Fried peanuts and a shot of baijiu are a match made in heaven! Here’s how to make crispy, delicious fried peanuts the right way—super easy and a crowd-pleaser. Peanuts are a family favorite in our house. Growing up, we planted tons of them every year, and harvest time was the best because we’d make all sorts of peanut dishes afterward. From dry-roasted to boiled, fried, or even vinegar-soaked peanuts, the fried ones always stole the show. A plate of crunchy, aromatic fried peanuts is irresistible and leaves you wanting more. Today, I’m sharing a must-have side dish for any table: crispy fried peanuts. Done this way, they stay fragrant and crunchy for ages without getting soggy. Just don’t overdo it—eating too many might leave you feeling a bit overheated! Let’s dive into the recipe.
Ingredients:
- Peanuts
- Salt
- Cooking oil
- A splash of baijiu
Instructions:
- Start with about 2 pounds of small peanuts. Grab a bowl of warm water, stir in two tablespoons of salt, and soak the peanuts for 10 minutes. This adds a base flavor and helps the peanuts absorb water, so they don’t burn while frying. Rinse them well afterward and drain thoroughly.
- Pour the peanuts into a wok or deep pan, then add enough oil to just cover them. Heat over medium-low flame, stirring constantly with a spatula to ensure even cooking. As the oil heats up, the peanuts’ moisture will slowly release. Keep frying on medium-low until you hear the peanuts start to pop. Stir for another 30 seconds, then turn off the heat.
- The oil will still be very hot, so quickly scoop out the peanuts with a slotted spoon to avoid burning them. While they’re still hot, sprinkle a small splash of baijiu over the peanuts and toss to coat. This boosts the flavor and keeps them extra crispy once cooled.
- Spread the peanuts on a large plate to cool, stirring with chopsticks or fanning them to speed up the process. Once slightly cooled, sprinkle with a pinch of salt and mix well. Your fragrant, crispy fried peanuts are ready! They’ll stay crunchy for a long time without going soft. Give it a try at home if you’re a fan!