This Sichuan spicy peanuts are packed with spicy flavors from Sichuan peppercorns and is an amazing vegan snack. This is also called Mala Peanuts and are delightfully spicy.
About mala peanuts
Peanuts and rich in protein and it is tasty and healthy, with a spicy kick. They are addictively delicious and healthy. We make Indian style spicy peanuts at home and being a peanut lover, I try many recipes with it. Thus, came the trial of trying this version.
The addition of Sichuan peppercorns and the Chinese five spice powder makes this very delicious. I followed my recipe from ChinaSichuanFood. I altered the spice levels so that my kids would love to try it. They don't like the numbing effect of Sichuan peppercorns and hence reduced it a bit. They loved the Dan Dan Noodles, Biang Biang Noodles, and Mapo Tofu which are from the same region. They all have the aromatic peppercorns and chili pepper. Adjusting the heat level made the kids try too. The Sichuan dried chili peppers are only fried and hence do not contribute to the heat level. Add another half teaspoon each of whole Sichuan peppercorns, powdered peppercorns, and Chinese five spice powder for a authentic spice level. Adding a little sugar helps to balance the flavors and love the aromatic Chinese five spice powder. It imparts a special aroma and flavor.
Ingredients
To make these spicy mala peanuts, you will need the following ingredients:
Peanuts - protein packed inexpensive nut forms the base
Oil - use neutral oil for deep frying
Peppers - Sichuan dried whole chili, powder, peppercorns, and white pepper powder add to the spicy classic Sichuan flavors. adjust as per your taste preference.
Sugar - to balance the heat.
Chinese five spice powder - adds aroma and heat
Water - to soak the peanuts
A note..
Soaking the peanut and frying it helps in getting even crispy and crunchy texture. In this method, the drained peanuts and cold oil are added together, and the pan is then heated on a medium flame to fry the peanuts. Peeling the skin is optional. It is rich in fiber and hence did not mind the peanut skin. Feel free to rub the peanuts with your hands after soaking to remove the skin. To make this process easier soak for four hours. Else, a 30-minute soak is perfect.
Serving Suggestions
These male peanuts are a great on the go snack or with a drink. So serve these with chai or any drink. You can serve these as an appetizer too.
Storage
You can store these Sichuan spicy peanuts in an airtight container for a week, mine doesn't last for even 3 days as we enjoy peanut snacks.
More Peanut Recipes
Peanut chikkis (sweetened balls with jaggery) are my favorite. I also love the salt roasted, spicy roasted and ones which are coated with garbanzo flour, aka bajji kadalai. Peanut Salad/Chaat is another delicious snack. I guess the list will be endless as I will be enlisting all possible peanut recipes.
Here are some additional peanut or peanut butter based recipes:
Whole Wheat Peanut Butter Jelly Bombs
Choco Peanut Butter Oat Millet Muffins
More Snacks
More Spicy Vegan Recipes
I shared the recipe for Vegan Mapo Tofu and this is my second post for this week's Blogging Marathon. We pick a Asian country and share three recipes from the chosen country. As foodies, we love every food and Chinese food is also no exception. There are so many recipes that we love from this country and would love to share them all. Initially, it was challenging to find certain meat alternatives, but with understanding it is easier to substitute and enjoy vegan versions from this country. if you love spicy flavors, do try these:
Szechuan Spicy Peanuts / Sichuan Spicy Peanuts / Mala Peanuts
Ingredients
- 1½ cups Raw peanuts
- ½-⅓ cup Oil
- ½ tsp Chinese five spice powder
- ½ tsp Sichuan peppercorns (whole)
- ½ tsp Powdered Sichuan peppercorns
- ½ tsp Sugar
- 4-5 Dried Sichuan chili pepper
- ¼ tsp White pepper powder
- 2 cups Water for soaking
Instructions
- Soak the peanuts for 30-minutes. Drain the water completely.
- Add the peanuts and oil to a pan. Heat the pan on a medium flame and fry the peanuts till golden brown and evenly colored. This may take about 12-14 minutes. Drain in a paper towel.
- Transfer the rest of the oil leaving just one teaspoon. Add the Sichuan peppercorns and whole dried Sichuan peppers. Fry for 30 seconds to a minute. Add the peanuts. Switch off the flame. Add the salt, sugar, Chinese five spice powder, white pepper powder, and powdered Sichuan peppercorn. Mix thoroughly.
- Store in a airtight container. Serve as such or with a drink.
MySpicyKitchen says
A big bag of peanuts disappear in our house in mater of days. Love the spices you used to spice up the peanuts. Will try this mala peanuts next time I roast peanuts for snacking.
vaishali sabnani says
Wow!what a uique flavor, would love to munch on these beautifully made nuts. They truly must be so addictive.
Suma Gandlur says
Peanuts, both sweet and spicy versions are gone in no time in my home as well. Your version of this spicy peanuts sound interesting as well.
Rafeeda - The Big Sweet Tooth says
Usually it is always masala peanuts. This is a very different take on it, and that too with a Chinese variation. Looks amazing and delicious...
Narmadha says
Interesting recipe of szechuan peanuts. Would love to much them anytime.
Radha says
You will love these. Thanks for stopping by!
Radha says
Thanks, Suma!
Radha says
Yes, They are! Thanks, Vaishali.
Radha says
Thanks, Rafeeda!
Radha says
Thanks, Narmadha!
Mildly Indian says
I have had these in Singapore but never knew what they are called. so tasty.
magicalingrdnts says
They are Seema. Thanks.