Boiled peanuts are a snack well known in the southern region of the United States. They are sometimes called “the caviar of the South” and are made from fresh, unroasted peanuts that are boiled in salted water. They are often served warm with a glug of hot sauce. So, it’s best to reheat boiled peanuts, if they have been sitting for awhile or if they are just out of the freezer or refrigerator. (If frozen, thaw in the refrigerator prior to reheating.)
A good way to reheat boiled peanuts is in a pot of simmering water. First, bring a pot of salty water to boiling.
Turn off the heat or turn down to a simmer. Add the boiled peanuts, and let them soak for a few minutes until they are warmed through. The longer you let the peanuts soak, the saltier they become.
It is not absolutely necessary to soak the boiled peanuts in salt water. Fresh, unsalted water can be used, but this will affect the saltiness of the peanut.
The fresh water will draw some of the salinity out of the boiled peanuts. So, if you want to maintain or increase the saltiness of the peanuts, soak them in hot, not boiling, salted water.
Also, you may decide to add other ingredients to your saltwater brine to enhance the flavor of the boiled peanuts. Try chili powder to give the peanuts a kick. Or, for a more smoky flavor, try some smoked paprika or dried urfa chili flakes.
Experiment as much as you like with ingredients until you discover your favorite way to reheat boiled peanuts. It’s fine, if in the end, you decide that a simple saltwater brine is best.
Something else to consider is the length of time that the boiled peanuts are left to soak in the brine. The longer they soak, the mushier they’ll get. So, if you like your boiled peanuts on the crunchier side, then soak them for less time.
You may also reheat your boiled peanuts in the microwave. First, place the boiled peanuts in a microwave-safe container and cover it. Then, microwave the peanuts on high for 30 – 45 seconds.
Remove from the microwave and check for temperature by touch: if they have not reached the desired temperature, continue to microwave in 15-second increments, checking after each increment for temperature.
When the peanuts are as warm as desired, remove them from the microwave and enjoy immediately.
Both the hot, salty brine method and the microwave method work well for reheating boiled peanuts.
However, the saltwater soak works better if you want to change the salinity of the boiled peanut. Otherwise, try both and stick with the one that suits you better.