Peanut

Arachis hypogaea Legume, Nut (Culinary)

Peanut Legume, Nut (Culinary)

At a Glance

  • Category Legume, Nut (Culinary)

The Forktionary Angle

"The "nut" that's actually a legume, providing an unparalleled combination of satisfying crunch, rich flavor, and nutritional power in countless forms."

Definition

A legume, not a true nut, originating from South America, known for its distinctive nutty flavor, high protein, and oil content, widely used in cuisines and snacks.

Allergen Status One of the most common and severe food allergens globally.
Global Production China and India are the largest producers, accounting for over 50% globally.
Oil Content Contains 45-50% oil, making it valuable for cooking and products.

Flavor Profile

The primary flavor notes for Peanut are:

Earthy nutty slightly sweet rich sometimes savory (roasted)

Chef’s Secret

To intensify the flavor of raw peanuts for savory dishes, dry roast them in a pan until fragrant and slightly browned before using.

Best Substitutes

Cashews

different flavor
Ratio 1:1

Almonds

different flavor
Ratio 1:1

Sunflower Seeds

for texture in some dishes
Ratio 1:1

Buying Guide

For raw, look for plump, unbroken kernels. Roasted should be fragrant. Check for rancidity.

Recipes Using Peanut

Occasion Main Ingredient Occasion Course

4 Inch Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheesecake

Indulge in the rich decadence of this individual-sized chocolate peanut butter cheesecake! Perfect for a single serving, this recipe makes a delightful treat without the guilt of a whole cake. This recipe is easily scaled up for a larger 9-inch cheesecake. Creamy cheesecake filling, swirled with peanut butter and chocolate, sits atop a crunchy pretzel crust and is finished with a luscious white chocolate peanut butter topping. Get ready for a flavor explosion in every bite!

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Main Ingredient Coconut Number Of Servings Sweet

5 Cup Slice

Indulge in this irresistible 5 Cup Slice, a beloved recipe from Rebecca Mason's June 2003 'Taste' magazine feature. This easy-to-make dessert boasts a heavenly combination of chocolate, coconut, nuts, and creamy condensed milk, baked to golden perfection. A perfect treat for any occasion!

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Weeknight Tropical Fruit Quick Breads Healthy

A Winning Banana Nut Bread

This incredibly easy banana nut bread recipe, perfected over years by Mrs. H. van der Berg of Brits and featured in the beloved South African magazine Huisgenoot's "Best of Winning Recipes," is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! So simple, even your kids can bake it, this recipe consistently delivers moist, delicious banana bread. Get ready to experience the taste of South African baking tradition!

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Egg Free Dietary Poultry Chicken

Amazing Thai Peanut Chicken

Wow your taste buds with this incredibly flavorful Thai Peanut Chicken recipe! Ready in under 45 minutes, this dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or impressing guests. Tender chicken, vibrant veggies, and a creamy, spicy peanut sauce combine for an unforgettable culinary experience. Search terms: Thai peanut chicken recipe, easy thai chicken recipe, peanut sauce recipe, weeknight dinner recipe, quick thai recipe.

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Course Cuisine Asian For 1 Or 2

Amen For Ramen Asian Style Salad

This vibrant and flavorful Asian-inspired noodle salad is a super quick, healthy, and vegetarian-friendly meal ready in under 15 minutes! Customize it with cooked chicken for extra protein or use soy mayo for a delicious vegan option. Crispy peanuts and fresh cilantro add the perfect finishing touch to this satisfying and refreshing salad.

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Christmas 60 Minutes Or Less Thanksgiving Occasion

Ann's Crunchy Peanut Brittle

This Christmas classic is a must-have! Experience the irresistible crunch of Ann's Peanut Brittle – perfectly crisp and never sticky. This easy-to-follow recipe delivers a holiday treat that will impress your family and friends. Get ready for a flavor explosion!

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Nuts Low Calorie Easy Inexpensive

Asian Broccoli With Peanut Butter

A quick and easy Asian Broccoli recipe inspired by James Barber's "Urban Peasant." This vibrant dish features tender-crisp broccoli tossed in a luscious, homemade peanut butter sauce. Ready in under 15 minutes, it's a perfect weeknight meal or a delightful side dish.

