLY salt. I’ve done that many of times for more original flavor.
Should boiled peanuts be refrigerated?
Yes. Once cooled, refrigerate leftover boiled peanuts in an airtight container rather than leaving them at room temperature.
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Cajun Boiled Peanuts
Ingredients
- 2-3 lbs green peanuts washed and cleaned
- ~2 gallons water or enough to cover or enough to cover
- ½ lb shrimp crab & crawfish boil
- 2 tablespoons salt plus more to taste
- 3 onions peeled and halved
- 6 garlic cloves smashed
- Red pepper flakes to taste
Instructions
- Thoroughly wash and clean the green peanuts to remove any dirt from the shells.
- Add the peanuts and about 2 gallons of water to a large stockpot.
- Add the shrimp, crab & crawfish boil, salt, halved onions, smashed garlic cloves, and red pepper flakes.
- Stir everything together and bring the pot to a boil.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and cover.
- Simmer for about 3 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Taste the peanuts as they cook and add additional salt if needed.
- Once the peanuts are tender, turn off the heat and let them soak in the seasoned broth for an additional 30 minutes.
- Drain and serve warm.
