One of the most common bar snacks you’ll come across when you travel to Mexico is chile and lime peanuts, often known in the United States as Mexican peanuts.
The most classic version of this recipe is from Oaxaca (and most of southern Mexico) and is made by tossing toasted peanuts with oil, garlic, chiles, and salt.
Mexican Peanuts Throughout Mexico
As I have traveled through Mexico, I’ve seen street vendors selling variations on this classic recipe. Some simple peanuts are tossed with chile powder, others are glazed with sugar, and others are coated with fried peanuts known as crackers or cacahuates japoneses. Like so many Mexican recipes, you’ll find variations upon variations.
Our version of Mexican peanuts adds a bit of lime, a touch of sugar, and some sesame seeds for a not wholly classic but completely delicious variation that’s at once spicy, garlicky, salty, and a touch sweet.
This is one of those classic Mexican recipes we’ve eaten multiple times while researching in Mexico. And it’s a recipe we share with our Mexico travel clients to get them excited about their upcoming travels.
Why You’ll Love This Mexican Peanuts Recipe
These Mexican peanuts are packed with layers of flavor—spicy, garlicky, citrusy, and just the right amount of salty. They’re quick to prepare, require simple pantry ingredients, and stay fresh for days, making them perfect for meal prep. They’re a healthier alternative to store-bought flavored nuts, free from artificial additives and preservatives.
For a sweet-salty glazed version, check out this roasted peanut recipe by our friend Kate of Hola Jalapeno.
Recipe Ingredients
Here are the essential ingredients to make this easy Mexican peanuts recipe:
- Zest of limes – Adds a bright, tangy contrast to the spice.
- Toasted sesame seeds – Provides a nutty depth of flavor.
- Kosher salt – Enhances all the other ingredients.
- Granulated or raw sugar – Balances the heat with a touch of sweetness.
- Canola, grapeseed, or coconut oil – Helps toast the ingredients and infuse the flavors.
- Dried chile de árbol – Brings a smoky, fiery heat that defines these peanuts.
- Garlic cloves– Add a rich, savory note.
- Raw peanuts (or roasted, unsalted peanuts) – The star of the recipe, offering a crunchy and protein-packed base.
How to Make This Recipe
- Prepare the seasoning – In a large mixing bowl, combine lime zest, sesame seeds, salt, and sugar, then set aside.
- Infuse the oil – Heat oil in a cast iron pan over medium-low heat, then add the dried chiles and garlic. Cook for about 5 minutes until the garlic is golden and fragrant.
- Toast the peanuts – Remove the chiles and add the peanuts to the pan, increasing the heat to medium. Stir constantly until the peanuts are golden brown, about 5–10 minutes.
- Combine and toss – Transfer the toasted peanuts and chiles to the bowl with the lime mixture and toss well to coat.
- Let the flavors meld – Allow the peanuts to sit for 10 minutes to absorb all the flavors before serving.
What to Serve With This
Mexican peanuts are a fantastic snack on their own but are also perfect for serving alongside Margaritas, Palomas, or ice-cold Michelada cocktails.
They pair well with a charcuterie board featuring cheeses, dried fruit, and meats or can be sprinkled over salads for an extra crunch. For an easy appetizer, serve them with classic guacamole and tortilla chips.
More Classic Mexican Recipes
Here are five more Mexican recipes our readers love:
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{Cacahuates Oaxaqueños} Chile And Lime Mexican Peanuts Recipe
Ingredients
- Zest of limes
- 4 teaspoons toasted sesame seeds
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons granulated sugar or raw sugar
- 2 tablespoons canola, grapeseed, or coconut oil
- 6 to 8 dried chile de arbol
- 6 medium garlic cloves halved lengthwise
- 3 cups raw peanuts (or you can use roasted unsalted peanuts)
Instructions
- To Make The Chile Lime Peanuts Combine the lime zest, sesame seeds, salt, and sugar in a large heatproof (glass or metal) mixing bowl and stir until the sugar and salt are dissolved then set aside.Place the oil, dried chiles, and garlic cloves cut-side down in a large cast iron pan and heat over medium-low heat. Cook until the garlic is golden brown and everything is fragrant, about 5 minutes.Zest of limes, 4 teaspoons toasted sesame seeds, 2 teaspoons kosher salt, 1 1/2 teaspoons granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons canola, grapeseed, or coconut oil, 6 to 8 dried chile de arbol, 6 medium garlic cloves
- Remove the chile to the bowl with the sesame mixture then add the peanuts to the pan. Increase the heat to medium and cook, stirring constantly, until the peanuts are toasted and golden brown, 5 to 10 minutes. Turn the peanuts into the bowl with the lime mixture and use a couple of spoons to toss until the peanuts are really well covered. Let the peanuts sit aside until they're just cool so the flavors are set, about 10 minutes.3 cups raw peanuts
