Description
This recipe for Cajun Boiled Peanuts (Chili Bayou Boil) offers a flavorful, hearty, and spicy snack perfect for family gatherings or game day. It’s a satisfying, low-effort dish that can be prepared using a pressure cooker, slow cooker, or stovetop.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 lbs raw, in-shell peanuts, Valencia or Virginia types
- 0.25 cup Cajun seasoning
- 0.5 cup kosher salt (or 0.25 cup fine table salt)
- 4 liters water, enough to cover peanuts by at least 2 inches
- 4–6 smashed garlic cloves, optional
- 2–3 bay leaves, optional
- 1 tsp smoked paprika, optional
Instructions
- Wash and Soak Peanuts: Rinse 2 lbs raw peanuts thoroughly under cold running water. For significantly faster cooking and better flavor absorption, soak them in a large pot of water overnight (8-12 hours).
- Season Peanuts: Drain the soaked peanuts completely. Place them in a large 8-quart stockpot along with 0.25 cup Cajun seasoning and 0.5 cup kosher salt. Stir well until the peanuts are evenly coated.
- Cover with Water: Add enough fresh water to fully submerge the peanuts by at least 2 inches (approx. 4 liters).
- Cook to Perfection: Choose your preferred method for tender peanuts. (Pressure Cooker): Cook on high pressure for 45-60 minutes, then allow a natural release for 10-15 minutes. (Slow Cooker): Cook on high for 6-8 hours or on low for 10-12 hours. (Stovetop Pot): Bring to a rolling boil over high heat, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Cook for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally and adding water as needed to keep them submerged.
- Taste Test and Adjust: Carefully remove one peanut from its shell. It should be tender, like a soft-cooked bean, but still have a pleasant slight bite. If too firm, continue cooking for another 30-60 minutes, checking every 20 minutes.
Notes
Soaking peanuts overnight significantly reduces cook time and enhances flavor absorption. Adjust Cajun seasoning to preferred spice level. If using fine table salt, reduce quantity to 0.25 cup. For stovetop cooking, add 1-2 cups hot water if liquid level drops.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Southern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup shelled
- Calories: 230 calories
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 17 g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: cajun, boiled peanuts, snack, spicy, easy, game day, vegan, gluten-free, high-protein