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Nothing says GAME DAY quite like boiled peanuts, and this pressure cooker boiled peanuts recipe is perfect. Out here in the country, we get our fair share of fresh, green peanuts, but if you’ve ever boiled peanuts, you know it takes forever, and it heats the up the house, unless you are willing to sit outside in the sweltering heat next to fish cooker for hours. Either way, I wasn’t a fan of cooking boiled peanuts… that is until I decided to try to make them in the pressure cooker. Let me just say… boiled peanuts in a pressure cooker is a game changer!
Best part is, not only does boiling peanuts in a pressure cooker easier, it is also faster, and usually only takes about 35 to 40 minutes to get perfectly boiled peanuts.
It’s worth noting that you can cook peanuts in a regular pressure cooker or an electric pressure cooker. Due to the simplicity of it all, I simply use my Power Pressure Cooker or Instant Pot (affiliate link).
The first time I tried to pressure cook peanuts, I initially set the cooker for 30 minutes and ended up having to add another 5 minutes due to using very large peanuts. I recently cooked a batch that was using smaller, standard size peanuts and they cooked up perfectly in 32 minutes. You’ll have to play with the time to get them just how you want them, as some people like them more firm, while others like them more soft. Either way, if you find that you didn’t cook them long enough, it’s a super simple fix, and nothing to fret about. I do the quick release on mine to make sure they are how we like them, or at least very close to it, and even they need a few more minutes, I don’t bother because they will finish cooking while sitting in the water.
Boiled Peanuts in a Pressure Cooker Recipe
WHAT YOU WILL NEED:
2-3 lbs green peanuts (Dried will require extra time or soaking overnight)
1/4 cup of salt
Water (enough to cover peanuts completely)
PREPARING THE PRESSURE COOKER & PEANUTS:
First, put about 2-3 cups of hot water in the pressure cooker, add the salt and stir until dissolved. This is not required, but I do it to ensure the salt doesn’t pile up on the bottom of the cooker and stick.
Next, wash the peanuts and drain off excess water and place in the pressure cooker.
Add water to cover the peanuts at least an inch. Do not go over the max-fill line. {It’s important to never overfill your pressure cooker to avoid damaging the cooker, altering the cooking process and making messes.}
PRESSURE COOKING PEANUTS:
Once the peanuts, water, and salt have been added and the pressure cooker is sealed and secured with the lid locked in place, you can begin pressure cooking the peanuts. I’ve found that the the sweet spot to pressure cook peanuts is 32-35 minutes at 15lbs or 70 ksi. If you are using smaller peanuts then you may want to reduce it to 30-32 minutes and check for doneness.
Once the time is up you can do a quick release, or let them naturally release. I tend to do a quick release most times because I’m just anxious like that, and I want to check the doneness. DO NOT DRAIN THEM. I repeat, do not drain them!!!
Once the peanuts are done cooking, let the pressure release naturally. (If you are using a stove top pressure cooker turn off the stove and carefully move the pot off of the hot burner.) Don’t rush this process this is where the salt and other spices you may have added will soak in, adding tons of flavor! If you are in a hurry, or you are like me and really want to see how they turned out, you can do a quick release. It’s not the end of the world, trust me, I do it more often than not.
After the pressure has naturally released and the cooker is safe to open, remove the cover and stir the peanuts well. Remove one or two peanuts and allow them to cool and check for flavor and to ensure they are done to your preference. DO NOT be alarmed if they are not salty enough. You want to let the peanuts cool down in the cooking water – this is why I emphasized do not drain them! As they cool, they will soak up the salty water. I do not recommend allowing them to sit in the water overnight as they can become to salty. I would allow them to cool down and rest in the water and they should be fine. You can also add Cajun seasoning such as crab boil liquid, or any other seasoning, at this point to create different flavored peanuts. (I have added Cajun seasons, but I always add them after the cooking process so that they soak it up during cooling. I’m not sure how the seasonings would hold up to the pressure and don’t want to risk it settling and scorching during the process, so I have always added it after releasing the pressure.)
Things to Remember When Making Pressure Cooker Boiled Peanuts:
Not Salty Enough
If your pressure cooker peanuts are not salty enough when you first test them, don’t panic! Let them continue the process and soak in the cooking water. Remember: a good steak needs to rest in its juices for the best flavor, and so do boiled peanuts.
As they cool, the peanuts will soak up the salty water and any other seasonings added. I typically let mine soak about an hour after they are done cooking. Sometimes longer, depending on the size. It’s all in preference. Whatever you do, don’t panic and add a ton of salt. The peanuts will not even begin to soak up the salt or other spices you added until they begin to cool. The longer you let them sit in the water they more flavorful they become.
Not Done Enough
If the peanuts are not done enough for your preference, you can can either pressure cook them a few minutes longer (if you are in a hurry), or simply turn your pressure cooker on to a non-pressure setting such as the browning or soups and stews setting for another 10-20 minutes or until they are done to your liking.
Once the peanuts are done and perfectly salted to your preference, carefully drain them and put put in a resealable bag or bowl with a lid.
Now, for the best part… enjoy
Storing Pressure Cooker Boiled Peanuts
Once you’ve got your belly full, make sure you store your boiled peanuts in the fridge in a food-safe container or resealable bag. They will last up to a week in the fridge or, you can divide them up into separate bags and place them in the freezer for a salty snack later. When you are ready to eat them again, simply heat them back up in the microwave or boiling water for a few minutes.
How Do You Like Your Boiled Peanuts?
What is your favorite way to eat boiled peanuts? Do you like them salty or Cajun, or maybe you have another excellent flavor idea? If so be sure to share it in the comments below. If you have ever tried to pressure cook boiled peanuts, drop us a line and let us know your thoughts.
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