Hawaiian Boiled Peanuts are a local snack we all grew up eating in Hawaii. Here's where to get it, how to make it (and eat it) ^_^
Growing up in Hawaii, I thought that boiled peanuts were a local snack...
...one of those only-in-Hawaii treats (of which there are many).
Little did I know, boiled peanuts are also very popular in the South and throughout China.
What Are Hawaiian Boiled Peanuts*
What Are Hawaiian Boiled Peanuts*Hawaiian boiled peanuts are unique in the way they're seasoned. We use Hawaiian sea salt, lots of sliced ginger, star anise, and black peppercorns.
These boiled peanuts are tender and sweet, so aromatic. They are pretty tasty devoured at room temperature, but so onolicious when hot.
*We talked about the difference between Hawaiian and Hawaii-style here.
Our boiled peanuts are technically Hawaii-style, but because people often refer to this snack as Hawaiian Boiled Peanuts (and not Hawaii-style Boiled Peanuts), we'll use the phrase Hawaiian Boiled Peanuts in this post.
About Hawaiian Sea Salt
Hawaiian Sea Salt is an essential ingredient in any Hawaii kitchen. It's also one of the key ingredients in this recipe. The grains of Hawaiian sea salt are much larger than typical table salt, and it's also less salty tasting.
My Hawaiian Sea Salt Pick:
Hawaiian Sea Salt
Hawaiian Sea Salt is an important ingredient for many Hawaiian and Local dishes including Lau Lau, Hawaiian Boiled Peanuts, Poke (and even Tofu Poke), and our super tasty Beef Stew.
Large grains and a not-as-salty flavor makes Hawaiian sea salt distinct.
Kosher salt will work in a pinch, but please try your best to seek out Hawaiian sea salt...it will make a big difference in the final recipe.
When And How Do You Eat Boiled Peanuts
When And How Do You Eat Boiled PeanutsHere in Hawaii, you'll find boiled peanuts everywhere. We take them to the beach and on hikes in little containers for snack, we bring them for after school treats.
They make frequent appearances at potluck parties and family get-togethers. Picture a group of friends sitting around a table, cracking open and snacking on boiled peanuts (hopefully with beer on the side), and catching up on life. It's good times ^_^
They're great at all temperatures (chilled from the fridge, room temperature, and hot from the pot), and make a fun, interactive snack.
Boiled peanuts have a texture of a just-cooked bean and you can taste hints of all the spices, plus a touch of natural sweetness.
We often eat boiled peanuts at home instead of popcorn (unless it's Hurricane Popcorn!) when watching movies.
Boiled peanuts from Ono Seafood (Oahu)
Where To Get Boiled Peanuts
You can buy boiled peanuts from many local food shops in Hawaii. I like to get them from Yama's Fish Market, Fort Ruger Market, Ono Seafood, Foodland, and Alicia's Market (fyi, all of these places also have great poke).
Or better yet, make your own boiled peanuts
How To Make Hawaiian Boiled Peanuts
First you need to buy raw peanuts in the shell. They're typically sold in 1-pound bags. We often buy them from small shops in Honolulu's Chinatown or at supermarkets like Marukai. You can also order raw peanuts online.
Then you go home and rinse the peanuts.
Rinse them well and pick out any debris or funny looking pieces.
My mom just got an Instant Pot, so we're making these peanuts in the Instant Pot. (For instructions on how to make it on the stove, scroll down to the "notes" part of the recipe.)
Put all the rinsed peanuts into the pot. Top it with the Hawaiian sea salt, star anise, ginger, and black peppercorns.
Note: We had red and white Hawaiian sea salt at home, so I used a mix of both. I like to use ¼ cup Hawaiian sea salt for 1 pound of raw peanuts, but feel free to increase the Hawaiian sea salt to ⅓ cup if you prefer it more salty.
The measurements for the star anise, ginger, and black peppercorns are also flexible. I suggest making it first with my measurements (recipe below), and then increase or decrease any of the spices to your liking.
Add the 10 cups of water to the pot - this should be just enough to cover the peanuts. You'll notice that the peanuts float to the top, but you want them to be submerged.