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30 Minutes Or Less 30 Minutes Or Less Main Dish Low In Something

Asian Caramelized Chicken

This irresistible Asian Caramelized Chicken recipe is a family favorite that's impressive enough for guests! Tender, juicy boneless, skinless chicken thighs are coated in a luscious, sticky glaze, then finished with crunchy peanuts and fresh cilantro for an unforgettable flavor explosion. Ready in under 30 minutes!

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Low Saturated Fat 15 Minutes Or Less Kid Friendly Dietary

Aunt Rosella's Banana Salad

Step back in time with this vintage banana salad recipe, straight from my mom's 1983 cookbook! Aunt Rosella's secret family recipe delivers a delightful sweet and tangy treat featuring perfectly ripe bananas. This easy-to-make salad is a nostalgic trip back to childhood, perfect for potlucks, brunches, or a simple weeknight dessert. Get ready to experience a burst of creamy, peanutty goodness!

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Fruit Preparation Pasta Rice And Grains Dietary

Avonutty Sushi

Experience a delightful twist on classic sushi with our Avonutty Sushi recipe! This unique recipe uses crunchy peanuts for an unexpected, satisfying texture. While inexpensive, oily peanuts are recommended for their flavor profile, feel free to experiment with other nuts for a personalized touch. Prepare to impress your guests with this easy-to-make, visually stunning, and incredibly tasty creation.

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American Cuisine 30 Minutes Or Less Dietary

Balinese Rice Salad

Escape to Bali with this vibrant and refreshing rice salad! A quick and easy recipe (ready in 25 minutes!), perfect for a last-minute picnic, summer supper, or a light yet satisfying main course or side dish. Inspired by Moosewood's Daily Special cookbook, this recipe uses leftover rice to create a flavor explosion with sweet pineapple, crunchy veggies, and a zesty homemade dressing. Get ready for a taste of paradise!

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Time To Make Main Ingredient Strawberries Desserts

Banana Cream Brownie Squares

Indulge in decadent Banana Cream Brownie Squares! This irresistible recipe combines the fudgy goodness of brownies with the creamy sweetness of banana cream filling. A perfect dessert for any occasion, these squares are easy to make and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Get ready for rave reviews!

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30 Minutes Or Less Preparation Tropical Fruit Course

Banana Cream Pie Trifle

Wow your guests with this dreamy Banana Cream Pie Trifle! A lighter, crowd-pleasing twist on a classic dessert, perfect for ending a rich meal. Easily scaled up for parties – make it in a punch bowl for an impressive presentation! (Chill time not included in prep or cook time)

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Stir Fry Preparation 60 Minutes Or Less Chicken Breasts

Bangkok Style Chicken Pad Thai

Relive the vibrant flavors of 1960s Bangkok with this authentic Pad Thai recipe, straight from my grandmother's treasured recipe box! This dish, inspired by the Thai Room of the legendary Plaza Hotel, boasts tender chicken, perfectly balanced savory-sweet sauce, and a delightful crunch. Get ready for a culinary journey back in time!

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60 Minutes Or Less Drop Cookies Preparation Number Of Servings

Barb's Crowd Pleasing Cookies

These irresistible chunky cookies are ridiculously easy to make and guaranteed to vanish in a flash! Inspired by a New Year's Eve party hit, these crunchy cookies boast a delightful blend of chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, peanuts, and salty pretzels for a truly addictive flavor explosion. Get ready for rave reviews – they're the perfect treat for any occasion!

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Chinese Side Dishes Low Protein Rice

Basic Fried Rice With Variations

Master the art of fried rice with this versatile recipe! Learned from a Chinese cooking class, this fundamental fried rice provides a base for endless customization. Choose your favorite protein and veggies to create a delicious and satisfying meal. Explore exciting flavor combinations – from classic beef and peppers to unique chicken and bamboo shoot creations. Get ready to elevate your weeknight dinners with this easy-to-follow recipe.

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Course 15 Minutes Or Less Number Of Servings Preparation

Bbq Peanuts

These addictive BBQ peanuts taste just like your favorite chips! Crispy, sweet, and smoky, they're the perfect party snack or satisfying treat. Easy to make in under an hour!

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Drop Cookies Number Of Servings Dietary Holiday Event

Giant Peanut Butter Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

Indulge in the ultimate cookie experience! These colossal peanut butter oatmeal chocolate chip cookies are bursting with rich peanut butter flavor, chewy oats, and decadent chocolate chips. A perfect blend of sweet and salty, these cookies are guaranteed to be a family favorite. Easy to make and even easier to devour!

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