20 Meals You Can Make With Peanuts

Peanuts are a versatile ingredient that can be incorporated into various dishes, providing a unique flavor and texture to both savory and sweet meals. Here are 20 delicious meals you can make with peanuts, complete with recipes for each dish:

1. Peanut Butter Chicken

Peanut butter chicken is a delightful dish that combines the creamy richness of peanut butter with savory chicken.

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/2 cup peanut butter
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon grated ginger
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1/4 cup water
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• In a bowl, mix together peanut butter, soy sauce, ginger, garlic, honey, lime juice, and water until smooth.
• Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
• Marinate the chicken in the peanut butter mixture for at least 30 minutes.
• Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Place the marinated chicken on a baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
• Serve over rice and garnish with chopped peanuts and fresh cilantro.

2. Spicy Peanut Noodles

Spicy peanut noodles are a quick and satisfying dish perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients:

• 8 oz noodles (such as spaghetti or rice noodles)
• 1/2 cup peanut butter
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons chili paste
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• Chopped peanuts and cilantro for garnish

Instructions:

• Cook the noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
• In a bowl, mix together peanut butter, soy sauce, chili paste, lime juice, garlic, water, and sesame oil until smooth.
• Toss the noodles with the peanut sauce until well coated.
• Garnish with chopped peanuts and cilantro before serving.

3. Peanut and Sweet Potato Soup

This creamy and comforting soup combines the earthiness of sweet potatoes with the nutty richness of peanuts.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1/2 cup peanut butter
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chopped peanuts and fresh herbs for garnish

Instructions:

• In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
• Add the onion and garlic, and sauté until softened.
• Add the sweet potatoes and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until the sweet potatoes are tender, about 20 minutes.
• Stir in the peanut butter until well combined.
• Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth.
• Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Garnish with chopped peanuts and fresh herbs before serving.

4. Peanut Crusted Tofu

For a crunchy and flavorful vegetarian dish, try peanut-crusted tofu.

Ingredients:

• 1 block firm tofu, pressed and cut into cubes
• 1/2 cup crushed peanuts
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions:

• Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
• In a bowl, mix together crushed peanuts, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
• Coat the tofu cubes in the peanut mixture.
• Place the coated tofu on a baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil.
• Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden and crispy.
• Serve with a dipping sauce made from soy sauce, rice vinegar, and honey.

5. African Peanut Stew

African peanut stew is a hearty and aromatic dish perfect for cold days.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon grated ginger
• 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1/2 cup peanut butter
• 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions:

• In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
• Add the onion, garlic, and ginger, and sauté until softened.
• Add the sweet potatoes, diced tomatoes, and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until the sweet potatoes are tender, about 20 minutes.
• Stir in the peanut butter and chickpeas until well combined.
• Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

6. Peanut Satay Skewers

Peanut satay skewers are a crowd-pleasing appetizer or main course.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken, beef, or tofu, cut into cubes
• 1/2 cup peanut butter
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon grated ginger
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• Skewers

Instructions:

• In a bowl, mix peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, garlic, ginger, and brown sugar until smooth.
• Marinate the chicken, beef, or tofu in the peanut mixture for at least 30 minutes.
• Thread the marinated pieces onto skewers.
• Grill or broil the skewers until cooked through about 10-15 minutes.
• Serve with a spicy peanut dipping sauce.

7. Peanut Butter and Banana Sandwich

A classic and simple meal, the peanut butter and banana sandwich is perfect for a quick breakfast or lunch.

Ingredients:

• 2 slices whole-grain bread
• 2 tablespoons peanut butter
• 1 banana, sliced
• Chopped peanuts (optional)

Instructions:

• Spread peanut butter on one slice of bread.
• Top with sliced banana.
• Sprinkle with chopped peanuts if desired.
• Place the other slice of bread on top and serve.

8. Peanut Coleslaw

Peanut coleslaw adds a unique twist to traditional coleslaw.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups shredded cabbage
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1/2 cup chopped green onions
• 1/2 cup peanut butter
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• Chopped peanuts for garnish

Instructions:

• In a large bowl, mix shredded cabbage, carrots, and green onions.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together peanut butter, apple cider vinegar, honey, and soy sauce until smooth.
• Pour the dressing over the coleslaw and toss to coat.
• Garnish with chopped peanuts before serving.

9. Peanut Butter Granola

Make your breakfast more exciting with peanut butter granola.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups oats
• 1 cup mixed nuts and seeds
• 1/2 cup peanut butter
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions:

• Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
• In a large bowl, mix oats, nuts, and seeds.
• In a small saucepan, heat peanut butter, honey, and salt until melted and smooth.
• Pour the peanut butter mixture over the oat mixture and stir to combine.
• Spread the granola mixture on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and crispy.
• Allow to cool before serving with yogurt or milk.

10. Peanut Butter and Jelly Smoothie

For a delicious and nutritious drink, try a peanut butter and jelly smoothie.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup frozen berries
• 1 banana
• 2 tablespoons peanut butter
• 1 cup milk or milk alternative
• 1 teaspoon honey (optional)

Instructions:

• In a blender, combine frozen berries, banana, peanut butter, milk, and honey.
• Blend until smooth.
• Serve immediately.

