Today we're answering the question of how to reheat boiled peanuts perfectly every time. Whether you prefer the stovetop, microwave, or slow cooker method, we have you covered with step-by-step instructions to ensure your boiled peanuts are just as tasty as the first time around.
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What are Boiled Peanuts?
Boiled peanuts, often considered an iconic Southern delicacy, have a rich history and a unique preparation process that sets them apart from their dry-roasted counterparts.
These soft, salty treats are made by simmering raw peanuts or green peanuts in a brine solution for several hours. The process not only infuses the peanuts with a savory flavor but also renders them incredibly soft, creating a texture that’s totally different from crunchy dry roasted peanuts that are more common.
At the heart of boiled peanuts' appeal is their simplicity. The primary ingredient, raw or green peanuts, refers to peanuts that have not been dried or roasted. Instead, they are boiled in a large pot of salted water (and sometimes additional seasonings) for an extended period.
The length of cooking time is a critical factor in determining the final texture of the peanuts; longer boiling results in softer peanuts, while a shorter duration yields a firmer bite. It's really a personal preference on how soft or firm you want your boiled peanuts.
In the end, you get a unique flavor and texture that has made boiled peanuts a classic Southern, salty snack for social events, from sports gatherings to family reunions. Their popularity is especially known in the Southern United States where you can buy them at roadside stands, farmer's markets, gas stations, and grocery stores.
If we buy them, we usually get them fresh (green) or boiled from Mitchell Farms.
How to Make Boiled Peanuts
Understanding this traditional way along with faster ways of boiling peanuts is important for anyone looking to properly reheat boiled peanuts. Historically, the most common way boiled peanuts were cooked is on a stovetop.
But I recently shared a really fast way to cook peanuts in a fraction of the time that the stovetop method takes: Instant Pot Boiled Peanuts. Another boiled peanuts recipe that requires less babysitting is using a Crock Pot to cook your peanuts. The results are the same but you don't have to stress over the water all boiling out.
Here are the three best ways to boil peanuts:
In my Instant Pot Boiled Peanuts recipe, I prefer keeping things simple by only using salt. But you can experiment with different flavors that you like. Popular seasonings include garlic powder, onion powder, cajun seasoning (or creole seasoning), Old Bay seasoning, cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, and more!
Preparing Your Boiled Peanuts for Reheating
Before we talk about reheating your leftover boiled peanuts, let's talk about how to store them. It's best if boiled peanuts have been stored in an airtight container or zip lock bag (freezer bag) in the refrigerator or freezer. The shelf life in the refrigerator is 7-10 days. For longer storage, you can keep them in the freezer for up to a year.
Some resources recommend bringing refrigerated or frozen peanuts up to room temperature before reheating by allowing them to sit out for at least 30 minutes. Personally, I don't find this necessary and don't see any overall benefit to the extra time.
Either way - you can use these methods below to reheat refrigerated or frozen boiled peanuts.
Reheating Boiled Peanuts on the Stovetop
If you favor a traditional approach, reheating boiled peanuts on the stovetop is a tried-and-true easy way to reheat them that doesn't require any special equipment.
- Begin by placing your boiled peanuts into a saucepan and add enough water to cover the peanuts. If you want to add more salt or your favorite seasonings, now is the time to add it to the water.
- Then bring them to a boil and allow them to heat for approximately 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat, let them cool for a bit, drain them and enjoy! You can also let them cool in the salty brine for a while if you want them to absorb more salt.
Using a Microwave to Reheat Boiled Peanuts
In a hurry? Reheating boiled peanuts in the microwave is the quickest and most efficient way.
- Place the boiled peanuts in a microwave-safe container and cover with a lid or paper towel.
- If they're dried out, you may want to splash them with a little water before you start warming them.
- Heat for 1 minute until hot. If you're heating a large amount or they're frozen, you may need to microwave them for an additional 10-15 seconds and check. Repeat until they're hot.
The Slow Cooker Method for Reheating Boiled Peanuts
A slow cooker or Crock Pot is the slowest way to reheat boiled peanuts. But if you're not in a hurry or want to "set and forget" about your peanuts - then reheating boiled peanuts in your Crock Pot is the way to go!
- Place them in the slow cooker and cover with salty water.
- Let them heat on the high setting until the water is hot - usually at least an hour.
- Then you can turn them down to "warm" or "low" to keep them warm.
If you want to reheat them to sell at a farmer's market or you want to reheat them overnight, you can set them on low or medium heat and make sure they stay covered in water to heat over several hours.
For next day eating, cover the boiled peanuts with water and let them heat overnight slowly. Then you'll be ready to enjoy a perfect snack the next day!
If you want to increase the flavor of the boiled peanuts, you can add any seasonings or spices that you like to the salt water before you start the reheating process.
So there you have it - the best methods I can recommend for how to reheat boiled peanuts.
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