FIRE Nuts (Spicy Asian Mala Peanuts)

FIRE Nuts (Spicy Asian Mala Peanuts)

Fire up those Nuts! Spicy Asian Mala Peanuts – These Sichuan pepper spicy nuts are the perfect compliment for beer or a cocktail.  They are different, fragrant, and addictive!  My ‘Spicy’ friends beg for them.  It may be a simple crunchy snack, but powerful flavor!  Great for parties, Lunar New Year, Chinese New Years Parties.  Unfortunately these crunchy peanuts have earned a bit of a reputation. These nuts are so delicious and popular with Beer and cocktails, they are sometimes referred to as ‘Drunkard’s nuts’.  Watch out!  These spicy peanuts are an addictive snack- the Best spicy Peanuty for 2025!

These ‘Mala’ peanuts are a popular and growing snack in China.  Originally found in the Chongqing and Sichuan regions, these nuts may leave you with a delightful tingling sensation on your lips.   Like that first great kiss-but a lot more zing!

Nuts and tingling lips- We could really go down a rabbit hole with this one!

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What are Mala Peanuts?

Mala peanuts, also known as Sichuan Mala peanuts, are a popular Chinese snack that originated in the Sichuan province. These peanuts are flavored with a spicy and numbing combination of Sichuan peppercorns and chili peppers. Sichuan peppercorn plants flavor the Mala peanuts with a distinctive flavor and a tingling sensation that is unique to this snack.  The word “Mala” comes from two Chinese characters, “Ma” and “La,” meaning “numbing” and “spicy,” respectively.

Mala peanuts, peanuts are coated with a mixture of Sichuan peppercorns, chili peppers, salt, honey, and other seasonings and fried until golden brown.  Enjoy a snack that is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, with a spicy and numbing taste that lingers in the mouth for a long time.

In China, Mala peanuts are not only enjoyed as a favorite snack but are also a popular ingredient in various dishes. They are often used as a topping for noodles and soups, or mixed in with vegetables and meats.  Add a new dimension to the taste of these dishes, making them more flavorful and spicy.  Commercially Huang Fei Hong spicy peanuts are produced and sold in Asian markets – but wait until you try our Sichuan Spicy Peanuts recipe- spicy peanuts at home.

Most Spicy Asian nut recipes are time consuming.  You will love our simple and easy recipe.

Why will you love Fire Nuts?

• Your guests will love that Fire nuts are Healthy, Keto, and Gluten-Free
• You can make Fire nuts in no time.  You will appreciate this simple recipe
• Fire Nuts will be a treat  your guests will remember
• Fire Nuts are perfect for your Spicy Friends.  Use them for gifts.

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This Mala Peanuts recipe features spices you will love

• Dried Chilli pepper(Arbol)
• Szechuan Peppercorns
• Chinese five spice powder or (Chinese 5 spice powder)
• Bay leaf
• Honey
• Sea Salt

Learn more about Szechuan Peppers

What is Lunar New Year?

Make our Fire Nuts recipe for the Chinese New Year

The Lunar New Year, also known as the Chinese New Year or Spring Festival, is the most significant traditional holiday in China and is celebrated by Chinese communities around the world. The Lunar New Year is a time of family reunions, feasting, gift-giving, and paying respect to one’s ancestors.  The holiday typically lasts for 15 days, and each day is associated with different traditions and customs. The lead-up to the Lunar New Year is an exciting time, with households busy with preparations like cleaning, decorating, and shopping for new clothes and gifts.

Family members gather to share a feast that symbolizes unity and blessings for good luck and prosperity in the coming year.  The Lunar New Year is often marked by colorful parades, lion and dragon dances, fireworks, and street fairs, which attract locals and tourists alike.

These festivities are an opportunity to witness the vibrant culture and traditions of China firsthand.  In addition, during the Lunar New Year, it is customary to exchange red envelopes filled with money as gifts, which represent good fortune and blessings for the recipient. It is also common to visit temples and light incense for blessings and to ward off evil spirits.

Spicy Asian Mala Peanuts Recipe

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5 from 138 votes

FIRE Nuts

Spicy Sichuan or Mala Peanuts

Prep Time20 minutes mins

Resting Time15 minutes mins

Total Time35 minutes mins

Course: Appetizer

Cuisine: Chinese

Keyword: Chinese five spice powder, fire nuts, fried peanuts, green sichuan peppercorns, hellfire nuts, infused peanuts, Mala nuts, Mala peanuts, Sichuan, Spicy Chinese snack peanuts, Spicy nuts recipe, spicy peanuts, Szechuan pepper, Szechuan peppercorns, white pepper, whole sichuan peppercorns, wok-fried nuts recipe

