Mexican Peanuts
Crunchy and flavorful Mexican Peanuts combine roasted peanuts with spicy chili powder, cayenne, garlic, and a hint of lemon juice for a zesty snack. Perfect for parties or a quick bite, these peanuts offer a savory kick and can be prepared in minutes for an addictive treat.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Saute the crushed garlic in peanut oil over medium heat.
- Stir in the remaining ingredients: roasted peanuts, salt, chili powder, cayenne pepper, dried cilantro (if using), and lemon juice.
- Cook for about 2 minutes in the open skillet.
- Allow the peanuts to cool before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra kick, consider adding some chopped jalapeños or adjusting the cayenne pepper to your heat preference. If you're out of peanut oil, any neutral oil like canola or vegetable oil works well. You can also use unsalted roasted almonds or cashews as substitutes for peanuts. This recipe is great for customizing with different spices, so feel free to experiment.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these flavorful Mexican peanuts as a snack during happy hour or alongside your favorite drinks like Ultimate Margaritas. They make a great topping for salads, such as Aunt Alma's Taco Salad, or as a crunchy addition to easy Mexican soup. Pair them with a refreshing beverage for a delightful treat.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Mexican peanuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you prefer them crunchy, avoid refrigeration, as it can make them lose their texture. To reheat, spread the peanuts on a baking sheet and warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mexican Peanuts contains roughly 112 calories, with 4g protein, 14g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (43% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (27% of the Daily Value), and iron (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 930mg per serving (40% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use raw peanuts instead of roasted?
Yes, you can use raw peanuts, but you'll need to roast them first. Spread them on a baking sheet and roast at 350°F for 10-15 minutes until golden brown. Be sure to let them cool before adding the other ingredients.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?
Absolutely! This recipe is already vegan as it contains no animal products. You can enjoy these peanuts without any modifications, making them a perfect snack for vegan recipes.
How can I adjust the spice level?
To adjust the spice level, simply reduce the amount of cayenne pepper or chili powder. You can also add more dried cilantro for a milder flavor, or include other spices that suit your taste. Tasting as you go will help you find the perfect balance.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).