Delicious Braised Peanuts: A Nutritious and Flavorful Side Dish
High-Protein, High-Fat Healthy Food: Delicious Braised Peanuts
Discover how to make delicious braised peanuts, a nutritious powerhouse packed with protein and healthy fats. This recipe offers a savory and slightly sweet flavor that makes for an excellent side dish or snack. Enjoy the health benefits and rich taste of homemade braised peanuts.
Ingredients
- 1 bag fresh raw peanuts
- 2 Tbsp cooking oil
- 1 cup mirin (sweet rice wine)
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 cup minced garlic
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Start by preparing 1 bag of fresh raw peanuts, typically costing around 5,000 won. Gently rinse them under running water to remove any dirt, then steam them for about 10 minutes. Steaming not only cleans them thoroughly but also helps to dry them out, making them perfectly pliable for cooking.
Step 2
Carefully remove the papery skins from the steamed peanuts. According to traditional Korean medicinal texts like Donguibogam, peanut skins contain components that aid blood circulation, recommending their consumption. However, for this braised dish, it’s customary to remove the skins for a smoother texture. Ensure all skins are peeled off.
Step 3
Peanuts are more nutritious when roasted or fried compared to being eaten raw. To maximize their nutritional value and develop a richer flavor, add 2 tablespoons of cooking oil to a pan. Once the oil is warm, add the peeled peanuts and stir-fry them until fragrant.
Step 4
Continue to stir-fry the peanuts over medium-low heat, ensuring they don’t burn. The goal is to achieve a nice, even toasting that brings out their nutty aroma.
Step 5
The peanuts are perfectly toasted when they turn a beautiful golden-brown color and smell wonderfully nutty. At this stage, you can drain them on a sieve to remove excess oil, and they make a delicious crunchy snack. Today, however, we’ll proceed to braise them.
Step 6
Now, prepare the braising liquid. In a pot, combine 1 cup of mirin, 1/2 cup of soy sauce, 1/2 cup of minced garlic, and 1 cup of sugar. Stir to combine and begin heating over medium heat. (Tip: The sweetness can be adjusted to your preference as sugar levels vary. Also, note that mirin has a sweeter profile than regular rice wine, so consider this when adjusting flavors for your desired taste.)
Step 7
As the braising liquid heats up with the sugar and soy sauce, it will start to foam. This is a natural reaction and nothing to worry about.
Step 8
Once the braising liquid is simmering, add all the toasted peanuts to the pot. Stir well to ensure the peanuts are evenly coated with the sauce.
Step 9
As the liquid reduces, the peanuts will absorb the flavors of the sauce. To prevent sticking and burning, reduce the heat to low. Continuously stir the peanuts with a spatula, allowing the sauce to thicken and cling to each peanut, creating a glossy finish.
Step 10
When most of the liquid has evaporated and the peanuts are glossy, sprinkle in 1 tablespoon of toasted sesame seeds. Stir well for another minute to distribute the seeds evenly. Your delicious braised peanuts are now ready!
Step 11
Transfer the finished braised peanuts to a serving dish. You can garnish with additional nuts if desired. These peanuts are not only incredibly flavorful but also packed with nutrients, making them an excellent addition to your meal. Enjoy them as a healthy side dish, a couple of spoonfuls daily with your rice. (Important Note: Individuals with peanut allergies should avoid this dish.)
