Dry Roasted Peanuts Recipe

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This dry roasted peanuts recipe creates crunchy and addictive nuts that are perfect as a snack or appetizer. You can also add them to a salad, use them to make peanut sauce, or just sprinkle them on your favorite dish. You’ll also learn a fun trick for how to remove peanut skins.

Dry roasted peanuts in a black spoon on a white background, with more nuts spread around the spoon.

Toasted peanuts are an extremely popular ingredient in Thai cuisine, just think of dishes like Thai peanut sauce, pad Thai noodles and som tum Thai, a classic papaya salad.

Some more fun Thai kitchen staple ingredient recipes you can make at home include crispy fried garlic, Thai chili flakes, and toasted rice powder.

In this article, I’ll share all sorts of tips on how to make dry roasted peanuts. If you’d rather skip straight to the instructions, you can do that below!

What are dry roasted peanuts

Dry roasted peanuts are peanuts that are cooked without oil, typically in an oven or on a pan. This method enhances their natural nutty flavor, crunchiness, and rich aroma, making them a popular, healthy snack and ingredient.

Salted vs unsalted peanuts

  • Salted peanuts: Salted peanuts are peanuts sprinkled with salt, enhancing their flavor. They’re a popular choice for snacks during parties and gatherings.
  • Unsalted peanuts: Unsalted peanuts do not have added salt, preserving the natural taste of the peanuts. They’re ideal for cooking and baking, healthier, and an excellent source of protein, fiber, and healthy fats.
Close-up of dry roasted peanuts in a black spoon.

As a snack, I personally prefer salted peanuts, perfect for cozy movie nights and adventurous road trips. Sometimes I add an extra sprinkle of sea salt, black pepper, or a drizzle of vinegar for more flavor.

Right part of a glass bowl with unblanched peanuts.

Dry roasted peanuts, when eaten in moderation, are a healthy snack choice. They are rich in protein, fiber, and healthy fats, making them a nutritious addition to a healthy diet.


When my authentic Thai recipes call for peanuts as an ingredient, it’s important to use unsalted dry roasted peanuts, not the salted version. This ensures that the salt doesn’t overpower the other flavors and keeps the taste balance intact.

So, for snacking, go for salted peanuts, but use unsalted peanuts when cooking.

Shelled vs unshelled peanuts

  • Shelled peanuts have their outer husks removed, revealing the seeds inside. They are ideal for recipes like peanut butter.
  • Unshelled peanuts, encased in their natural shells, offer a longer shelf life and a crack-open snacking experience. However, they can be less convenient for cooking due to the additional step of removing the shells.
A bag of store-bought shelled peanuts on a white background.
A bag of shelled peanuts.

Shelled peanuts are preferred for roasting because they are readily available at supermarkets and require less time to roast compared to peanuts still in their shells, making them convenient for everyday cooking.

Blanched vs unblanched peanuts

The terms “blanched” and “unblanched” tell us about the papery skin on peanuts. Blanched peanuts have their thin skins removed. Unblanched peanuts still have their skins on.

  • Blanched peanuts are smooth because their skins have been removed. This makes them ideal for recipes that require a softer texture, like peanut butter or baked goods.
  • Unblanched peanuts keep their skins, which enhances their natural, nutty flavor. They are versatile and can be used in various recipes, from roasting for a snack to adding a flavorful crunch to dishes.

To blanch peanuts, start by boiling them in water for about three minutes. Then quickly transfer them to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Once cooled, pinch the peanuts between your fingers and then the skins should slip right off.

And here’s another family trick for blanching peanuts: After roasting, let them cool slightly. Then, rub the peanuts between your hands to loosen the skins. Simply blow away the skins to uncover perfectly blanched nuts, ideal for snacking or adding to your favorite recipes!

Unblanched peanuts in a glass bowl.

How to roast peanuts

Roasting peanuts at home is easy, here’s how:

How to roast peanuts in a pan

Instructions for dry roasting peanuts in a pan.

Step 1: Ensure your peanuts are dry. Heat a pan or skillet over medium heat. Add raw peanuts, stirring regularly with a spatula to ensure even roasting and prevent burning.

Step 2: Roast the peanuts until they turn golden and emit a fragrant aroma, which should take about 5 minutes. If you are using unblanched peanuts, the next step is to remove their shells. Let the pan roasted peanuts cool before using them.
Note: Blanched peanuts roast faster than unblanched ones.

How to blanch roasted peanuts

3 Instructional images showing how to blanch peanuts.

Step 3: To blanch roasted peanuts, let them cool after roasting. Then gently rub them between your hands to loosen and remove the skins. Blow away the detached skins to reveal the smooth, delicious roasted nuts ready for use.

How to dry roast peanuts in an oven

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Step 2: Spread shelled or unshelled peanuts in a single layer on a baking dish. Optional: Add salt, pepper, or a drizzle of oil for extra flavor.

Step 3: Roast the nuts in the oven for 15–20 minutes, stirring them every 5 minutes to ensure even cooking. If you’re using unshelled peanuts, allow a few extra minutes for roasting. Let the oven roasted peanuts cool before using them.

