Butter-Fried Peanuts – Deliciously Crispy Vietnamese Recipe

Today, butter-fried peanuts have become a beloved “national” snack in every Vietnamese household. With the rich flavor of butter, the crunchy texture of peanuts, and a harmonious balance of salt and sweetness, this dish is not only appealing but also easy to prepare at home. Let’s explore the authentic recipe with “Sổ Tay Món Ăn” to make delicious, perfectly flavored butter-fried peanuts!

Butter-Fried Peanuts – The Most Loved Snack

Butter-fried peanuts on a table

It’s not hard to find butter-fried peanuts at parties, pubs, or even during friends’ gatherings at home. The allure of this dish lies in the perfect combination of the crispy peanuts, the richness of butter, and the distinctive aroma that captivates everyone.

Although the exact origin of this dish is still unclear, it can be affirmed that butter-fried peanuts are a unique creation of Vietnamese cuisine. From simple ingredients like peanuts, butter, salt, and sugar, Vietnamese people have skillfully transformed them into a snack that is both affordable and suitable for the majority’s taste.

Particularly, this dish is not only an ideal accompaniment for men but also a favorite snack for women during movie nights or casual chats.

Ingredients Needed to Make Butter-Fried Peanuts

To make butter-fried peanuts, you need to prepare the following ingredients:

• Raw peanuts: 500g (choose large, even-sized, mold-free kernels).
• Unsalted butter: 50g (unsalted butter provides a more delicious flavor than margarine).
• Salt: 1 teaspoon.
• White sugar: 1/2 teaspoon.
• Garlic: 2-3 cloves (optional, according to preference).
• Cooking oil: Enough oil to deep-fry the peanuts.

Necessary tools:

• Deep frying pan or small pot.
• Oil strainer.
• Paper towels.
• Wooden spoon or chopsticks.

How to Make Butter-Fried Peanuts – Authentic Recipe

Steps to make butter-fried peanuts

Let’s start making butter-fried peanuts with the detailed instructions below:

Step 1: Preparing Peanuts and Garlic

• Wash the peanuts thoroughly, remove any spoiled or shriveled kernels. Soak the peanuts in warm water for about 30 minutes to soften them before frying.
• After soaking, drain the peanuts in a colander and let them dry.
• Peel the garlic, crush, and finely chop it.

Step 2: First Frying of Peanuts

• Heat the cooking oil in a deep frying pan. When the oil starts to shimmer, add the peanuts and fry over medium heat.
• Stir constantly to ensure the peanuts cook evenly. When they turn a light golden color and emit a fragrant smell, remove them with an oil strainer. Let them cool completely.

Step 3: Second Frying of Peanuts

• Reheat the cooking oil, then add the cooled peanuts for a second fry over higher heat. Fry quickly, stirring constantly until the peanuts turn a deep golden color and become crispy.
• Remove the peanuts with an oil strainer and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil.

Step 4: Frying Garlic (If Using)

• Use the oil used to fry the peanuts to fry the garlic. Add the chopped garlic to the hot oil, fry until golden and crispy, then remove and drain on paper towels.

Step 5: Roasting Peanuts with Butter

• Melt the unsalted butter in a pan over low heat.
• Add the fried peanuts, stirring to coat them evenly with butter.
• Add salt, sugar, and fried garlic (if using). Continue stirring to ensure the seasonings are evenly distributed on the peanuts.
• Roast the peanuts over low heat for about 2-3 minutes until they are dry and emit a rich aroma.

Step 6: Finishing and Enjoying

• Pour the butter-fried peanuts onto a plate and let them cool completely before enjoying.
• Store in a glass jar or airtight container to maintain crispness for 1-2 weeks.

Secrets to Keeping Butter-Fried Peanuts Crispy

Tips for crispy butter-fried peanuts

To ensure butter-fried peanuts achieve perfect crispiness, keep the following points in mind:

• Choose quality peanuts: Prioritize freshly harvested, large, and even-sized peanuts.
• Fry peanuts twice: The first fry cooks the peanuts from the inside, the second fry makes them crispy.
• Let peanuts cool completely: This helps the peanuts become crisper and the butter to coat them evenly.
• Roast over low heat: Avoid burning the butter to ensure a delicious flavor.

Creative Variations for Butter-Fried Peanuts

You can experiment with various ways to create your own version of butter-fried peanuts:

• Garlic and Chili Butter-Fried Peanuts: Add chili powder or finely chopped fresh chili.
• Honey Butter-Fried Peanuts: Substitute sugar with honey for a natural sweetness.
• Cheese Butter-Fried Peanuts: Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese powder.
• Lemongrass Butter-Fried Peanuts: Add finely shredded lemongrass for a distinctive aroma.

Nutritional Value and Precautions When Enjoying

Butter-fried peanuts are rich in protein, unsaturated fats, and minerals like magnesium and potassium. However, due to their high calorie content, you should enjoy this dish in moderation, especially if you are on a diet or have heart-related issues.

Precautions:

• Do not eat moldy peanuts as they may contain harmful aflatoxins.
• Store in an airtight container in a dry place to maintain crispness for as long as possible.

Frequently Asked Questions About Butter-Fried Peanuts

1. Why are my peanuts not crispy?

• You may not have fried the peanuts twice or the oil temperature may not have been correct.

2. Can I use margarine instead of unsalted butter?

• Yes, but the flavor will not be as delicious.

3. How long can I store butter-fried peanuts?

• Butter-fried peanuts are best within 1-2 weeks if stored properly.

Conclusion

With the detailed recipe and helpful tips above, we hope you will successfully prepare delicious butter-fried peanuts at home. Share your results with “Sổ Tay Món Ăn” and continue to explore more exciting recipes! Wishing you a fun cooking experience!