spicy peanuts

How to Make Spicy Five-Spice Peanuts: A Complete Guide

Spicy five-spice peanuts, a beloved snack in China, combine crispy textures with a fragrant, savory flavor. Here’s a simple yet detailed guide to making them at home.

Ingredients: 500g raw peanuts, 3 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp sugar, 1 tsp five-spice powder (a mix of star anise, cloves, cinnamon, Sichuan peppercorns, and fennel), 1 tsp salt, 4 dried chilies (optional), and 100ml water.

Steps:

1. Soak the Peanuts: Rinse raw peanuts and soak in water for 30 minutes to ensure even cooking. Drain thoroughly.

2. Prepare the Seasoning: In a small pot, mix soy sauce, sugar, salt, five-spice powder, chilies, and water. Heat over low heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.

3. Cook the Peanuts: Add peanuts to the pot, stir to coat evenly, and simmer on low heat for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally until the liquid thickens and clings to the peanuts.

4. Dry and Roast: Transfer the peanuts to a baking sheet, spread them in a single layer, and roast in an oven at 150°C (300°F) for 15–20 minutes, or air-fry at 130°C for 10 minutes until crispy. Stir halfway to prevent burning.

5. Cool and Store: Let the peanuts cool completely—they will crisp up as they cool. Store in an airtight container to maintain crunchiness.

Tips: Adjust spice levels by reducing chilies; for extra crunch, skip roasting and sun-dry the cooked peanuts for 1 hour. Enjoy this addictive snack with tea or as a party treat!