Fried Citrus Peanuts

To make these peanuts extra-tangy, Chris Yeo soaks them in lime juice before frying them and tossing them with tart shredded lime leaves. He served them at the Atlanta party because Georgia is the peanut capital of the country.

Fried Peanuts with Asian Flavors
Photo: © Lucy Schaeffer
Active Time:
10 mins
Total Time:
1 hr 15 mins
Yield:
10

Ingredients

  • 2 medium shallots, thinly sliced

  • Cilantro sprigs, for garnish

  • Salt

  • 2 makrut lime leaves, very thinly sliced, or finely grated zest of 1 lime

  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil

  • 1/2 cup fresh lime juice or lemon juice

  • 1 pound raw peanuts (2 1/2 cups)

Directions

  1. In a bowl, toss the peanuts and lime juice; let stand for 1 hour, tossing occasionally.

  2. Drain the peanuts and pat dry on paper towels. In a large nonstick skillet, heat the vegetable oil until shimmering. Add the shallots and cook over moderately high heat, stirring, until browned and crisp, about 2 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the shallots to a plate.

  3. Add half of the peanuts to the hot oil and cook over moderate heat, stirring, until golden, about 5 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the nuts to paper towels. Season with salt and let cool. Repeat with the remaining peanuts. In a bowl, toss the peanuts with the lime leaves, garnish with the shallots and cilantro and serve.

Originally appeared: May 2009
Related Articles