The solution? Place something heavier on top to keep the peanuts from floating. We used a heatproof plate and put it upside down, but I've seen many different contraptions. (A popular one is placing a metal trivet on top of the peanuts and then topping the trivet with an upside-down glass ramekin.) Anything that can keep the peanuts submerged is fair game. You must keep the plate/contraption in the Instant Pot while cooking.
Using the manual setting, cook the peanuts on high pressure for 45-minutes, followed by a natural pressure release.
Once the peanuts are cool enough to handle, drain the liquid and remove the spices. You are ready to share and snack.
So easy and super onolicious! Hawaiian Boiled Peanuts recipe below ^_^
Hawaiian Boiled Peanuts Recipe
Hawaiian Boiled Peanuts
Ingredients
- 1 pound raw peanuts
- ¼ cup Hawaiian sea salt
- 6 whole pieces of star anise
- 4 inch piece of ginger thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon black peppercorns
- 10 cups water
Instructions
- Rinse the raw peanuts and pick out any debris. Place the raw peanuts in a large pot.
- Top with the sea salt, star anise, ginger, and black peppercorns. Cover with water.
- If cooking with the Instant Pot/pressure cooker, use the manual setting, and cook on high pressure for 45 minutes.
For dry boiled peanuts, my mother would simply sun dry the boiled peanuts for a few days
Ooo that is cool! Had no idea it could be that simple. Thank you so much for sharing, Sharrie 🙂
- Kathy
It came out great using old style boiling with no pressure cooker, but the peanut I used was sandy in texture. What is the best raw peanut to use making boiled peanuts. Also I’m very interested in drying them. I live in WA and we got a week of sunshine. But the temp will be 60’s-75’s hopefully. LOL. I love them dry boiled too. I recall in the 70’s my Dad grew Chinese peanuts. He had the seed and they were smaller and very delicious. I don’t know where to find that either. Hope you can help. Mahalo and Aloha, Patti
Great recipe! I used to buy boiled peanuts from the “Peanut Lady” on Kalakaua Ave at the bus transfer point when I was in Highschool for 25 cents a bag (about 2 cups). It was so good! I’m 80 yrs old now and live in SD, so thank you for the recipe, Kathy! My kids and grandkids here, love your boiled peanut recipe!! Aloha and mahalo!!
Thank you, Patricia! What a fun (and tasty) memory, love it 🙂 I'm so happy you like the recipe!
- Kathy
Hi Kathy,
Have you ever heard of 'dry boiled peanuts'? Just wondering if after you make the boiled peanuts, you just let them sit and dry. No one seems to have heard of them and we ate them growing up. Last place we used to find them was at Waimalu Shopping Center. They were always sold alongside boiled peanuts. Would appreciate any thoughts/ideas you would have. Lately I can't even find them sold anywhere, so I would love to make them instead. Mahalos!
Aloha Jennifer - I haven't heard of dry boiled peanuts, but am now so curious! Do you recall which store at Waimalu Shopping Center you used to buy them at? I'll also check around with friends and family. It sounds super tasty 🙂
- Kathy
DRY boiled peanuts were my Popo's favorite in Hawaii. She would have a layer of fresh boiled peanuts laid out in a box, drying in the sun! It had a different chewier texture from boiled peanuts and we enjoyed eating both! I still make it in Washington by leaving it exposed to the air for a day. Single layer is best for even drying!
Thank you so much for sharing!! Will definitely keep the single layer tip in mind 🙂
- Kathy
Saw it at Beretania Times Supermarket this morning - both styles - dry and wet
Looking to try this tonight! Found raw peanuts at International Marketplace in Las Vegas, gonna soak tonight and cook tomorrow. I haven't had these since I was a keiki!!
Mahalo for sharing this recipe!
I remember the lady in front of the old sears and then the new sears.It was so good.God bless her.Also at the old stadium.The good old days are gone but not forgotten.I remember their was wet and dry boil.My dad liked the dry boil type.I liked them both.
