Save Savory protein-packed bites featuring red lentils crunchy peanuts Thai-inspired aromatics and a hint of lime are perfect as a snack appetizer or plant-based meal component.
When I first made these lentil bites for my family they disappeared in minutes—everyone loved the crunchy peanut texture and the punch of fresh Thai aromatics.
Ingredients
- Lentils: 1 cup dried red lentils cooked with 2 cups water
- Aromatics: 2 cloves garlic minced 1 small shallot finely chopped 1-inch piece fresh ginger grated
- Vegetables: 1 small carrot grated 2 green onions finely sliced
- Binding & Flavor: 1/2 cup roasted unsalted peanuts chopped 1/4 cup fresh cilantro chopped 2 tablespoons smooth peanut butter 1 tablespoon soy sauce (gluten-free if needed) 1 tablespoon lime juice 1 teaspoon sesame oil 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes (optional for heat)
- Cooking: 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for frying or brushing)
Instructions
- Cook Lentils:
- Rinse lentils thoroughly and place in a saucepan with 2 cups water. Bring to a simmer cover and cook for 12 <ndash> 15 minutes until soft and water is absorbed. Cool slightly.
- Prepare Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl combine cooked lentils garlic shallot ginger carrot green onions peanuts cilantro peanut butter soy sauce lime juice sesame oil cumin salt and chili flakes. Mix well until a sticky dough forms.
- Shape Bites:
- Using damp hands shape mixture into 1 1/2-inch balls (about 20 pieces) and gently flatten each into a bite-sized patty.
- Cook Patties:
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry the bites for 2 <ndash> 3 minutes per side until golden and crisp. Alternatively bake on a parchment-lined tray at 400°F (200°C) brushing with oil for 12 <ndash> 15 minutes flipping halfway.
- Serve:
- Serve warm with extra lime wedges or a sweet chili dipping sauce.
Save We often serve these bites at family gatherings as a fun hands-on appetizer and the kids enjoy getting involved in shaping them before cooking.
Required Tools
Saucepan mixing bowl skillet or oven spatula and grater make prepping this recipe easy for any kitchen setup.
Allergen Information
Contains peanuts and soy. For gluten-free use gluten-free soy sauce. For nut-free substitute sunflower or pumpkin seeds and always check ingredient labels as allergies can vary.
Nutritional Information
Each bite contains about 65 calories 3 g total fat 6 g carbohydrates and 2 g protein making it a nutritious plant-based snack or appetizer.
Save Enjoy these Thai Peanut Lentil Bites fresh from the pan or bake for a slightly lighter option perfect for school lunchboxes or parties.