Boiled Peanuts with Cajun Spice and Sea Salt

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A classic Southern snack with a regional twist—boiled peanuts simmered until tender and seasoned with Cajun spices and flaky sea salt for a flavorful treat. This southern-inspired snacks ready in about 190 minutes turns raw green peanuts in shell, water, coarse sea salt into a satisfying snack for between meals, packed lunches, or game-day spreads — minimal active time and easy to scale up for a crowd. Each serving lands at about 150 calories and feeds 6, so it fits into lunchboxes, road trips, or an afternoon-energy gap without derailing the day. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 180 min Serves 6 Southern cuisine 150 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Rinse 2 lbs raw green peanuts thoroughly under cold water to remove dirt.
  2. Step 2: In a large stockpot, combine 8 cups water, 1/4 cup coarse sea salt, 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning, and 2 bay leaves. Bring to a boil over high heat.
  3. Step 3: Add the rinsed peanuts to the boiling water, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer uncovered for 3 to 4 hours, stirring occasionally.
  4. Step 4: Check the peanuts after 3 hours by removing a peanut and tasting it; it should be soft and flavorful. If not, continue simmering and occasionally add water to keep peanuts covered.
  5. Step 5: Once tender, drain peanuts and serve warm or at room temperature for a salty, spicy snack reminiscent of Georgia’s regional flavors.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Boiled Peanuts with Cajun Spice and Sea Salt take to make?

Total time is about 190 minutes (10 min prep + 180 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Boiled Peanuts with Cajun Spice and Sea Salt?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for crisp items, or in the fridge for anything dairy- or produce-based, for up to 3–5 days. Re-crisp baked snacks in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes if they soften.

Can I substitute ingredients in Boiled Peanuts with Cajun Spice and Sea Salt?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Boiled Peanuts with Cajun Spice and Sea Salt for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Boiled Peanuts with Cajun Spice and Sea Salt?

Southern snacks like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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