Blistered Shishito Peppers

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Blistered Shishito Peppers are a quick, tasty snack or appetizer with mild heat and a delicious smoky flavor. Lightly charred in a hot skillet and finished with flaky salt and a squeeze of citrus, these peppers are simple to make and perfect for sharing with friends alongside your favorite dipping sauces.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

fresh shishito peppers
olive oil or sesame oil
flaky sea salt
fresh lemon or lime wedges (for serving)
optional dipping sauce (like aioli or soy sauce)

directions

Heat a large cast iron skillet or heavy pan over medium-high heat until very hot.

In a bowl, toss the shishito peppers with a drizzle of olive oil to coat evenly.

Add the peppers to the hot skillet in a single layer. Let them cook undisturbed for 1-2 minutes until they start to blister.

Use tongs to turn the peppers occasionally until they are evenly charred and tender, about 5-7 minutes total.

Remove from heat and sprinkle generously with flaky sea salt.

Serve immediately with fresh lemon or lime wedges for squeezing over the top.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields about 4 servings.
Preparation time: 5 minutes
Cooking time: 5-7 minutes
Total time: 10-12 minutes

Variations

Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds for extra flavor.
Drizzle with soy sauce and a touch of sesame oil for an Asian-inspired twist.
Serve with a garlic aioli or spicy mayo for dipping.
Add a dash of smoked paprika for extra smokiness.

storage/reheating

Best enjoyed immediately while hot and blistered.
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheat quickly in a hot skillet to restore their char.

FAQs

Are Shishito peppers spicy?
They’re generally mild, but about 1 in 10 can surprise you with a bit of heat!

Do I need to remove the seeds?
Nope—just eat them whole, stems and all (minus the actual stem).

Can I grill Shishito peppers instead?
Absolutely! Toss them on a hot grill for the same blistered effect.

What goes well with blistered Shishito peppers?
Serve them with dipping sauces like aioli, soy sauce, or ponzu, and pair with cold drinks for a simple appetizer.

Conclusion

Blistered Shishito Peppers are an easy, crowd-pleasing snack that’s smoky, flavorful, and fun to eat. With just a few ingredients and minutes of cooking time, they’re the perfect appetizer to whip up anytime you want a tasty, shareable bite.

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