Trader Joe’s Crispy Crunchy Coated Peanuts: Recipes and Creative Uses

Trader Joe’s Crispy Crunchy Coated Peanuts are more than just a snack; they’re a versatile ingredient that can add a delightful crunch and savory-sweet flavor to a variety of dishes. These peanuts, with their unique coating, are perfect for elevating both sweet and savory recipes. This article explores creative and delicious ways to incorporate Trader Joe’s Crispy Crunchy Coated Peanuts into your cooking and baking, complete with detailed recipes and instructions.

## Why Trader Joe’s Crispy Crunchy Coated Peanuts?

Before diving into the recipes, let’s understand what makes these peanuts so special. They have a distinct sweet and savory flavor profile, a satisfying crunch, and a slightly addictive quality. The coating is not overly sweet, allowing the peanut flavor to shine through, while also adding a textural element that sets them apart from ordinary peanuts. This unique combination makes them a fantastic addition to various culinary creations.

## Savory Recipes

These peanuts can add an unexpected twist to savory dishes. Their subtle sweetness complements spicy and savory flavors, creating a balanced and interesting taste experience.

### 1. Crunchy Peanut Chicken Stir-Fry

This stir-fry recipe incorporates Trader Joe’s Crispy Crunchy Coated Peanuts for an extra layer of flavor and texture. The peanuts add a delightful crunch that complements the tender chicken and vegetables.

**Ingredients:**

* 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
* 1 tbsp soy sauce
* 1 tbsp cornstarch
* 1 tbsp vegetable oil
* 1 onion, sliced
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 inch ginger, grated
* 1 red bell pepper, sliced
* 1 green bell pepper, sliced
* 1 cup broccoli florets
* 1/2 cup Trader Joe’s Crispy Crunchy Coated Peanuts, roughly chopped
* 2 tbsp soy sauce
* 1 tbsp honey
* 1 tbsp rice vinegar
* 1 tsp sesame oil
* Cooked rice, for serving

**Instructions:**

1. **Marinate the Chicken:** In a bowl, combine the chicken pieces with 1 tablespoon of soy sauce and 1 tablespoon of cornstarch. Mix well and let it marinate for at least 15 minutes.
2. **Prepare the Sauce:** In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Set aside.
3. **Stir-Fry the Chicken:** Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and stir-fry until it is cooked through and lightly browned (about 5-7 minutes). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
4. **Sauté the Vegetables:** Add the sliced onion to the skillet and sauté until it becomes translucent (about 3 minutes). Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, and cook for another minute until fragrant. Add the sliced bell peppers and broccoli florets. Stir-fry until the vegetables are tender-crisp (about 5 minutes).
5. **Combine and Simmer:** Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour the prepared sauce over the mixture. Stir well to ensure everything is coated evenly. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
6. **Add the Peanuts:** Stir in the chopped Trader Joe’s Crispy Crunchy Coated Peanuts. Mix well and cook for another minute.
7. **Serve:** Serve the Crunchy Peanut Chicken Stir-Fry hot over cooked rice. Garnish with extra chopped peanuts, if desired.

**Tips and Variations:**

* For a spicier stir-fry, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the sauce.
* Other vegetables like snap peas, carrots, or zucchini can be added to the stir-fry.
* You can substitute the chicken with tofu or shrimp for a vegetarian or seafood option.

### 2. Peanut-Crusted Salmon

This recipe transforms salmon into a gourmet dish with a crispy and flavorful peanut crust. The sweetness of the peanuts complements the richness of the salmon, creating a delightful contrast.

**Ingredients:**

* 4 salmon fillets (6-8 oz each), skin on or off
* 1/2 cup Trader Joe’s Crispy Crunchy Coated Peanuts
* 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
* 2 tbsp olive oil
* 1 tbsp lemon juice
* 1 tsp Dijon mustard
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

**Instructions:**

1. **Prepare the Peanut Crust:** In a food processor, pulse the Trader Joe’s Crispy Crunchy Coated Peanuts until they are finely ground. Transfer the ground peanuts to a shallow dish. Mix in the breadcrumbs.
2. **Prepare the Salmon:** Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Season with salt and pepper.
3. **Make the Paste:** In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard.
4. **Coat the Salmon:** Brush each salmon fillet with the olive oil mixture. Then, dredge the top of each fillet in the peanut-breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the crust adheres.
5. **Bake the Salmon:** Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the salmon fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. Baking time will vary depending on the thickness of the fillets.
6. **Serve:** Garnish the baked salmon with fresh chopped parsley. Serve immediately with your favorite side dishes, such as roasted vegetables or a fresh salad.

**Tips and Variations:**

* For a richer flavor, use butter instead of olive oil to brush the salmon.
* Add a pinch of garlic powder or onion powder to the peanut crust for extra flavor.
* If you don’t have breadcrumbs, you can use crushed crackers or panko breadcrumbs instead.

### 3. Spicy Peanut Noodles

Add a delightful crunch to your noodles with this recipe. The Trader Joe’s Crispy Crunchy Coated Peanuts enhance the flavors and texture of a classic noodle dish.

