Twisted Skillet’s Cantina Peanuts

Twisted Skillet’s Cantina Peanuts are a crispy bar snack made with raw Spanish peanuts, fried up with garlic, chile de árbol, and crunchy tortilla bits, creating a classic, savory Mexican “botana” or appetizer.

Today is the day: the series premiere of Twisted Skillet! RFD Network’s newest food and lifestyle program is the crossroads where restaurant inspiration meets cowboy culinary creativity, exploring open-fire cooking techniques and regional ingredients.

Host and Texas chef Sean Koehler joins us again on Thursday’s Market Day Report for a taste of what we can expect. With “The Big Game” coming up on Sunday, he is sharing some unique recipes to help spice up our weekend festivities. On today’s menu: Cantina Peanuts.

———

Cantina Peanuts

Recipe by Sean Koehler, Twisted Skillet

PREP TIME: 10 MINUTES
COOK TIME: 10 MINUTES
TOTAL TIME: 20 MINUTES

Twisted Skillet’s Cantina Peanuts are a crispy bar snack made with raw Spanish peanuts, fried up with garlic, chile de árbol, and crunchy tortilla bits, creating a classic, savory Mexican “botana” or appetizer.

INGREDIENTS

  • 1 lb. Spanish peanuts, raw with skins
  • 1/4 cup avocado oil or neutral frying oil
  • 3 cloves of garlic, thinly sliced
  • 2 corn tortillas cut into 1/4-inch squares
  • 5 –8 dried chile de árbol, seeds removed and finely chopped
  • Salt, to taste
  • Knorr chicken bouillon powder (optional)

COOKING INSTRUCTIONS

  1. In a large stockpot (at least 4 quarts), heat the oil over medium heat
  2. Add the sliced garlic and fry until lightly golden and crisp. Do not burn. Remove immediately and set aside.
  3. Add the tortilla squares to the same oil and fry until golden and crisp. Remove and set aside with the garlic.
  4. Turn the heat down and add the peanuts and chopped chile de árbol.
  5. Return the oil to medium heat. Continuously stir the peanuts in the Chile and garlic-infused oil.
  6. Cook for about 8 minutes, stirring frequently, until the peanuts deepen in color and are fully toasted.
  7. Remove from the oil using a metal slotted spoon or wok tool, then transfer the mixture to a serving bowl.
  8. Stir in the fried garlic chips and tortilla chips. Season with salt, to taste.
  9. Let the peanut mixture cool slightly before serving; the peanuts will continue to crisp up as they cool.

———

Don’t miss the series premiere of Twisted Skillet TONIGHT — Thursday, Feb. 5, at 9:00 PM ET — only on RFD Network and streaming on RFD+.

Related Stories
Quick to prep and packed with flavor, this dish is a bold way to kick up any weekend spread.
She joined us on Monday’s Market Day Report to share more about her new cookbook, “Dishes and Devotions: Make Every Day Delicious,” which recently hit #1 in Amazon’s Cajun & Creole Cooking category.
Searches for “struggle meal” hit a record high in September, and #strugglemeals posts are climbing on Instagram and TikTok, reflecting a wave of budget-cooking content.
A tangy, buttery red snapper baked to perfection.
Justin Wilson’s Seven Steaks Étouffée is a slow-simmered Cajun beef stew made with 7-bone chuck steak. It’s perfect served over rice (or Étouffée) for a rich, comforting meal.
This Justin Wilson recipe is classic comfort food with bold Louisiana flavor: Southern-style baked pork chops layered over spicy Cajun dressing fortified with wine, hot sauce, and a splash of steak sauce.
Justin Wilson’s unexpected cobbler recipe features juicy blueberries, a splash of brandy, and a tender crust with subtle nuttiness thanks to a bit of peanut butter melted into the batter.

Marion is a digital content manager for RFD News and FarmHER + RanchHER. She started working for Rural Media Group in May 2022, bringing a decade of digital experience in broadcast media and some cooking experience to the team.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Brian Earnest, an animal protein economist with CoBank, shares insights into current demand trends and the challenges facing broiler production.
Jack Hubbard, with the Center for the Environment and Welfare, shares context and perspective on the controversial letter about Prop 12 circulating in Washington and how a review shows it misled the public.
AFBF Economist Faith Parum discusses the financial challenges currently facing farmers and the Farm Bureau’s 2026 outlook for the farm economy.
From tariff talks in Europe to SCOTUS uncertainty and rising farm losses, analysts say policy and global supply will shape grain markets in the year ahead.
Ethanol and corn groups are not hiding their disappointment over new reports that the bill to allow year-round E15 sales failed as Congress forges ahead on government funding, with another shutdown looming.
While row crops are expected to see softer impacts, analysts say severe weather of this magnitude will not be as kind to cattle producers.
More Shows
SharkFarmer TV is the brainchild of Rob Sharkey, a 5th-generation farmer from Illinois. He shares the stories of incredible people in agriculture—both their successes and perhaps a few blunders along the way. You’ll see aerial footage of the field just as the drone crashes into a barn—and hear the story behind it all.
Even in times of crisis, America’s farmers are #stillfarming and we want to share their stories of hard work, perseverance and stewardship of the land with the entire country.
We aim to keep our viewers in rural America informed as the COVID-19 outbreak impacts communities across the world in unprecedented ways.
Conterra Ag Capital serves all aspects of agriculture, including row crops, livestock, fruits, nuts, and vines, offering flexible financing that is tailored to each producer’s goals.
Join host Allen Treadwell and the Hayden Outdoors crew plus landowners across the country as we bring you exciting adventures on the land with the most amazing properties for sale and learn what it means to broker these magnificent properties.
Want today’s top agriculture news headlines and commodity market insights? You’ve found it. Welcome to THE RURAL RUNDOWN by RFD-TV News.
Experience the rhythm of life with RFD Network’s Music and Entertainment Shows, showcasing a mix of classic country and today’s biggest stars, as well as bluegrass, polka, gospel, and more!
Immerse yourself in the world of equine excellence on RFD Network. Discover captivating horse shows, expert insights, and equestrian passion. Tune in now!
“Texas Agriculture Matters” is a fun, informative look at the role of agriculture in our daily lives. The show utilizes the trademark wit and wisdom of its host Commissioner Sid Miller — an 8th-generation farmer-rancher and 12-time World Champion rodeo cowboy — to explore a new Texas ag-related topic each week.