🥜 Homemade Japanese Peanuts – Crunchy, Savory, and Addictively Good
The perfect crispy snack you didn’t know you needed!
These homemade Japanese peanuts bring together the best of crunch and flavor. With a golden crispy coating and a touch of sweet-savory glaze, they’re the kind of snack that disappears fast—whether at parties, movie nights, or casual get-togethers. Why settle for store-bought when you can make a fresher, tastier version at home?
Ingredients
Coating & Peanuts
- 1 kg raw peanuts (with red skin)
- ½ cup water
- 1 tbsp salt
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 cup refined sugar
- 3½ cups all-purpose flour
Glaze (Second Syrup)
- 3 tbsp light soy sauce
- 3 tbsp water
- ½ tbsp butter
- 1½ tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp monosodium glutamate (MSG) (optional)
- A pinch of salt
Step-by-Step Preparation
🥣 First Syrup: The Flavor Base
In a mixing bowl, stir together water, salt, baking soda, and sugar until fully dissolved. Set aside—this will be used to coat the peanuts before flouring.
🥜 Prepping the Peanuts
- Spread the raw peanuts over a large baking tray.
- Slowly drizzle the syrup mixture over the peanuts, stirring them gently until they’re moist and evenly coated.
- Gradually sprinkle the flour over the peanuts. Toss to coat. Shake off excess flour using a sieve.
- Repeat the syrup and flouring process four times, ensuring a thick, even crust forms.
🔥 Baking – First Round
- Preheat the oven to 250°C (480°F).
- Spread the coated peanuts evenly on a baking tray.
- Bake for about 25 minutes, stirring occasionally for uniform crispness.
- Once golden and crunchy, remove and allow them to cool slightly.
🍯 Second Syrup – The Glaze
- In a saucepan, mix soy sauce, water, butter, sugar, MSG (optional), and salt.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil while stirring.
- Add the baked peanuts into the syrup and stir continuously until the sauce reduces and thickens, coating the peanuts evenly.
🔥 Baking – Final Drying
- Spread the glazed peanuts back on the baking tray.
- Return to the oven for another 10 minutes to dry completely, stirring once or twice for even results.
- Let them cool fully before serving or storing.
Storage Tips
Keep your peanuts fresh and crunchy by storing them in an airtight jar or resealable bag. They’ll stay good for up to 2–3 weeks at room temperature.
🎨 Color Variations – Make It Fun!
Add natural color for festive or themed presentations by replacing soy sauce with:
- Yellow: 1 tsp saffron + 2 tsp curry powder
- Red: 2 tsp paprika + 1 tsp cayenne pepper
- Green: Blend 1 cup water with ½ bunch of parsley and use ⅓ cup of the green extract
đź’ˇ Why Make Homemade Japanese Peanuts?
- Crispier than store-bought
- Customizable flavors and colors
- Cheaper and fresher
- Perfect for snacks, gifts, or as part of a gourmet snack mix
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re craving a salty snack or prepping something special for guests, these crispy Japanese peanuts are the ultimate go-to. Once you master the method, you’ll never look at bagged peanuts the same way again.
