Tangy Grilled Shishito Peppers Recipe: A Zesty Backyard Gem

Spice lovers rejoice with these charred shishito peppers that deliver a delightful punch of flavor.

These mild Japanese peppers sizzle on the grill, creating a simple yet irresistible appetizer.

Each pepper carries a subtle heat that dances between mild and surprising.

Salt and olive oil bring out their natural smokiness when kissed by flame.

You can easily prepare this dish in minutes, making it perfect for spontaneous gatherings.

The unpredictable spice levels add an exciting element to every bite.

Savor these peppers as a quick, crowd-pleasing starter that will leave everyone craving more.

Storage Tips for Shishito Peppers

• Store cooled grilled shishito peppers in an airtight container for up to 3 days, keeping them crisp and fresh in the refrigerator.
• Quickly warm peppers in a hot skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, restoring their slight char and maintaining texture.
• Spread peppers on a baking sheet and reheat at 350°F for 5-7 minutes, ensuring they remain tender without becoming soggy.
• Skip microwave reheating, as it can make peppers mushy and destroy their delightful grilled texture.

FAQs

• What are shishito peppers?

Mild, thin-walled green peppers from Japan with a slightly sweet flavor, typically about 2-4 inches long. Most are mild, but occasionally you’ll find a spicy one.

• Do I need to remove seeds before grilling?

No, shishito peppers can be grilled whole. The seeds are edible and add to the pepper’s overall flavor and texture.

• How do I know when shishito peppers are perfectly grilled?

Look for charred, blistered skin and a slightly softened texture. They should have dark spots and look slightly wrinkled when done.

• Can I make these peppers if I don't have a grill?

Yes, you can use a cast-iron skillet or grill pan on high heat indoors to achieve similar charred results.

Grilled Shishito Peppers Why They’re a Hit

• Blazing hot grill creates perfectly charred shishito peppers in mere minutes, making this a speedy side dish for hungry crowds.
• Only requires a handful of simple ingredients like olive oil, salt, and cheese, ensuring anyone can whip up this delicious recipe without complicated shopping.
• Transforms basic peppers into a smoky, blistered delicacy that rivals professional kitchen appetizers, allowing home cooks to elevate their culinary skills with minimal effort.
• Works brilliantly as an appetizer, side dish, or casual party snack that appeals to various taste preferences and dietary needs.

Grilled Shishito Pepper Ingredient List

• Shishito Peppers: Small, mild green peppers with a slight kick that become sweet and charred when grilled.
• Olive Oil: Helps peppers cook evenly and prevents sticking to the grill.

• Salt, Lemon Juice, Cotija Cheese: Adds bright, tangy flavor and a salty finish to the grilled peppers.

• Grill Pan or Grill: Provides high heat for creating blistered and slightly charred pepper surface.

Equipment for Perfectly Grilled Peppers

• Grill: High-heat outdoor or indoor grill for perfect charring.
• Grill pan: Cast iron or heavy-duty pan works best for even cooking.
• Tongs: Essential for safely turning and moving peppers.
• Mixing bowl: For tossing peppers with olive oil.
• Serving plate: To present and serve the hot, blistered peppers.
• Cheese grater: Optional, for freshly grating cotija cheese.

Simple Steps for Blistered Shishito Peppers

Step 1: Fire Up The Grill

Crank your grill to its maximum temperature setting, creating a searing hot surface perfect for charring those delicate shishito peppers.

Step 2: Massage Peppers

Generously coat the fresh shishito peppers with olive oil, ensuring each pepper gets a smooth, glistening layer that will help create a beautiful char.

Step 3: First Side Sizzle

Carefully place the oil-coated peppers onto the hot grill pan, covering with a lid to trap heat and promote even cooking.

Let them sizzle for 3-4 minutes, developing those gorgeous grill marks.

Step 4: Toss And Turn

Gently toss the peppers around the grill pan, allowing each side to get direct heat.

Continue grilling for an additional 2-3 minutes until the peppers are beautifully blistered and slightly blackened.

