Sweet & Savory Braised Peanuts
Easy & Delicious Braised Peanuts: A Perfect Side Dish Recipe
Peanuts braised in a sweet and savory soy sauce glaze are a fantastic snack, a perfect accompaniment to beer, and an excellent addition to your rice meals! This recipe transforms simple peanuts into a delightful side dish that the whole family will love. Enjoy the satisfying crunch and rich, nutty flavor infused with a delicious glaze.
Ingredients
- 2 cups raw peanuts
- 1 Tbsp coarse sea salt
- 1 cup dried kelp infused water (200ml)
- Pinch of ginger powder
- 3 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp Korean soup soy sauce (gukganjang)
- 2 Tbsp mirin (rice wine)
- 1 Tbsp brown sugar (heaping)
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- 1 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Begin by preparing your fresh raw peanuts. Since they come with shells, there might be some dirt. Gently rinse them under running water about three times to ensure they are clean. It’s important to wash them thoroughly as you’ll be cooking them with the shells on.
Step 2
After rinsing, drain the peanuts in a colander. In a pot, bring 1 liter of water to a boil, then add 1 tablespoon of coarse sea salt. Boiling the peanuts in salted water helps to remove any slight bitterness and enhances their nutty flavor.
Step 3
Once the water is boiling vigorously, add the prepared peanuts. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and let them simmer for about 30 minutes until tender. You can adjust the simmering time based on your preference for tenderness. For a softer texture, especially for children, simmer for longer. If you prefer a firmer bite, reduce the simmering time to 10-15 minutes.
Step 4
Drain the cooked peanuts and rinse them under cold water to cool them down. Drain them thoroughly in a colander again. Now, place the drained peanuts back into the pot and add 200ml of the dried kelp infused water. Sprinkle in a pinch of ginger powder. Ginger is excellent for neutralizing any potential fishy or bitter odors and adds a wonderful depth of flavor.
Step 5
Turn the heat to medium. Once the liquid comes to a gentle boil, add all the seasoning ingredients: 3 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of Korean soup soy sauce (gukganjang), 2 tablespoons of mirin, and 1 heaping tablespoon of brown sugar. Stir well to combine. If you don’t have brown sugar, white sugar can be used as a substitute. Begin to simmer the mixture until the liquid reduces.
Step 6
To allow the flavors to meld and reduce the liquid, keep the lid off the pot and simmer over medium heat for about 10 minutes. If you used whole ginger pieces, it’s best to remove them at this stage. Remember to stir occasionally to prevent the sauce from sticking or burning.
Step 7
Finally, add 3 tablespoons of corn syrup (or glucose syrup) and stir-fry for a minute until the peanuts are glossy. Turn off the heat. Stir in 1 tablespoon of sesame oil and 1 tablespoon of toasted sesame seeds for a final touch of aroma and nutty flavor. You’ll have beautifully glazed, delicious braised peanuts ready to be enjoyed as a side dish or snack!
Step 8
Did you know that simple peanuts can be transformed into such a wonderful side dish? The combination of savory soy sauce and sweetness is utterly irresistible, making you reach for more. They aren’t too salty, so they’re great to eat on their own. The crisp texture is also a delight. The way the peanuts gently break apart between your teeth is truly exceptional, offering a perfect harmony of aroma and texture.
Step 9
These braised peanuts have a magnetic appeal that keeps you coming back for more! The blend of savory, sweet, and nutty flavors makes them a true ‘rice thief’. You might find yourself making these more often than even anchovy stir-fry! The satisfying crunch combined with the rich soy sauce glaze is truly impressive.
Step 10
Braised peanuts offer a different kind of enjoyment compared to roasted ones. The peanuts soaked in the savory glaze have a subtle addictive quality that makes it hard to stop eating. From now on, enjoy these simple peanuts as a fantastic side dish for your meals. Children will love them too!
