Blistered Shishito Peppers

There’s something magical about the simplicity of Blistered Shishito Peppers. I remember my first encounter with these delightful little peppers at a vibrant summer picnic. As friends gathered around, someone brought a sizzling skillet to the table, filled with charred green gems that popped with flavor. The anticipation in the air was palpable as we waited to taste these roasted wonders. The moment I bit into one, the crisp skin gave way to a tender, slightly sweet interior. The experience was unparalleled, and since then, I’ve made it my mission to recreate that flavor-filled moment.

What You’ll Need for Blistered Shishito Peppers

Using fresh, high-quality ingredients is key to achieving the best flavor for your Blistered Shishito Peppers. Each component has a role in creating that delightful balance of crispy, salty, and creamy goodness. The star of the show here is the shishito pepper, which is complemented beautifully by canola oil and salt. The dipping sauce, made with Greek yogurt and lemon juice, provides a refreshing contrast to the charred peppers.

• 6 ounces shishito peppers: These small, mild peppers are the main ingredient. They’re known for their unique flavor and delightful blistering when cooked.
• 1 tablespoon canola oil: This oil helps achieve that perfect char while keeping the peppers from sticking.
• kosher salt: Essential for seasoning, it enhances the natural flavors of the peppers.
• 1/4 cup Greek yogurt: This creamy base for the dipping sauce adds richness and tang.
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens the sauce and complements the peppers beautifully.
• 1 small clove of garlic: Grated garlic adds a lovely depth of flavor to the yogurt sauce.

Putting Together Blistered Shishito Peppers

Creating Blistered Shishito Peppers is a straightforward process that yields fantastic results. Let’s dive into the steps!

1. Start by finely mincing or grating 1 small clove of garlic. I find using a garlic press to be the easiest method. This will ensure the garlic blends well with the other ingredients.
2. In a small bowl, combine the minced garlic with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. Allow this mixture to sit for at least ten minutes. Letting the garlic and lemon juice sit together tempers the harshness of the garlic, making the sauce more enjoyable.
3. Next, mix the garlic and lemon juice into 1/4 cup of Greek yogurt in a separate bowl. Stir until it’s well combined and creamy. Set this sauce aside, as it will be your delicious dip for the peppers.
4. Now, it’s time to prepare for roasting! Move your oven rack to the top position, just under the broiler. This is key for achieving that beautiful blistering effect. Preheat your oven by placing your skillet inside the oven and turning the broiler on.
5. While the skillet heats up, take 6 ounces of shishito peppers and toss them in a bowl with 1 tablespoon of canola oil and kosher salt to taste. I usually use about half to one teaspoon of salt, depending on my preference.
6. Once the skillet is hot enough, carefully remove it from the oven. Pour the peppers into the skillet, making sure they’re spread out evenly. You want them to roast without crowding each other.
7. Return the skillet to the oven and allow the peppers to roast for about three minutes without stirring. This will give them a chance to develop a nice char on one side.
8. After three minutes, take a peek; the peppers should be starting to blister. Stir them gently, and continue cooking for another three to six minutes, stirring every one to two minutes until they’re evenly blistered.
9. Once they’re beautifully charred and blistered, remove the skillet from the oven. Transfer the peppers to a serving dish and sprinkle with more salt if desired. They’re best enjoyed warm with the dipping sauce!

Substitutions and Tips

If you’re looking to tweak your Blistered Shishito Peppers, here are some helpful tips to consider:

• Storage: Store any leftover peppers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. They can lose their crispness over time but are still delicious cold.
• Freezing: While it’s not ideal for texture, you can freeze cooked shishito peppers. Place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring to a freezer bag.
• Pairing: Serve your blistered peppers with a refreshing drink like iced tea or lemonade. They also pair beautifully with grilled meats or seafood.
• Meal Prep: Prep the dipping sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge. It’s an excellent addition to other dishes as well!
• Freshness Matters: Use fresh shishito peppers for the best flavor. They should feel firm and have a vibrant green color.
• Grilling Option: You can also grill shishito peppers if you prefer that smoky flavor. Just toss them on the grill instead of roasting!