Step 5: Flavor Explosion

• Flaky sea salt
• Tangy fresh lemon juice
• Crumbled cotija cheese

Serve immediately while the peppers are steaming hot and bursting with smoky flavor.

Tips for Flavorful Grilled Shishito Peppers

• Watch peppers closely as some are mild while others pack surprising spiciness.
• Choose bright green, firm shishito peppers without soft spots or wrinkles for best grilling results.
• Use high heat to create perfect blistered exterior while maintaining tender pepper interior.
• Sprinkle extra sea salt or squeeze fresh lemon juice right before serving for bright, zesty notes.
• Enjoy peppers hot off the grill to experience maximum crispness and smoky flavor profile.

Seasoned Shishito Pepper Variations

• Spicy Chili Lime Version: Replace cotija with crumbled queso fresco and add chili powder and fresh lime zest for a zesty kick.
• Vegan Herb-Infused Option: Swap cheese with nutritional yeast, add fresh chopped herbs like basil and parsley, use avocado oil instead of olive oil.
• Mediterranean Style: Sprinkle with za'atar seasoning, drizzle with tahini sauce, garnish with fresh mint leaves and crumbled feta cheese.
• Asian-Inspired Approach: Brush with sesame oil, top with toasted sesame seeds, green onions, and a light soy sauce glaze for an umami flavor profile.

How to Serve Grilled Peppers as a Snack

• Spicy Appetizer Platter: Arrange grilled shishito peppers on a wooden board with small bowls of dipping sauces like sriracha mayo, chimichurri, or garlic aioli for a vibrant party starter.
• Tapas-Style Sharing: Serve peppers hot directly from the grill as part of a Spanish-inspired small plate selection alongside manchego cheese, olives, and crusty bread for a communal dining experience.
• Fresh Accompaniment: Pair these blistered peppers with grilled fish or chicken as a light, zesty side dish that adds smoky flavor and bright green color to your main course.
• Summer Cocktail Snack: Present peppers as a crunchy, spicy companion to cold drinks like margaritas or craft beer during outdoor gatherings, letting guests pick and enjoy their own charred peppers.

Grilled Shishito Peppers Recipe

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4.8 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 12 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Sizzling shishito peppers bring Japanese street food charm to home kitchens. Quick charred peppers with sea salt deliver smoky, simple flavors that spark culinary excitement you’ll savor.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 pounds shishito peppers

Seasoning and Cheese:

• 2–3 tablespoons cotija cheese, crumbled
• Flaked salt

Oil and Citrus:

• 1 fresh lemon
• Olive oil for drizzling

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Instructions

1. Ignite the grill to maximum temperature, creating an intensely hot cooking surface for optimal charring.
2. Massage olive oil thoroughly over shishito peppers, ensuring complete and uniform coating.
3. Carefully arrange peppers across the grill pan, maintaining even spacing to promote consistent heat distribution.
4. Cover grill and allow peppers to roast for 3-4 minutes, developing initial char marks and smoky flavor.
5. Gently rotate peppers using tongs to expose alternate surfaces, continuing grilling for an additional 2-3 minutes until skin becomes blistered and slightly blackened.
6. Remove peppers from heat when they display a vibrant, charred exterior with slight wrinkling and softened texture.
7. Immediately sprinkle freshly ground sea salt across hot peppers, enhancing their natural sweetness.
8. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over grilled peppers to introduce bright, citrusy notes.
9. Crumble cotija cheese generously on top, allowing the warm peppers to slightly melt the cheese and create a rich, tangy finish.

Notes

• Surprise your taste buds with an occasional spicy pepper that adds excitement to the dish.
• Use high-heat resistant grill pan to achieve perfect char without burning the delicate peppers.
• Experiment with different toppings like smoked sea salt, chili flakes, or crumbled queso fresco for unique flavor variations.
• Store leftover peppers in airtight container for quick snacking or adding to salads and sandwiches within 2-3 days.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 7 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Japanese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 100
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 200mg
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 6g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 5mg