Five-Spice Peanuts

Written by
Rhonda Parkinson
Rhonda Parkinson is a freelance writer who has authored many cookbooks, including two Everything guides to Chinese cooking.
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Rhonda Parkinson
Updated 08/15/19
Spiced peanuts on tray
Steven Krug / Getty Images
Prep: 20 mins
Cook: 20 mins
Total: 40 mins
Servings: 6 to 8 servings
Nutritional Guidelines (per serving)
266 Calories
21g Fat
15g Carbs
9g Protein
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 6 to 8
Amount per serving
Calories 266
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 21g 27%
Saturated Fat 4g 20%
Cholesterol 8mg 3%
Sodium 12mg 1%
Total Carbohydrate 15g 5%
Dietary Fiber 3g 11%
Protein 9g
Calcium 41mg 3%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)

Peanuts are a symbol of longevity and fertility in Chinese culture and are an extremely popular snack. Feel free to vary the basic recipe by experimenting with different combinations of spices.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups unsalted peanuts (without skins)
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon light corn syrup
  • 1/2 teaspoon five-spice powder

Steps to Make It

  1. Line a baking sheet with foil or wax paper, or spray with non-stick cooking spray.

  2. In a small heavy saucepan, melt the butter, brown sugar and corn syrup over medium heat to dissolve the sugar. Stir in the five-spice powder. Bring to a boil.

  3. Let boil for several minutes without stirring. When it reaches the "soft ball" stage remove from the heat. Stir in the peanuts.

  4. Spread the mixture out on the sheet. Let stand until it has hardened. Break into pieces. Store in a sealed cannister.