Dry Roasted Peanuts Recipe

Praew December 4, 2023 0 Comments

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Dry roasted peanuts recipe is perfectly crunchy and so addictive! These crispy delights are perfect for snack time and ideal to toss in a salad, mix up in a sauce, or sprinkle over your favorite dish. I’ll even share a trick to wave those pesky skins goodbye.

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

Table of Contents

What are Dry roasted peanuts

Dry roasted peanuts are unsalted nuts that are roasted without oil, a healthier alternative to traditional roasting methods. The roasting process enhances their flavor and crunchiness, giving them a rich and nutty aroma.

I love to eat them as a delicious snack on their own, but they’re also commonly used as a topping for pad Thai, to make Thai peanut sauce, and added to Asian salads like yum woon sen pork.

Close-up of dry roasted peanuts in a black spoon on a white background, with more nuts spread around the spoon.

For those cozy movie nights or adventurous road trips, go for salted peanuts. Enhance their taste by adding a sprinkle of salt, a dash of black pepper, or a light drizzle of vinegar.

These roasted snacks are perfect for a healthy diet, they’re a guilt-free way to enjoy a crunchy, flavorful snack.

When your recipes call for a nutty touch, unsalted dry roasted peanuts are your go-to. They blend perfectly into your dishes, without overwhelming the other flavors.

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 peanuts on a white background.

I prefer roasting shelled peanuts for their ready availability at Asian grocery stores and quicker roasting time, making them the perfect choice for everyday cooking.

Blanched vs unblanched peanuts

The term “blanched” or “unblanched” refers to the papery skin of the crunchy nuts. If their skin is removed, we call them blanched peanuts, if not they are unblanched.

Blanched peanuts, with their skins removed, are often used in baking for their milder flavor. To blanch peanuts, boil them and then cool in cold water, causing the skin to loosen and make it easier to remove the skin.
Unblanched peanuts or raw peanuts come with the skin on. They have a richer flavor, and my grandmother’s trick for easy skin removal after roasting is simple and quick.

Right part of a glass bowl with unblanched peanuts.

Here’s a family secret from my grandmother: After roasting, let the peanuts cool, then gently knead them with your hands to loosen the skins. Blow away the skins to reveal perfectly roasted nuts, ready for snacking or cooking!

How to roast peanuts

Stovetop roasting method

Close-up of pan with dry roasted peanuts and a wooden spatula.

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

2. Roast until they turn golden and become fragrant. Note: Blanched peanuts roast faster than unblanched ones.

3 Instructional images showing how to blanch peanuts.

3. For blanched peanuts, allow to cool, then gently rub to remove skins. Blow away the skins, leaving only the delicious roasted nuts.

Oven-baked peanuts method

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

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.

3. Roast for 15–20 minutes in the oven, stirring every 5 minutes. For unshelled peanuts, extend the roasting time slightly.

Use as a cooking ingredient

The roasted taste and addictive crunch adds a delicious twist to many dishes.

In Thai kitchen, we often use them as an ingredient for a variety of food. This is why I usually make a bunch of them at once and store the leftovers in an airtight container for later.

Below are a few of my recipes in which you can use dry roasted peanuts:

Additionally, you can simply enjoy them as a snack or mix them with other nuts and dried fruits. You can add them to yogurts, add them to oatmeal bowls, use them in cookies, brownies, and add honey, salt, or others.

How to store

After the peanuts have cooled down completely, transfer them to an airtight container like a mason jar or a plastic bag and keep them in a cool, dark place.

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?

Store your roasted peanuts correctly to extend their self life. After roasting them, let them cool down to room temperature. Then, transfer them to an airtight container like a mason jar, or an airtight plastic bag. Store in a cool, dark place, away from sunlight. It’s best to label the container with the date you prepared the peanuts.

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 to ensure that the peanuts don’t have traces of gluten into them.

Are peanuts healthy?

Yes, peanuts can be a healthy addition to a healthy diet when consumed in moderation. They provide many health benefits, such as heart health and containing many antioxidants. They’re a great source of protein, they’re nutrient-rich, and contain healthy fats. However, they’re also high in calories, so it’s important to eat them in moderation.

What are unblanched peanuts?

Unblanched peanuts or raw peanuts have not been blanched. This means they still have their red skins on them. The skins are thin and slightly bitter, adding a distinctive taste. They’re often used in recipes where the flavor of the skin is desired, or for roasting at home. The skin can easily be removed after roasting by kneading the peanuts with your hands and blowing away the skin.

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