11. Peanut Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Peanut chicken lettuce wraps are a light and refreshing meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground chicken
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon grated ginger
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons peanut butter
• 1/2 cup water chestnuts, chopped
• Lettuce leaves
• Chopped peanuts and green onions for garnish

Instructions:

• In a skillet, cook the ground chicken with garlic and ginger until browned.
• Stir in soy sauce, peanut butter, and water chestnuts.
• Cook until the mixture is well combined and heated through.
• Serve the chicken mixture in lettuce leaves and garnish with chopped peanuts and green onions.

12. Peanut Butter Oatmeal

Elevate your morning oatmeal with the addition of peanut butter.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup oats
• 2 cups milk or water
• 2 tablespoons peanut butter
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 banana, sliced
• Chopped peanuts for garnish

Instructions:

• In a pot, bring milk or water to a boil.
• Add oats and cook according to package instructions.
• Stir in peanut butter and honey.
• Serve topped with sliced bananas and chopped peanuts.

13. Peanut Butter Energy Balls

For a quick and healthy snack, make peanut butter energy balls.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup oats
• 1/2 cup peanut butter
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup flaxseed meal
• 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips (optional)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

• In a bowl, mix together oats, peanut butter, honey, flaxseed meal, chocolate chips, and vanilla extract until well combined.
• Roll the mixture into bite-sized balls.
• Refrigerate until firm, about 30 minutes.
• Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

14. Peanut Butter Cookies

Peanut butter cookies are a timeless treat that’s easy to make.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup peanut butter
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup chocolate chips or chopped peanuts (optional)

Instructions:

• Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
• In a bowl, mix together peanut butter, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until well combined.
• Fold in chocolate chips or chopped peanuts if using.
• Roll the dough into balls and place on a baking sheet.
• Flatten each ball with a fork in a crisscross pattern.
• Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until golden.
• Allow to cool before serving.

15. Peanut Sauce Stir-Fry

A peanut sauce stir-fry is a quick and versatile meal.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 lb mixed vegetables (such as bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots)
• 1 lb protein of choice (such as chicken, beef, or tofu)
• 1/2 cup peanut butter
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon grated ginger
• Cooked rice or noodles for serving

Instructions:

• In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
• Add the protein and cook until browned and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
• Add the mixed vegetables to the skillet and sauté until tender.
• In a bowl, mix together peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger until smooth.
• Return the protein to the skillet and pour the peanut sauce over the mixture. Toss to coat.
• Serve over cooked rice or noodles.

16. Peanut Butter Pancakes

Add a nutty twist to your breakfast with peanut butter pancakes.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup pancake mix
• 1 egg
• 1 cup milk
• 2 tablespoons peanut butter
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• Sliced bananas and honey for topping

Instructions:

• In a bowl, mix pancake mix, egg, milk, peanut butter, and vegetable oil until smooth.
• Heat a griddle or skillet over medium heat and lightly grease.
• Pour 1/4 cup of batter onto the griddle for each pancake.
• Cook until bubbles form on the surface, then flip and cook until golden.
• Serve topped with sliced bananas and a drizzle of honey.

17. Peanut and Sesame Brittle

For a sweet and crunchy snack, try making peanut and sesame brittle.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1 cup peanuts
• 1/4 cup sesame seeds

Instructions:

• In a saucepan, melt sugar and honey over medium heat, stirring constantly.
• Once melted and combined, stir in peanuts and sesame seeds.
• Pour the mixture onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
• Spread evenly and let cool completely.
• Break into pieces and store in an airtight container.

18. Peanut Butter and Apple Quesadilla

For a unique and tasty meal, make a peanut butter and apple quesadilla.

Ingredients:

• 2 flour tortillas
• 2 tablespoons peanut butter
• 1 apple, thinly sliced
• Cinnamon for sprinkling

Instructions:

• Spread peanut butter on one side of each tortilla.
• Arrange apple slices on one of the tortillas and sprinkle with cinnamon.
• Top with the other tortilla, peanut butter side down.
• Cook in a skillet over medium heat until golden and crispy on both sides.
• Cut into wedges and serve.

19. Peanut Butter and Chocolate Chip Muffins

These muffins are a delightful treat for breakfast or a snack.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups flour
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup peanut butter
• 1 egg
• 1 cup milk
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup chocolate chips

Instructions:

• Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners.
• In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together peanut butter, egg, milk, and vegetable oil.
• Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
• Fold in chocolate chips.
• Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups.
• Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
• Allow to cool before serving.

20. Peanut Crusted Fish

Peanut-crusted fish is a flavorful and crunchy main dish.

Ingredients:

• 4 fish fillets (such as tilapia or cod)
• 1/2 cup crushed peanuts
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions:

• Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
• In a bowl, mix crushed peanuts, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
• Coat the fish fillets in the peanut mixture.
• Place the coated fish on a baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil.
• Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and the crust is golden and crispy.
• Serve with a side of vegetables or a fresh salad.

Whether you’re looking for a quick snack, a hearty meal, or a delicious dessert, these peanut-based recipes are sure to satisfy your cravings. Enjoy experimenting with these recipes and discovering new ways to incorporate peanuts into your meals.