**Ingredients:**

* 8 oz noodles (spaghetti, linguine, or udon)
* 1/4 cup soy sauce
* 2 tbsp rice vinegar
* 2 tbsp sesame oil
* 1 tbsp honey
* 1 tbsp sriracha (or more, to taste)
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 inch ginger, grated
* 1/2 cup Trader Joe’s Crispy Crunchy Coated Peanuts, roughly chopped
* 2 green onions, sliced
* Sesame seeds, for garnish

**Instructions:**

1. **Cook the Noodles:** Cook the noodles according to package directions. Drain well and set aside.
2. **Prepare the Sauce:** In a large bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey, and sriracha. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger. Mix well.
3. **Combine Noodles and Sauce:** Add the cooked noodles to the bowl with the sauce. Toss well to ensure the noodles are evenly coated.
4. **Add Peanuts and Green Onions:** Stir in the chopped Trader Joe’s Crispy Crunchy Coated Peanuts and sliced green onions. Mix well.
5. **Serve:** Serve the Spicy Peanut Noodles immediately. Garnish with sesame seeds and extra chopped peanuts, if desired.

**Tips and Variations:**

* Add shredded carrots, cucumber, or bean sprouts for extra vegetables.
* For a creamier sauce, add a tablespoon of peanut butter.
* Adjust the amount of sriracha to control the level of spiciness.

### 4. Peanut and Avocado Salad

A refreshing salad that combines the creaminess of avocado with the crunch of peanuts for a delightful summer meal.

**Ingredients:**

* 4 cups mixed greens
* 2 avocados, diced
* 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
* 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
* 1/2 cup Trader Joe’s Crispy Crunchy Coated Peanuts, roughly chopped
* 2 tbsp olive oil
* 1 tbsp lemon juice
* Salt and pepper to taste

**Instructions:**

1. **Prepare the Salad:** In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, diced avocados, halved cherry tomatoes, and thinly sliced red onion.
2. **Make the Dressing:** In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
3. **Dress the Salad:** Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
4. **Add Peanuts:** Sprinkle the chopped Trader Joe’s Crispy Crunchy Coated Peanuts over the salad.
5. **Serve:** Serve the Peanut and Avocado Salad immediately.

**Tips and Variations:**

* Add grilled chicken or shrimp for a heartier salad.
* Use different types of lettuce, such as romaine or spinach, for variety.
* Substitute lime juice for lemon juice for a different flavor profile.

## Sweet Recipes

Trader Joe’s Crispy Crunchy Coated Peanuts also work wonderfully in sweet recipes. Their savory-sweet flavor adds depth and complexity to desserts, making them even more irresistible.

### 5. Peanut Butter and Peanut Chocolate Chip Cookies

Elevate your classic chocolate chip cookies with a peanut butter twist and crunchy peanut topping. These cookies are a perfect balance of sweet, salty, and crunchy.

**Ingredients:**

* 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
* 3/4 cup granulated sugar
* 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
* 1 cup peanut butter
* 2 large eggs
* 1 tsp vanilla extract
* 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
* 1 tsp baking soda
* 1 tsp salt
* 1 cup chocolate chips
* 1/2 cup Trader Joe’s Crispy Crunchy Coated Peanuts, roughly chopped

**Instructions:**

1. **Cream Butter and Sugars:** In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the peanut butter and mix until well combined.
2. **Add Eggs and Vanilla:** Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
3. **Combine Dry Ingredients:** In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
4. **Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients:** Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
5. **Add Chocolate Chips and Peanuts:** Stir in the chocolate chips and 1/4 cup of the chopped Trader Joe’s Crispy Crunchy Coated Peanuts.
6. **Chill the Dough:** Cover the dough and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
7. **Preheat and Bake:** Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the baking sheet, leaving some space between each cookie.
8. **Top with Peanuts:** Gently press a few chopped Trader Joe’s Crispy Crunchy Coated Peanuts on top of each cookie.
9. **Bake:** Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

**Tips and Variations:**

* Use crunchy peanut butter for even more texture.
* Add a sprinkle of sea salt on top of the cookies before baking for a salty-sweet flavor.
* For a richer flavor, use dark chocolate chips instead of milk chocolate chips.

### 6. Peanut Brittle Bark

A simplified version of peanut brittle that’s easy to make and perfect for holiday gifting. The addition of Trader Joe’s Crispy Crunchy Coated Peanuts adds an extra layer of flavor and crunch.