Kitchen tools

  1. Large wok pan or heavy-bottomed skillet
  2. Wooden spoon or spatula
  3. Airtight container for storage (like a mason jar)
  4. Baking dish (for the oven method)

Dry roasted peanut recipe tips and tricks

  • Use for cooking: It’s crucial to use unsalted peanuts to ensure they don’t mess with the flavors of your other ingredients.
  • Snack: This dry roasted peanuts recipe delivers a high-protein snack perfect for any time of the day. Store them in an airtight container for on-the-go snacking.
  • Nutrition: A 100-gram serving of roasted peanuts typically contains about 567 calories. This serving size also provides 25 grams of protein, 16 grams of carbohydrates, 49 grams of total fat (with 6.8 grams of saturated fat), and 8.5 grams of dietary fiber.

Toasted peanuts in Thai cooking

Toasted peanuts are a staple in Thai cooking, beloved for their roasted flavor and addictive crunch. They’re popular in Thai salads, stir-fries, and more. Once you learn how to make dry roasted peanuts, you’ll want to add them to everything.

I often make a large batch and store any leftovers in an airtight container to use later. Below, I’ve listed some recipes where you can use your homemade peanuts as an ingredient.

Crushed roasted peanuts are also a classic condiment at Thai noodle shops. Alongside them, you might find prik nam som, a Thai chili vinegar sauce, and prik nam pla, which is based on fish sauce.

Additionally, you can enjoy these peanuts on their own as a snack or mix them with other nuts and dried fruits. They’re also great when added to yogurt or oatmeal bowls, and you can use them in cookies, brownies, or sprinkle them with honey or salt for extra flavor.

How to crush peanuts

In some of my Thai recipes, you might have to crush peanuts before you can use them. Here’s how you can crush them with a Thai mortar and pestle:

  1. Add a small handful of dry roasted peanuts to your mortar.
  2. Use the pestle to gently tap and grind the peanuts to your desired texture.
  3. Transfer the crushed peanuts to a bowl.
  4. Repeat the process with the next batch of peanuts.
Thai woman seated on a bamboo table, working with a granite mortar and pestle.

How to store

Dry roasted peanuts last for about 1 to 2 months when stored in a cool, dry place in an airtight container like a mason jar; refrigerating them can extend their freshness up to 6 months.

Frequently asked questions

Are dry roasted peanuts good for you?

Dry roasted peanuts are packed with protein, healthy fats, vitamins and minerals, and fiber. They provide other health benefits as well, such as supporting heart health, aiding digestion, and providing a boost of energy. As with all food, moderation is key. For a healthy choice, opt for unsalted nuts to reduce sodium intake.

Do roasted peanuts go bad?

Yes, roasted peanuts can go bad over time. Make sure to store them in an airtight container, away from sunlight, in a cool place to extend shelf life. Signs that they might have gone bad include a weird smell, a change in taste, or a soft texture.

How to store roasted peanuts?

After roasting peanuts, let them cool to room temperature. Transfer to an airtight container, such as a mason jar or plastic bag, and store in a cool, dark place. Label the container with the date.

Are peanuts gluten-free?

Yes, peanuts are naturally gluten-free. They don’t contain any gluten, since they’re not made with wheat, barley, or rye. They’re safe for a gluten-free diet. If you’re purchasing packaged peanuts, make sure to double-check the packaging.

What are unblanched peanuts?

Unblanched or raw peanuts still have their red skins, which are thin and slightly bitter, adding a unique flavor. These peanuts are great for recipes that benefit from the skin’s taste or for home roasting. After roasting, you can easily remove the skins by rubbing the peanuts between your hands and blowing away the skins.

Where can I find raw peanuts?

You can find raw peanuts at supermarkets, health food stores, specialty food shops, farmers’ markets, and online retailers.

Authentic Thai ingredient recipes

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Dry Roasted Peanuts Recipe

Dry roasted peanuts in a black spoon on a white background, with more nuts spread around the spoon.
Enjoy dry roasted peanuts made easily in a pan or oven—perfect as a snack, appetizer, or a versatile cooking ingredient for extra texture.
Praew
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Cuisine Thai
Course Ingredients, Snack
Serving Size 1

Ingredients

  • 100 g unshelled peanuts

Instructions

How to roast peanuts in a pan

  • Ensure your peanuts are dry. Heat a pan or skillet over medium heat. Add raw peanuts, stirring regularly with a spatula to ensure even roasting and prevent burning.
  • Roast the peanuts until they turn golden and emit a fragrant aroma, which should take about 5 minutes. If you are using unblanched peanuts, the next step is to remove their shells. If you are using blanched peanuts, allow them to cool before eating them. (Blanched peanuts roast faster than unblanched ones.)

How to blanch roasted peanuts

  • To blanch roasted peanuts, let them cool after roasting. Then gently rub them between your hands to loosen and remove the skins. Blow away the detached skins to reveal the smooth, delicious roasted nuts ready for use.

How to dry roast peanuts in an oven

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Spread shelled or unshelled peanuts in a single layer on a baking dish. Optional: Add salt, pepper, or a drizzle of oil for extra flavor.
  • Roast the nuts in the oven for 15–20 minutes, stirring them every 5 minutes to ensure even cooking. If you’re using unshelled peanuts, allow a few extra minutes for roasting.

Notes

  • Use the nutrition card in this recipe as a guideline.
Calories: 575kcal | Carbohydrates: 17g | Protein: 28g | Fat: 49g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 17g | Monounsaturated Fat: 22g | Sodium: 430mg | Potassium: 770mg | Fiber: 9g | Calcium: 99mg | Iron: 2mg

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