Serving This Blistered Shishito Peppers

When it comes to serving Blistered Shishito Peppers, the options are endless. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• As an Appetizer: These peppers make a fantastic appetizer. Serve them warm with the garlic yogurt dip to kick off any gathering.
• Side Dish: Pair them alongside grilled meats or fish for a colorful and flavorful side. They complement many dishes wonderfully.
• Summer Gatherings: These peppers are perfect for summer barbecues or picnics. Their bright color and flavor make them a crowd favorite.
• Vegetable Platters: Include them in vegetable platters with other dips and snacks. They add a unique touch to any spread.
• Quick Snack: They can also be enjoyed as a quick and healthy snack. Just sprinkle some salt and enjoy them on their own!
• Pairing with Drinks: They pair well with light beers or cocktails, making them a great addition to happy hour.

FAQ

Conclusion

In summary, Blistered Shishito Peppers offer a delightful blend of flavors and textures that make them a standout dish, perfect for any occasion. Not only are they easy to make, but they also invite creativity and versatility in serving. I encourage you to try this recipe and share it with friends and family; you might just create your own memorable moments around the table.

Blistered Shishito Peppers

Craving something unique? Try Blistered Shishito Peppers, a perfect blend of crispy, smoky flavors. These mild peppers are blistered to perfection and served with a creamy yogurt dip, making them an easy yet impressive appetizer for your next gathering. You won't regret making this tasty treat!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 6 minutes mins

Total Time 16 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Appetizers

Cuisine: Japanese

Calories: 120

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 6 ounces Shishito Peppers
• 1 tablespoon Canola Oil
• Kosher Salt to taste
• 1/4 cup Greek Yogurt
• 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice about half a lemon
• 1 small clove Garlic grated or use a garlic press

Equipment

• Skillet
• Grater
• Wooden Spoon
• Oven
• Mixing Bowl
• Baking Sheet

Method

 

1. Very finely mince or grate 1 small clove of garlic (I used my garlic press).
2. Mix the minced garlic with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, and allow to sit for at least 10 minutes. This tempers the harshness of the garlic.
3. Mix the garlic and lemon into the Greek yogurt.
4. Move the rack in your oven to the top position, just under the broiler. Place your skillet in the oven and turn on the broiler to heat up the skillet.
5. In a bowl, toss the peppers with canola oil and salt to taste (I used 1/2-1 teaspoon).
6. When the skillet is very hot, carefully remove it from the oven and pour the peppers into the skillet. Put the skillet back into the oven and allow the peppers to roast without moving them for about three minutes.
7. When they have started to take on a nice char, stir the peppers. Continue cooking and stirring about every one to two minutes until they are blistered, for a total cooking time of about six minutes.
8. Remove from oven, transfer to a serving dish, sprinkle with more salt if desired and serve with dipping sauce.

Notes

• Storage: Store any leftover peppers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. They can lose their crispness over time but are still delicious cold.
• Freezing: While it's not ideal for texture, you can freeze cooked shishito peppers. Place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring to a freezer bag.
• Pairing: Serve your blistered peppers with a refreshing drink like iced tea or lemonade. They also pair beautifully with grilled meats or seafood.
• Meal Prep: Prep the dipping sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge. It’s an excellent addition to other dishes as well!
• Freshness Matters: Use fresh shishito peppers for the best flavor. They should feel firm and have a vibrant green color.
• Grilling Option: You can also grill shishito peppers if you prefer that smoky flavor. Just toss them on the grill instead of roasting!

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Meet Hazel Miller

The Flavor Enthusiast Yes, Jenna and I are related! Growing up, our kitchen was the center of our world, and that hasn’t changed. I am a curious cook who loves exploring new ingredients and techniques. I don’t have a single specialty I just love the magic of transformation. Whether we are grilling outdoors or baking indoors, I am always right there, tasting, testing, and ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.