Blistered Shishito Peppers Recipe

Picture this: a hot summer evening, friends are chatting on the patio, and right there on the table is a sizzling skillet of blistered shishito peppers, glistening with olive oil and a sprinkle of sea salt. Who knew such an effortlessly simple snack could steal the spotlight and elevate your hosting game in under ten minutes? Let’s dive into the magic of these irresistible little gems.

Blistered shishito peppers make an incredible snack or appetizer that I love for their simplicity and vibrant flavor. With just a touch of olive oil and a sprinkle of coarse sea salt, these peppers transform into a nutritious delight.

I like to serve them with lemon wedges for an extra zing.

Blistered Shishito Peppers Recipe Ingredients

• Shishito Peppers: Mild, sweet flavor with occasional spicy kick.
• Olive Oil: Rich in healthy monounsaturated fats and antioxidants.
• Coarse Sea Salt: Enhances flavor with natural minerals.
• Lemon Wedges: Adds fresh, tangy brightness and vitamin C.

Blistered Shishito Peppers Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 8 ounces shishito peppers
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Coarse sea salt, to taste
• Lemon wedges, for serving (optional)

How to Make this Blistered Shishito Peppers Recipe

1. Rinse the shishito peppers under cold water and pat them dry with a towel to ensure they blister well.

2. Heat a large skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat until it’s hot.

3. Add the tablespoon of olive oil to the pan, swirling it to coat the bottom evenly.

4. Place the shishito peppers in the pan in a single layer, ensuring they have space to blister.

5. Cook the peppers, turning occasionally, for about 8-10 minutes or until they are blistered and browned on all sides.

6. Sprinkle coarse sea salt over the peppers while they are still in the pan to taste. Toss them gently to ensure even coating.

7. Transfer the blistered shishito peppers to a serving dish.

8. Serve immediately, optionally accompanied by lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the peppers.

9. Enjoy them as a snack, appetizer, or side dish.

10. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days, though they are best enjoyed fresh.

Blistered Shishito Peppers Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Large skillet or cast-iron pan
2. Towel
3. Measuring spoon (tablespoon)
4. Spatula or tongs
5. Serving dish
6. Airtight container (for storing leftovers)

FAQ

• Q: How do I select fresh shishito peppers?
  A: Look for firm, glossy peppers without any wrinkling or soft spots. Bright green color is ideal.
• Q: Can I use a different oil instead of olive oil?
  A: Yes, you can substitute with grapeseed oil or canola oil, which have high smoke points suitable for this recipe.
• Q: What is the best way to blister the peppers?
  A: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat, add the peppers and cook without moving them too much to achieve a nice char.
• Q: Are shishito peppers spicy?
  A: Shishito peppers are generally mild, but about 1 in 10 can have a bit of heat.
• Q: Can I make these in advance?
  A: They are best served fresh, but you can prepare them within a couple of hours of serving and reheat quickly in a hot pan.
• Q: What can I use as a dipping sauce?
  A: A soy sauce vinaigrette or a light aioli can be great complements to the peppers.
• Q: How should I serve the blistered shishito peppers?
  A: Serve them warm, sprinkled with coarse sea salt, with optional lemon wedges for squeezing over.

Blistered Shishito Peppers Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• Shishito peppers: You can substitute with padrón peppers for a similar taste and experience.
• Olive oil: Use avocado oil or grapeseed oil as alternatives for high-heat cooking.
• Coarse sea salt: Substitute with flaky sea salt or kosher salt for a similar texture.
• Lemon wedges: Lime wedges can be used for a different citrus note.

Pro Tips

1. Preheat the Pan Before adding the olive oil, make sure the skillet or cast-iron pan is fully heated. This ensures that the peppers will blister quickly and develop a nice char without becoming soggy.

2. Use High-Quality Olive Oil Opt for a high-quality extra virgin olive oil, which will enhance the flavor of the shishito peppers and add a delicious aroma.

3. Leave Room in the Pan Avoid overcrowding the pan. If necessary, cook the peppers in batches to ensure each pepper has enough space to blister properly without steaming.

4. Toss for Even Blistering Turn the peppers frequently with tongs or by tossing the pan. This will help the peppers blister evenly on all sides for a more uniform texture and taste.

5. Enhance with Finishing Touches Right before serving, consider adding a sprinkle of flaky salt or a drizzle of high-quality finishing olive oil for an extra layer of flavor. Additionally, try garnishing with a touch of freshly cracked black pepper or a pinch of smoked paprika for some added complexity.