Skillet shishito peppers: The spicy surprise snack trend
Quick, simple, and delicious—shishito peppers are a snack that will win your heart. Their delicate flavor, with occasional surprises and an aroma reminiscent of a summer grill, makes them hard to resist. Learn how to prepare skillet shishito peppers and wow your loved ones with a culinary hit you can make in just a few minutes.
Shishito peppers are small, green vegetables originating from Japan that are gaining popularity in kitchens worldwide. Known for their mild, slightly sweet taste and unique texture, they are a great choice for a quick and easy snack.
What makes shishito peppers stand out?
Interestingly, 1 in 10 shishito peppers can surprise you with its spiciness—hence they are often referred to as a culinary "roulette." These small peppers have thin skin, allowing them to cook quickly, and their characteristic slightly wrinkled appearance adds charm to any dish. They are most commonly served as a snack reminiscent of dishes from a summer grill, but they can also be added to salads or vegetable mixes.
Due to their versatility and ease of preparation, shishito peppers are becoming increasingly common on restaurant menus and in home kitchens. If you haven't tried them yet, it's worth learning the secrets of how to prepare shishito peppers to bring out their best flavor.
Recipe for skillet shishito peppers
Skillet shishito peppers are one of the simplest and tastiest snacks you can prepare in just a few minutes. Their delightful grilled taste and slightly smoky aroma make them disappear from the plate quickly. Here's a tried-and-true recipe for skillet shishito peppers:
Ingredients:
- About 7 ounces of shishito peppers,
- 1 tablespoon olive oil,
- Sea salt to taste,
- Optional: a pinch of chili flakes or lemon juice for serving.
Method:
- Heat the skillet: On a large, dry skillet (preferably cast iron), heat the olive oil over medium heat. It's important for the skillet to be well-heated—this is key to achieving the characteristic char on the pepper skins.
- Cook the peppers: Throw the shishito peppers onto the skillet and spread them out evenly. Cook for 2-3 minutes without stirring until the skin starts to get slightly charred. Then gently turn them with tongs to grill evenly on all sides.
- Season: When the peppers are ready (they should be soft but still slightly crunchy), remove them from the heat. Sprinkle with sea salt and, if you like, add a pinch of chili flakes or a splash of lemon juice.
Tip: If you're wondering how to fry shishito peppers to make them even more flavorful, add a bit of garlic or chopped parsley to the olive oil. This combination will enhance their taste and give them a unique character.
Serve immediately after preparation—shishito peppers taste best when they're still warm. They're the perfect snack for gatherings with friends, movie nights, or a quick addition to dinner.