Aloha Dennis - Such wonderful memories! Thanks for sharing 🙂
- Kathy
Hey there!
I too thought that boiled peanuts were only available in the south!! lol
I just got back from the big Island and sampled several Hawaiian style boiled peanuts... needless to say, I am hooked!!
One big difference that I noticed is that there a 4 types of green (raw) peanuts. 3 of the 4 types have a red husk in the peanut (spanish) but the ones that I am always looking for are the Virgina white husk green peanuts. they are, bigger, sweeter tasting, and bold in flavor. So if you ever get to the South East... look for the white husk boiled peanuts you will never forget!!
My grandmother was Teru Isomura, the “Sears Peanut Lady” if you’re old enough to remember the original Sears on Beretania and Kalakaua and was allowed as the first vendor for the Ala Moana Shopping Center. I never got to meet her as she passed a few weeks before I was born, and never got her recipe from my family!
(https://www.newspapers.com/clip/23470500/peanut-lady-sears-1968/) (https://www.staradvertiser.com/2021/05/07/hawaii-news/rearview-mirror/rearview-sears-ala-moana-and-peanuts-an-unlikely-combination/ )
I am thankful that there are many versions of Hawaiian/Hawaii-Style recipes on the internet and yours is the best; just the way I like it with texture and flavor.
Aloha Toni - Thank you so much for sharing this story...this is amazing!! I just read both articles you linked to, what a wonderful grandmother and such special history. Thank you also for the kind words, you made my day ^_^
- Kathy
So good. I finally found some raw peanuts and made these in my instant pot. Ended up under pressure for about 90 minutes (45 min, then 15, then another 15) to get the texture I wanted. Worth it. Thanks so much for the recipe.
Aloha Emily! Thanks for the feedback, so happy you enjoyed the recipe! ^_^
- Kathy
@Emily, great job....... i made a batch hit or miss the ing ....only Hawaiian salt and Anise 10 whole and 2 Tbl peppercorns 7 lbs raw in the slowcooker 2 cookers,,,,it works ......
Do you know anywhere to get boiled peanuts near Kona?
I been craving these for SO LONG! These came out perfect! Tastes just like home. The only thing I did different was at the end.i turned off the heat, and I let them soak in the brine for an additional 2hrs. Mahalo nui for this recipe 🤙
Hi Kaipo!
So happy you enjoyed the recipe! I love the idea of letting it soak in the brine for longer, will try that next time for sure ^_^
- Kathy
Aloha Kathy, And for those of us with
no instapot how long do you suggest boiling? constant boil or what?
Aloha Barbie! I recommend:
1) Soaking the peanuts overnight (put a plate on top to keep them from floating up)
2) Rinsing the peanuts in a few changes of water (you want the water to run clean).
3) Boiling the peanuts in the fresh water for 30-60 minutes (start testing/tasting a peanut after 30 minutes to see if it's ready). I'd keep it at light boil (medium-low heat).
Hope this is helpful 🙂
- Kathy
Love the history! I always thought boiled peanuts were a local snack until I saw an article about southern boiled peanuts then I went looking for an article about boiled peanuts in Hawaii.
Thanks, DMK! I thought the same about boiling peanuts being a local snack for the longest time as well 🙂
- Kathy
Not to sound rude because that sounds really good right now but there nothing Hawaiian about boiled peanuts .
Hi Jonathan,
Thanks for your comment. I completely get what you mean, which is why I included this paragraph in the post:
*We touched on the difference between Hawaiian and Hawaii-style here. Our boiled peanuts are technically Hawaii-style, but because people often refer to this snack as Hawaiian Boiled Peanuts (and not Hawaii-style Boiled Peanuts), we’ll use the phrase Hawaiian Boiled Peanuts in this post.
Many of non-local friends on the mainland love this snack and remember it as Hawaiian boiled peanuts, so wanted to make this post for them 🙂
- Kathy
This doesn’t have pineapple in it, but local people that grew up in Hawaii are very familiar with this recipe and taste. Just because Hawaiian is in a recipe name, contrary to what most mainlanders think... does not include pineapple or umbrellas. 🙂