Peanut Grilling Recipes: 5 Ways To Use Peanuts in Your Fall BBQ Menu

Peanuts aren’t just for snacking. They can bring crunch, flavor, and texture to a BBQ spread in ways most people haven’t tried. Peanuts hold their own next to smoky meats, charred veggies, and all the sides. And as a bonus, they handle heat well—so they can be tossed on the grill, folded into sauces, or sprinkled over a dish without losing their bite.

Yes, You Can Grill and BBQ With Peanuts. Who Knew?

If you’re not grilling and BBQing with peanuts, you’re missing out. The heat brings out their natural oils, deepens the flavor, and adds a hint of smoke you’ll smell the second you lift the lid. When grilling peanuts, keep the heat at medium so they roast evenly without scorching. Toss them in a grill basket or foil pan, stir once or twice, and in about 10 minutes you’ll have warm, smoky peanuts. Serve them as an easy appetizer, or chop them for use in any of the dishes below.

Thai-Style Peanut Sauce for Skewers

Grilled skewers can get repetitive if all you do is brush them with BBQ sauce. A rich, tangy peanut sauce changes the game, especially when the skewers have that fresh-from-the-grill char. You’ll want to grill the skewers first, then make the sauce right before serving—peanut sauces can tighten up as they sit.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds chicken breast (cut into 2-inch chunks), shrimp, or mixed veggies
• ½ cup creamy peanut butter
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1 teaspoon honey or sugar
• Pinch of chili flakes or cayenne
• Chopped flavored peanuts for topping

Steps

1. Thread protein or veggies onto skewers, season lightly, and grill until cooked through.
2. Whisk peanut butter, soy, lime, honey, and chili with just enough warm water to make it pourable.
3. Drizzle over skewers and finish with chopped flavored peanuts for crunch and seasoning in one move.

Crunchy Peanut Slaw

Good slaw should still have a bite when you fork it onto your plate, and peanuts provide that backbone so it doesn’t wilt into the dressing. Add the peanuts just before serving so they stay crisp and keep that satisfying snap.

Ingredients

• 3 cups shredded cabbage and carrots
• ½ cup chopped peanuts (salted or Cajun)
• ¼ cup mayo or light vinaigrette
• 1 tablespoon lime juice or rice vinegar

Steps

1. Mix cabbage and carrots with dressing and lime juice.
2. Fold in peanuts right before serving.
3. Serve on the side or pile onto pulled pork sandwiches.

Elote-Style Corn With Crushed Peanuts

Grilled corn is already good, but the combo of hot butter, salty cheese, and roasted peanuts makes it unforgettable. Warm the butter first—it sticks better, so your peanut coating won’t slide off.

Ingredients

• 4 ears of corn, husked
• Butter for brushing
• ¼ cup cotija cheese
• ¼ cup crushed peanuts
• Chili powder or hot honey (optional)

Steps

1. Grill corn until lightly charred.
2. Brush corn with melted butter, roll in cheese, then sprinkle with peanuts.
3. Add chili powder or hot honey for a sweet-spicy finish.

Peanut-Crusted Grilled Fish A peanut crust locks in moisture and adds a deep, nutty flavor. Press it on firmly so it sticks through the flip, and oil your grates well to keep the crust from tearing.

Ingredients

• 4 fish fillets (mahi-mahi, salmon, or snapper)
• ½ cup finely chopped peanuts
• ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
• Olive oil, salt, and pepper

Steps

1. Combine peanuts and panko in a shallow dish.
2. Brush fish with oil, season, and press into the mixture.
3. Grill over medium heat until the fish flakes easily.

Peanut & Apple Slaw for Pulled Pork

This slaw is a fall BBQ secret weapon. The peanuts bring crunch, the apples bring sweetness, and the tangy dressing cuts right through rich pulled pork. Roast the in-shell peanuts on the grill before chopping to get that warm, toasted aroma—it’s worth the extra step.

Ingredients

• 2 cups shredded cabbage
• 1 apple, julienned
• ½ cup chopped roasted peanuts
• ¼ cup yogurt-based or vinegar dressing
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon honey

Steps

1. Combine cabbage, apple, and peanuts in a large bowl.
2. Whisk dressing, mustard, and honey; toss to coat.
3. Chill for 20 minutes so the flavors settle in and the peanuts keep their crunch.

Peanut Flavor Pairing Guide for the Grill

If you want to come up with your own fall BBQ ideas, start with the flavor of the peanut and think about what it naturally plays well with. Use this chart as a quick guide, then mix and match with the ingredients you have. 

Peanuts have a way of making simple BBQ dishes feel special without complicating the cooking. Grill them for a smoky snack, chop them for a side, or crush them for a crust. Keep a couple varieties on hand—salted for classic crunch, Cajun for heat, honey roasted for sweetness—and you’ve got instant ways to season, garnish, and surprise guests all fall.