Savory Braised Peanuts: A Delicious Side Dish
How to Make Deliciously Savory Braised Peanuts, a Perfect Side Dish
Using fresh, seasonal peanuts, I’ve made a delicious braised peanut side dish. If you use roasted peanuts, the savory and slightly salty flavor is exquisite, making them a great accompaniment to rice or a delightful snack on their own. Unlike braised soybeans, the rich, nutty flavor of these peanuts is truly appealing and makes them a popular seasonal side dish.
Main Ingredients- 300g Roasted Peanuts (If using raw peanuts, boil or roast them first)
- 400ml Water
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
If you are using raw peanuts, first wash them thoroughly. Then, add enough water to generously cover the peanuts, along with 1 tablespoon of coarse salt. Bring to a boil over high heat and cook for about 5 minutes. After boiling, rinse the peanuts under cold water and drain. This boiling or roasting process helps to remove any slight bitterness from the peanuts, making them more palatable.
Step 2
Fresh peanuts in season are wonderfully savory when simply roasted! You can toast them in a pan over low heat, stirring constantly to prevent burning, for a delicious result. Alternatively, using an air fryer: roast at 160°C (320°F) for about 10 minutes. Once the moisture has evaporated, stir them with a spoon and roast again at 160°C (320°F) for another 7 minutes. (Cooking time may vary depending on the quantity of peanuts.)
Step 3
Now, let’s start making the braised peanuts. In a pot or pan, add the prepared peanuts and 400ml of water. The amount of water doesn’t need to be exact; aim for the peanuts to be mostly submerged. You can adjust this based on the quantity of peanuts you are using.
Step 4
Add the scallion and dried kelp for added flavor. You’ll remove the kelp before the dish is fully cooked, so you don’t need to cut it into very small pieces.
Step 5
Add the soy sauce and sugar to season the peanuts. Use 5 tablespoons of soy sauce and 2 tablespoons of sugar. These seasonings will infuse the peanuts, creating a delicious braised dish.
Step 6
Begin by boiling over high heat. Once the liquid comes to a rolling boil, reduce the heat to medium. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the liquid has reduced. Stir occasionally to prevent the peanuts from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
Step 7
Once the liquid has reduced to a simmer, remove and discard the scallion and dried kelp. It’s best to remove the kelp at this stage to avoid any potential bitterness.
Step 8
Now, add the corn syrup to give the peanuts a glossy finish. Stir in 3 tablespoons of corn syrup and continue to stir and cook for a short while longer until the peanuts are well-coated and glossy. This step enhances the appealing sheen of the braised peanuts.
Step 9
Voilà! Your delicious braised peanuts, glistening with a beautiful shine, are ready. Adding the corn syrup towards the end of the cooking process ensures a wonderfully glossy and flavorful result.
Step 10
Finally, stir in 1 tablespoon of sesame oil and sprinkle with sesame seeds for an extra nutty aroma. This completes the braised peanut recipe, loved by everyone, young and old! Enjoy this delightful side dish with freshly steamed rice.