**Ingredients:**

* 1 cup sugar
* 1/2 cup light corn syrup
* 1/4 cup water
* 1/4 tsp salt
* 1 cup Trader Joe’s Crispy Crunchy Coated Peanuts
* 1 tbsp butter
* 1 tsp vanilla extract
* 1/2 tsp baking soda

**Instructions:**

1. **Prepare Baking Sheet:** Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. **Combine Sugar, Corn Syrup, Water, and Salt:** In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the sugar, corn syrup, water, and salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring until the sugar is dissolved.
3. **Cook to Hard-Crack Stage:** Continue to cook, without stirring, until the mixture reaches the hard-crack stage (300-310°F or 149-154°C on a candy thermometer). If you don’t have a candy thermometer, you can test the mixture by dropping a small amount into a cup of cold water. If it forms hard, brittle threads, it’s ready.
4. **Add Peanuts, Butter, and Vanilla:** Remove the saucepan from the heat and quickly stir in the Trader Joe’s Crispy Crunchy Coated Peanuts, butter, and vanilla extract.
5. **Add Baking Soda:** Stir in the baking soda. The mixture will foam up.
6. **Pour onto Baking Sheet:** Immediately pour the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Spread it out into a thin, even layer using a spatula or offset knife. Work quickly, as the mixture will harden rapidly.
7. **Cool and Break:** Let the peanut brittle bark cool completely. Once it is cool and hardened, break it into pieces.

**Tips and Variations:**

* Add a sprinkle of sea salt on top of the peanut brittle while it is still warm for a salty-sweet flavor.
* Stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
* Drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled peanut brittle for an extra decadent treat.

### 7. Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats

Add a peanut butter twist to the classic Rice Krispie treats, topped with crunchy peanuts for a delightful snack.

**Ingredients:**

* 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
* 1/2 cup peanut butter
* 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter
* 10 oz marshmallows
* 1/2 cup Trader Joe’s Crispy Crunchy Coated Peanuts, roughly chopped

**Instructions:**

1. **Prepare Pan:** Grease a 9×13 inch pan.
2. **Melt Butter and Marshmallows:** In a large saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Add the marshmallows and peanut butter, and stir until melted and smooth.
3. **Add Cereal:** Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the Rice Krispies cereal until well coated.
4. **Add Peanuts:** Stir in 1/4 cup of the chopped Trader Joe’s Crispy Crunchy Coated Peanuts.
5. **Press into Pan:** Press the mixture evenly into the prepared pan.
6. **Top with Peanuts:** Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of chopped Trader Joe’s Crispy Crunchy Coated Peanuts over the top of the treats. Gently press them into the surface.
7. **Cool and Cut:** Let the Rice Krispie treats cool completely. Once they are cool and firm, cut them into squares.

**Tips and Variations:**

* Use creamy or crunchy peanut butter, depending on your preference.
* Add a drizzle of melted chocolate over the cooled treats for an extra indulgent treat.
* For a healthier option, use brown rice syrup instead of marshmallows.

### 8. Peanut Parfaits

Create a layered dessert with yogurt, granola, and Trader Joe’s Crispy Crunchy Coated Peanuts for a simple and satisfying treat.

**Ingredients:**

* 1 cup Greek yogurt (plain or vanilla)
* 1/2 cup granola
* 1/4 cup Trader Joe’s Crispy Crunchy Coated Peanuts, roughly chopped
* 1/4 cup fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries)
* Honey (optional, for drizzling)

**Instructions:**

1. **Layer the Parfait:** In a glass or bowl, layer the ingredients in the following order: Greek yogurt, granola, chopped Trader Joe’s Crispy Crunchy Coated Peanuts, and fresh berries. Repeat the layers until the glass is full.
2. **Drizzle with Honey (Optional):** If desired, drizzle a small amount of honey over the top of the parfait.
3. **Serve:** Serve the Peanut Parfait immediately.

**Tips and Variations:**

* Use different types of yogurt, such as flavored yogurt or non-dairy yogurt.
* Add different types of fruit, such as bananas, peaches, or mangoes.
* Substitute nuts or seeds for the granola for a different texture and flavor.

## Other Creative Uses

Beyond the recipes above, here are some other creative ways to use Trader Joe’s Crispy Crunchy Coated Peanuts:

* **Salad Topping:** Sprinkle them on top of salads for added crunch and flavor.
* **Ice Cream Topping:** Use them as a topping for ice cream or frozen yogurt.
* **Trail Mix:** Add them to your favorite trail mix for a sweet and savory element.
* **Cheese Board:** Include them on a cheese board alongside other nuts, fruits, and cheeses.
* **Snack Mix:** Mix them with pretzels, crackers, and other snacks for a custom snack mix.
* **Pancake or Waffle Topping:** Sprinkle chopped peanuts on pancakes or waffles for added flavor and texture

## Conclusion

Trader Joe’s Crispy Crunchy Coated Peanuts are a versatile ingredient that can elevate a wide variety of dishes, from savory stir-fries and salmon to sweet cookies and parfaits. Their unique flavor and satisfying crunch make them a fantastic addition to any pantry. Experiment with these recipes and creative uses to discover your own favorite ways to enjoy these delightful peanuts. Whether you’re looking to add a touch of sweetness to a savory dish or a hint of savory to a sweet treat, Trader Joe’s Crispy Crunchy Coated Peanuts are sure to impress. So, grab a bag (or two) and start exploring the endless possibilities!