How to Boil Peanuts 3 Ways (Filipino Nilagang Mani)

Learn how to boil peanuts 3 separate ways to make the classic Filipino snack, Niligang Mani. Satisfy your taste buds and salty cravings with this comforting snack! All you need is 1 pot, 3 ingredients, and very little hands on time!

The Origin of Nilagang Mani

In Tagalog, “mani” translates to peanut and “nilagang mani” translates to boiled peanuts. Mani is a popular crop in the Phillippinnes and dates back to the 1500s and the Spanish colonial era. Today, it is one of the most popular legumes grown in the country, and can grow year-round. known for being a popular street food, snack, or food often consumed with alcoholic drinks.

In addition to being enjoyed boiled in salty water, peanuts are often enjoyed fried or added to other Filipino dishes such as fresh lumpia, rice cakes, Kare-kare peanut stew.

There is something so special about digging into fresh boiled peanuts. When you crack them open, the water inside shoots out or drips down your fingers, and then biting into the soft, warm peanuts inside — it’s is so cozy and satisfying! 

Ingredients You’ll Need 

• Raw peanuts – We used 1 lb of dried peanuts because they have a longer shelf life and bags or raw peanuts are most accessible to us, but if you have access to fresh green peanuts, feel free to use them! Fresh peanuts will cook faster, so cook them for 3/4 of the called for time instead and reassess depending on how soft you like your boiled peanuts.
• Salt – Although it may seem like a lot, using the full recommended amount of salt is a good idea! This is where a majority of the flavor comes from and shouldn’t be skipped!
• Water – Fresh drinking water is best as the peanuts are going to absorb the water as they boil.

Equipment Needed

• Pressure cooker or, 
• 6qt or 8 qt Slow cooker, or 
• Large stockpot
• Heat-proof dish: If you’re using a pressure cooker, you’ll need this to weigh down the peanuts.
• Spatula
• Strainer

How to Make Boiled Peanuts in the Instant Pot (the best method!)

1. Prep the peanuts. Pour the peanuts into a colander and discard any moldy peanuts. Give them a good rinse, helping to remove any dirt, soil or debris. 
2. Add the ingredients in. Add the peanuts, salt, and 10 cups of water to the pressure cooker and mix them well to distribute the salt. Make sure the water is not past the fill line in your personal pressure cooker model.
3. Weigh the peanuts down. I do this with a steamer basket and then a heavy ceramic dish on top of that. Any heat proof dish should work.
4. Cook for 60-80 minutes. Secure the Instant Pot lid and double check that the steamer valve on the lid is set to seal (not vent). Cook on manual high pressure for 60 to 80 minutes depending on how soft you like them. I cook mine for 65 minutes because I still like mine with a bit of bite to them.
5. Naturally release pressure for 30 minutes. Once the timer goes off, allow the pot to naturally depressurize for 30 minutes before releasing the remaining pressure.
6. Strain. Pour the peanuts through a strainer, draining the cooking liquid down the kitchen drain.
7. Serve warm. Allow the peanuts to cool enough until cool enough to handle, and then enjoy warm!

How to Make Boiled Peanuts in the Slow Cooker (Crock pot)

1. Prep the peanuts. Pour the peanuts into a colander and discard any moldy peanuts. Give them a good rinse, helping to remove any dirt, soil or debris. 
2. Add the ingredients in. Add the peanuts, salt, and fresh water to the bowl of a 6qt slow cooker and mix them well to distribute the salt.
3. Slow cook for 12 hours. Cook on high for 12 hours. Depending on your appliance, your slow cooker may not have the option to cook for this length of time. If this is the case and your slow cooker only has the option to cook on high for up to 4 hours, for example, run through the 4 hour cooking cycle 3 times.
4. Strain. Pour the peanuts through a strainer, draining the cooking liquid down the kitchen drain.
5. Serve warm. Allow the peanuts to cool enough until cool enough to handle, and then enjoy warm!

