It is almost impossible to spend real time in Hawaii without coming across Hawaiian Boiled Peanuts. Along with Saimin, Shoyu Chicken, and Plantation Iced Tea, boiled peanuts are a recipe that is said to have originated from the sugar cane and pineapple plantation era in Hawai’i. During that time, various groups (often a mix of Filipino, Chinese, Japanese, and Hawaiian) worked together and often mixed flavors into dishes that became now-classic local recipes.
Hawaiian boiled peanuts are a classic local Hawai’i food. They are often served as happy hour pupu (appetizer) and poke, and I can never seem to get enough of them. As a chef, food expert, travel planner, and editor at Salt & Wind Travel, I’ve spent over a decade researching and writing about the intersection of food and travel. I am married to a Native Hawaiian and have spent more than two years of my total time in the Hawaiian islands through work and travel.
Why You’ll Love This Hawaiian Boiled Peanuts Recipe
On Oahu, my go-to spot for happy hour snacks is Tamura’s, with an excellent selection of booze, poke, and spiced Hawaiian boiled peanuts. This recipe for Hawaiian Boiled Peanuts is a classic I make when I can’t get to Tamura’s in real life.
This recipe is perfect for a get-together with friends or as a snack while watching a movie. It’s loved by many, from kids to adults, and it’s easy to prepare. In Hawai’i, we make a big batch of recipe and then have it around for a few days (I think they’re best eaten within 4 days).
Recipe Ingredients
These are the ingredients that you’ll need to make this Hawaiian Boiled Peanuts recipe:
- Raw Peanuts – We’re talking in-shell, unroasted peanuts. These aren’t always easy to find so we often order them from Amazon or Nuts.com.
- Hawaiian red alaea sea salt – You can use any sea salt you like but the brine-y Hawaiian red sea salt brings a lot of flavor.
- Star Anise Ginger, and Peppercorns – These flavors are said to have been brought to the recipe by the Chinese immigrants in the plantation era.
How To Make This Recipe
These are the instructions that you’ll need to follow to make this recipe:
- Prepare the Peanuts: Rinse the peanuts then place them in a large pot cover with water and soak for 30 minutes to 12 hours. The longer you soak the peanuts, the less time they’ll need to simmer so I’d recommend going longer if you have the time.
- Cook The Peanuts: Drain the soaking water, cover the peanuts with fresh water, add the remaining ingredients, and stir. Bring to a boil over medium heat. When it boils, reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer, stirring every 15 minutes.
Start checking the peanuts after 1 hour of cooking. Remove one peanut from the liquid, let it cool slightly, then peel it open and taste the peanut. It’s done when it has the texture of a cooked bean. You may need up to 2 hours total. You’re only going for the cooked texture at this point, so don’t worry too much about flavor. - Refrigerate The Peanuts: Remove the peanuts from the heat and cool them in cooking water for 30 minutes to 2 hours. Drain and store refrigerated until ready to eat.
What Are Hawaiian Boiled Peanuts?
A word about boiled peanuts: they have a long history as a snack in the Southern US, in China, and, in Hawaii (likely brought over by Chinese immigrants), yet each region is slightly different. Southerners boil their peanuts in salt and sometimes add in a ham hock, some chiles, or some Cajun spices.
Chinese-style peanuts have star anise, which lends an exotic taste that I way prefer. Hawaiian boiled peanuts are similar to the Chinese style but made with Hawaiian sea salt, which gives them a unique taste. Go ahead and make a big batch because they are totally crave-worthy!
What To Serve With Hawaiian Boiled Peanuts
This traditional Hawaiian-style spiced Boiled Peanuts recipe goes great with Spicy Ahi Poke Tostadas and a chilled mai tai cocktail. Because of its simplicity, this snack dish pairs perfectly with any type of beverage and the main dish.
Okay, that’s all there is to it! Now go stock up on all your cooking essentials, then share your creation with us by tagging @saltandwind and #swsociety on social!
Recipes Inspired By Hawai’i
Not heading to Hawaii quite yet? Here are a few of our favorite local Hawaiian recipes to make at home to stoke your wanderlust:
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Hawaiian Boiled Peanuts Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds raw peanuts
- 1/3 cup Hawaiian red alaea sea salt
- 16 cups cold water
- 6 to 8 whole star anise pods
- 2 inch ginger piece, thinly sliced
- Pinch black peppercorns
Instructions
- Prepare the Peanuts: Rinse the peanuts then place them in a large pot cover with water and soak for 30 minutes to 12 hours (you may need to use a pot top, plate, or resealable plastic bag filled with water to help keep the peanuts submerged). The longer you soak the peanuts, the less time they’ll need to simmer so I’d recommend going longer if you have the time.1 1/2 pounds raw peanuts
- Cook The Peanuts: Drain the soaking water, cover the peanuts with fresh water, add the remaining ingredients, and stir. Bring to a boil over medium heat. When it boils, reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer, stirring every 15 minutes.1/3 cup Hawaiian red alaea sea salt, 16 cups cold water, 6 to 8 whole star anise, 2 inch ginger, Pinch black peppercorns
- Start checking the peanuts after 1 hour of cooking. Remove one peanut from the liquid, let it cool slightly, then peel it open and taste the peanut. It’s done when it has the texture of a cooked bean. You may need up to 2 hours total. You’re only going for the cooked texture at this point, so don’t worry too much about flavor.
- Refrigerate The Peanuts: Remove the peanuts from the heat and cool them in cooking water for 30 minutes to 2 hours. Drain and store refrigerated until ready to eat.
