Five-spice Peanuts

Five-spice Peanuts Recipe from China and USA

Region / culture: China, USA | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Five-spice peanuts are a delicious and addictive snack that combines the rich flavors of peanuts with the aromatic blend of five-spice powder. This recipe is perfect for anyone looking for a unique and flavorful snack to enjoy at home or on the go.

History

Five-spice peanuts have their origins in Chinese cuisine, where the five-spice powder is a common ingredient used in a variety of dishes. The blend typically includes star anise, cloves, Chinese cinnamon, Sichuan pepper, and fennel seeds, creating a complex and aromatic flavor profile that pairs perfectly with the natural nuttiness of peanuts.

Ingredients

2 cups unsalted peanuts, without skins
2 tbsp butter
0.25 cup brown sugar
1 tbsp light corn syrup
0.5 tsp five-spice powder

How to prepare

Line a baking sheet with foil or wax paper, or spray with non-stick cooking spray.
In a small heavy saucepan, melt the butter, brown sugar, and corn syrup over medium heat until the sugar is dissolved.
Stir in the five-spice powder and bring the mixture to a boil.
Allow it to boil for several minutes without stirring.
Once it reaches the "soft ball" stage, remove it from the heat.
Stir in the peanuts.
Spread the mixture out on the prepared sheet.
Let it stand until it has hardened.
Break it into pieces and store in a sealed canister.

Variations

Try using different nuts, such as almonds or cashews, in place of peanuts.
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
Drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled peanuts for a sweet and savory treat.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to watch the sugar mixture closely as it boils to prevent burning.

- Stir the peanuts into the sugar mixture quickly to ensure they are evenly coated.

- Allow the mixture to cool completely before breaking it into pieces for the best texture.

Serving Suggestions

Five-spice peanuts are perfect for snacking on their own, but they can also be added to salads, trail mix, or used as a topping for ice cream or yogurt.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making perfect five-spice peanuts is to cook the sugar mixture to the "soft ball" stage before adding the peanuts. This ensures that the peanuts are evenly coated and have a crunchy texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have five-spice powder on hand, you can make your own blend using equal parts star anise, cloves, Chinese cinnamon, Sichuan pepper, and fennel seeds.

Make Ahead Tips

Five-spice peanuts can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container for up to two weeks.

Presentation Ideas

Serve five-spice peanuts in a decorative bowl or jar for a beautiful and tasty snack that is sure to impress your guests.

Pairing Recommendations

Five-spice peanuts pair well with a variety of beverages, including beer, wine, and cocktails. They also make a great addition to a cheese or charcuterie board.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store five-spice peanuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. They do not need to be reheated before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of five-spice peanuts contains approximately 180 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of five-spice peanuts contains approximately 10 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of five-spice peanuts contains approximately 12 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of five-spice peanuts contains approximately 6 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Five-spice peanuts are a good source of vitamin E, magnesium, and phosphorus.

Alergens

This recipe contains peanuts and butter, which are common allergens.

Summary

Five-spice peanuts are a flavorful and satisfying snack that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. They are also a good source of essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Five-spice peanuts are a delicious and easy-to-make snack that combines the rich flavors of peanuts with the aromatic blend of five-spice powder. Whether you enjoy them on their own or as part of a larger dish, these peanuts are sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of discovering this recipe is still vivid in my mind, as if it happened just yesterday. It was a warm summer afternoon, and I was visiting a dear friend who had recently returned from a trip to Asia. As we sat in her cozy kitchen, sipping tea and catching up on old times, she suddenly jumped up and disappeared into her pantry. Curious, I followed her and watched as she pulled out a small tin of five-spice powder and a bag of raw peanuts.

With a mischievous grin, she announced that she was going to teach me how to make her favorite snack - five-spice peanuts. Intrigued, I eagerly watched as she heated up a pan and began to toast the raw peanuts until they were golden brown and fragrant. Then, she sprinkled in a generous amount of five-spice powder, along with a pinch of salt and sugar, and tossed everything together until the peanuts were coated in a deliciously aromatic mixture.

As she handed me a handful of the warm, crispy nuts to try, I was immediately hooked. The combination of savory, sweet, and slightly spicy flavors was unlike anything I had ever tasted before. I knew right then and there that I had to learn how to make this incredible snack for myself.

After my friend shared the recipe with me, I couldn't wait to try it out in my own kitchen. I gathered all the ingredients - raw peanuts, five-spice powder, salt, and sugar - and set to work toasting the nuts to perfection. As the familiar scent of the five-spice powder filled the air, I couldn't help but feel a sense of nostalgia for that warm summer afternoon spent with my friend.

Once the peanuts were toasted to a golden brown, I sprinkled in the five-spice powder, salt, and sugar, just as my friend had taught me. I tossed everything together with a wooden spoon, making sure that each peanut was evenly coated in the flavorful mixture. As I sampled a few of the warm, crispy nuts, I couldn't help but smile at how delicious they turned out.

From that day on, five-spice peanuts became a staple in my household. Whenever I had guests over, I would whip up a batch of these addictive snacks to serve alongside drinks or as a simple appetizer. My friends and family couldn't get enough of them, and I was always happy to share the recipe with anyone who asked.

Over the years, I've made a few tweaks to the original recipe, adding a touch of chili powder for an extra kick or experimenting with different types of nuts. But no matter how I choose to make them, the memory of that fateful summer afternoon with my friend will always be at the heart of my five-spice peanuts.

As I sit in my kitchen now, surrounded by the familiar scents and sounds of cooking, I can't help but feel grateful for the many recipes and culinary adventures that have shaped me into the cook I am today. And as I enjoy a handful of five-spice peanuts, I can't help but think of my dear friend and the simple joy of discovering a new recipe that has brought so much happiness into my life.