How to Make Boiled Peanuts on the Stovetop

1. Prep the peanuts. Pour the peanuts into a colander and discard any moldy peanuts. Give them a good rinse, helping to remove any dirt, soil or debris. 
2. Add the ingredients in. Add the peanuts, salt, and fresh water to a large stockpot and mix them well to distribute the salt water.
3. Bring to a boil. Start the pot of peanuts over medium-high heat until the water is boiling. Once boiling, lower heat to a simmer and stir once more.
4. Simmer for 3-4 hours. Depending on your personal preference and how soft you like your peanuts, cook for 3-4 hours. After 3 hours, test to see if you need additional cooking time.
5. Strain. Pour the peanuts through a strainer, draining the cooking liquid down the kitchen drain.
6. Serve warm. Allow the peanuts to cool enough until cool enough to handle, and then enjoy warm!

Variations

Although I prefer to prepare my boiled peanuts the way I remember eating them growing up, there a many other cultures that enjoy these legumes as a tasty, salty snack. For example, boiled peanuts are considered the official snack of the state of South Carolina and can often be found sold on the side of the road or in gas stations. Here are a few varieties of spices you may enjoy trying:

• Garlic powder
• Cajun seasoning
• Old Bay seasoning
• Your favorite spice blend
• Red pepper flakes
• Chinese Boiled Peanuts with soy sauce, garlic, cinnamon, star anise and dried chilis!

Serving Suggestions 

In the Phillippinnes, boiled peanuts are typically served cold, warm or room temperature as a snack or appetizer. To eat, peal the peanut and discard the shell before consuming. They’re also enjoyed with alcoholic beverages to relax after a long day’s work. Try them with our Calamansi Margaritas, ice-cold beer, or some of our other favorite Filipino snacks such as Easy Vegan Filipino Spring Rolls, Turon, or Dynamite Lumpia.

Storage Instructions

Boiled peanuts will keep for up to 5 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Before storing, allow the peanuts to cool completely before covering and refrigerating. This will prevent moisture content from building inside the storage container and prevent the hot peanuts from warming up the refrigerator.

To reheat, microwave the peanuts in a covered container until warm again, about 1 minute depending on the serving size. Or, bring a pot of salted water to a boil and add the peanuts in until warmed through again.

Recipe FAQs

Can boiled peanuts go bad?

Yes, boiled peanuts will keep for up to 5 days when refrigerated, but like any other perishable food, they will go bad after time. If your boiled peanuts have any mold growth, either outside or inside the shell or have changed in texture or smell, they should be discarded.

Can boiled peanuts be frozen?

Yes, boiled peanuts can be frozen! To do so, allow the peanuts to cool completely to room temperature. Then transfer to a freezer safe bag or container and freeze for up to 12 months. Technically boiled peanuts can be frozen indefinitely, but may lose their optimal taste and texture over time. Raw peanuts can also be frozen to prevent them from spoiling. This is a good option if you know you won’t be able to boil your peanuts for some time.

When do I salt the boiled peanuts?

You want to salt the water before you begin cooking them. This will allow the peanuts to absorb all the flavor and turn them into the tasty treat we know and love! If you do not use enough salt to salt the water, the peanuts will be on the bland side.

Tips for Success

• Peanut harvest in the Southern states is during the fall, particularly September or October. If you live in the United States like we do, this is a great time to buy fresh peanuts when you can!
• We found soaking the peanuts beforehand to be unnecessary. They are simmered long enough in boiling water to make them soft and tender.
• Have napkins handy as there will be water stuck inside the boiled peanuts, and sometimes it will squirt out or drip while you eat them.
• When possible, use the pressure cooker method! It is much faster than the stovetop or the slow cooker and requires very little time to prep!
• If you’re having trouble finding raw peanuts, check your local Asian markets for dried peanuts.

More Filipino Snack Recipes You May Enjoy:

• Easy Vegan Filipino Spring Rolls (Lumpiang Shanghai)
• Turon (Banana Lumpia)
• Ube Pichi Pichi (Filipino Sticky Cassava Snack)
• Creamy Ube Pie (Vegan)
• Dynamite Lumpia (Lumpiang Dinamita)
• Filipino Adobo Inspired Jerky

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