Save This spicy-sweet batch of Sriracha honey roasted nuts is my go-to for game days, road trips, and edible gifting season. The crunchy, sticky glaze clings to every bite and transforms plain mixed nuts into a real showstopper. A handful disappears surprisingly fast so it's smart to double up from the start.
I first made these after trying a store-bought version that fell flat on flavor. Ever since, my family expects a jar of these on the snack shelf year-round.
Ingredients
- Mixed raw nuts such as almonds cashews or peanuts: Using unsalted and unroasted nuts lets you control the flavors and avoid burning
- Honey: Brings sticky sweetness and perfect caramelization Select a runny varietal like clover or wildflower for best coating
- Sriracha: Provides the chili kick with subtle garlic undertones Choose your favorite brand or homemade
- Soy sauce: Bumps up the savory notes and balances the sweetness Opt for low-sodium if you like
- Olive oil or neutral oil: Helps the glaze spread evenly and encourages crispness Go for extra virgin if you love a hint of flavor
- Sea salt: Accentuates the flavors and leaves a satisfying finish Flaky sea salt works best for texture
Instructions
- Prep the Nuts:
- Toss the raw nuts onto a parchment-lined baking sheet Spread them into an even layer so they roast and glaze consistently
- Mix the Glaze:
- In a medium bowl whisk together honey sriracha soy sauce oil and a pinch of sea salt until very smooth This makes sure every nut gets coated
- Glaze and Toss:
- Pour the glaze over the nuts Use a spatula or your hands to mix thoroughly until each nut gleams with glaze
- Roast to Perfection:
- Slide the tray into a 325 degree oven Roast for 18 to 22 minutes Stir every 8 minutes so the glaze does not pool or burn The nuts should smell fragrant and look deep golden by the end
- Cool Completely:
- Take the tray out and immediately stir while still hot Separate nuts that are stuck together Allow to cool fully on the pan They get crisp as they cool
Save These roasted nuts are my favorite snack to tuck into lunchboxes They remind me of movie nights with my sister when we would challenge each other to pick the spiciest nut in the batch and see who grabbed water first
Storage Tips
Let the nuts cool completely before storing so they stay crispy The best vessel is an airtight jar kept in a dry cupboard Avoid the fridge which adds moisture and softens the nuts If your nuts become sticky just spread them on a tray and warm in a low oven to refresh their crunch
Ingredient Substitutions
If you do not have sriracha try chili garlic sauce or harissa paste For a vegan approach swap honey for maple syrup or agave Almonds pecans walnuts and pumpkin seeds all work well in this technique If avoiding soy use coconut aminos as a satisfying alternative
Serving Suggestions
Pour these nuts into snack bowls for parties or gatherings They also add excitement to a salad or grain bowl by offering heat and crunch For brunch sprinkle them on top of yogurt with a little extra drizzle of honey
Cultural Context
Sweet-and-spicy roasted nuts are big in many cuisines but this recipe draws on the bold chili heat of Southeast Asian food Sriracha’s popularity has transformed American snack culture in recent years and a drizzle of honey softens its edge for almost every palate
Seasonal Adaptations
Walnuts and pecans are lovely in fall when baking trays are full of warming scents Add a pinch of ground cinnamon or ginger near the holidays for festive flair Orange zest stirred into the glaze brightens things up in spring and summer
Save Double the recipe and stash half away for later Always use parchment to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze Taste a nut after 15 minutes of roasting to check for your ideal color and doneness Friends have texted me with photos of empty jars only hours after gifting They always want the recipe My neighbor’s son now requests these instead of cookies for his birthday snack tin Batch prepping these nuts for the freezer works Like granola let them cool completely after roasting Portion into freezer-safe bags Squeeze out the air Freeze for up to three months To serve just thaw at room temp and re-crisp in the oven if needed
Common Questions
- → Which types of nuts work best for this dish?
Almonds, cashews, pecans, and peanuts provide excellent texture and flavor, but you can mix and match your favorites.
- → How spicy is the finished product?
The heat level depends on the amount of sriracha you use. Start mild and adjust for your preference.
- → Can you use maple syrup instead of honey?
Yes, maple syrup adds a slightly different sweetness and pairs well with sriracha and nuts.
- → How do you keep the nuts crunchy?
Roast at a moderate oven temperature and allow nuts to cool on the pan to maintain crispiness.
- → Are these suitable for gifting?
Absolutely! Package cooled nuts in jars or bags for a flavorful homemade treat to share.
- → What seasonings complement the mix?
Garlic powder, smoked paprika, or a pinch of salt enhance both the savory and sweet notes.