With just a few ingredients, you can have a homemade, flavorful, and simple snack!
Back in the good ol’ days (AKA the early 90s), I attended my fair share of Milwaukee Brewers games. The stadium was a magical place back then, filled with fanatic fans, cheesy cheers, and the best food on the planet, as far as my seven-year-old self was concerned. The air wafted with the warm smells of ginormous pretzels, nacho hats, and steaming hotdogs that vendors would pull out of their metal carts in a frenzy. But do you know what my favorite was? The roasted peanuts. Shelled and powdered in salt, I’d suck on the shells like lozenges before eating them whole—extra fiber, right? Simply put, I loved and still love peanuts.
However, it wasn’t until I was at a friend’s home that I tried Instant Pot boiled peanuts. All I could say when he popped a couple in my mouth was, “Wow.” My friend was from New Orleans, where my grandparents lived until they trekked to Milwaukee during the Great Migration. I remember my grandpa serving up some spicy jambalaya, though nothing like this. As a kid, I wasn’t the biggest fan of “exotic dishes.” But I would’ve eaten bowls full of boiled peanuts. I’d like to think that Grandpa and Grandma Porter enjoyed a bag of these at a roadside stand somewhere in Louisiana as they made their way to a better life up north. It’s funny how something as simple as peanuts can trigger all sorts of memories and feelings. Anyway, back to peanuts.
Unlike the roasted variety, Instant Pot peanuts come out irresistibly soft and slightly smoky, courtesy of the liquid smoke. I don’t make this recipe on a regular basis (raw peanuts are hard to find around here), but when I do, these peanuts are always a hit. They’re easy to make and perfect for munching while watching the baseball game or hosting a backyard barbecue!
Are Instant-Pot Boiled Peanuts Healthy?
Boiled peanuts are absolutely nutritious, offering a good source of protein, fiber, and minerals like potassium, magnesium, and iron. They’re also lower in fat than roasted peanuts and contain fewer calories. While it’s not a drastic difference, the boiling process does remove some of the oils and fats in peanuts. For a low-sodium take, cut back on the salt and swap the liquid smoke for smoked paprika, which adds a similar flavor.
No Shelling allowed
Leaving the shell on boiled peanuts isn’t just for convenience—it’s actually a crucial part of the recipe. The shell acts like a sponge, absorbing the salty, seasoned water, and infusing the peanuts with flavor. As you crack them open, the shells release that briny smokiness. Most importantly, the shells help preserve the moisture so that the peanuts stay tender. Definitely don’t shell the peanuts!
How to Make Ahead and store
Finished boiled peanuts can be stored at room temperature, right on the counter or in the pantry. I recommend storing them in an airtight container for 1-3 days. If you want them to last longer, you can store them in the fridge for up to 10 days.
Serving Suggestions
I like adding boiled peanuts to my snack menu for game days and casual hangs. Stick with the classics like Bacon Mac And Cheese, Buffalo Wings, and nachos! And if you have a spare Instant Pot, a bowl of this Cajun chili is sure to be a hit. Or, if that’s too spicy, everyone loves a Brisket Sandwich dripping with BBQ sauce!
Ingredients
- 1 ound raw peanuts in the shell (also called green peanuts)
- 11 cups water
- 1 1/2 tablespoons salt
- 1/2 tablespoon liquid smoke (optional)
Instructions
- Combine the peanuts and water in your Instant Pot.
- Stir in the salt and liquid smoke.
- Cover (make sure the lid is set to sealing) and cook on manual high pressure for 80 minutes.
- Let steam release naturally.
- Drain and enjoy!
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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