Yield: 8

Author: Wai Yu Mun Ching

Equipment

• wok

Materials

• 4 Sm-Med Dried Chillies(Arbol), seeded and snipped into small pieces
• ½ cup Cooking oil
• 1 Tsp Green Ground Sichuan Peppercorns
• 5 Bay leaves
• 1 Tsp Chinese 5 Spice powder
• 1 Tbsp Honey
• 2 cups Raw Peanuts (blanched/ without skins)
• 1 tsp Sea Salt

Instructions

Prepare Dried Chilies

• Cut the top off of the dried chili pepper
• Use scissors to open the chili pepper, and dispose of the yellow seeds
• Snip the pepper into small pieces over the wok
• Repeat with the remaining peppers

Prepare the Sichuan Sauce

• Add the oil, ground Sichuan peppercorns, Bay leaves, 5 spice powder, and Honey to a cold wok
• Add the nuts to the wok, and turn the stove to medium heat
• Stir the nuts frequently and simmer for 8 minutes
• Turn the stove off, and continue stirring the nuts for the next 3 minutes
• Let the nuts cool in the spicy wok oil for 15 minutes
• Drain the nuts in a metal colander
• Salt the nuts
• Place the peanuts on paper towels to drain
• Serve in a beautiful small bowls
• Serve with a Beer or a delicious cocktail

Aphrodesi’hacks’

Spicy Asian Mala Peanuts

• For delicious Asian Peanuts, purchase blanched, shelled peanuts(not raw peanuts ) – the red skins are already removed- no soaking the peanuts, no blanching the peanuts.  YAY!  Blanched peanuts can be purchased in quantity at Costco.
• Be careful with handling chilis.  The natural capsaicin from the chili pepper activates a protein in your cells to sense heat- and may cause a stinging sensation.  Consider wearing gloves and be sure not to touch your nose or mouth while cooking with peppers.  Wash your hands well after handling.
• Infused nuts with chilis:  There are 6 different kinds of dried chilies.  This recipe uses one of the hottest- spicy and numbing peppers!  If you substitute a milder chili, you may need to add chilies to achieve a similar flavor.
• You are frying the peanuts with hot oil (medium heat) in your wok to make the nuts delicious and crisp.  Let the peanuts drain on paper towels on a baking sheet in a single layer.  Be sure to let them cool before you taste.
• Sprinkle Kosher salt for sea salt if you would like to substitute.  Love salty peanuts
• Sichuan Salty & Spicy Peanuts – These cooked peanuts can have a slight mouth-numbing effect (It’s part of the charm!)  Have some delicious beer nearby!  Add some zing with this great party snack.
• Make Chinese New Year Nuts:  FIRE nuts are the perfect Chinese New Year appetizer, or Chinese New Year gift- Saturday, February 10th, 2024 to February 24th – Year of the Dragon
• These wok fried peanuts are vegetarian, vegan, dairy-free, gluten-free, and Keto- Hence, they are perfect for special dietary cuisine
• Store these spiced peanuts for up to 2 weeks. Cover the peanuts in an airtight container.  This specialty food makes a great gift.
• Always ask about Peanut allergies…

Nuts of HELLFIRE: Give this recipe a try 

Use 6 Small to Medium Chilis instead of 4.  These peanuts won’t disappoint.  In fact, they will awaken your senses.

Fragrant, crunchy, salty, slightly sweet, and fiercely hot, with a citrusy tingle. You won’t able to eat just one.

Mix It Up with those Spicy Asian Mala Peanuts:

• Try adding a little orange or lime zest for a different twist
• Consider topping some of your favorite Chinese food, noodle dishes, salads or vegetables with our Szechuan spicy peanuts – Give dishes a new twist and add the peanuts!
• Sprinkle some crispy and crunch peanuts on a Hot Fudge Sundae-  Sweet and spicy – a great snack

Enjoy Spicy Asian Mala Peanuts

Perfect Pairing

Wicked Bitchcraft  Looking for that warm caramelly taste of Fall?   You’ll love our Bourbon cocktail with tiny pecan, and nutmeg pieces, and an artisan feel.  Conjure up this Truly ass-kicking Bitchcraft.  Drink a few of these and they will definitely cast a spell on you  …Delightfully Wicked, and truly Enchanting

Harvey Kitchen Banger   You will love this interesting twist on an old favorite.  Try the Harvey Kitchen banger and enjoy the fusion of Galliano, Rum, Triple sec, lemon, Creme de Coconut, and Ginger beer in a frothy new cocktail.  Make this delicious cocktail.

Pair a Hot Date and Honey Dew Me- they do seem to go together?

Needing a little special attention?  We know what’s #1 on your Honey Dew list!  Enjoy A honey Dew flavored Midori Margarita- A blend of fresh, sweet and tart – a vacation in your cocktail glass.   Drink and enjoy.

Not Your Man’s Balls  Enjoy a delicious Cosmo with Brandy Bobas.  You will be excited to get to the bottom of your frozen Cosmopolitan and slurp up those delicious balls– Blackberry Brandy-infused Tapioca balls!  You have to try this