Shishito peppers are a popular Japanese variety gaining fame worldwide for their mild flavor and grill-friendly quality. When cooked properly, they become blistered, charred and downright addictive. In this article, I will instruct you how to cook the best shishito peppers in 3 different ways.
1. How To Cook Shishito Peppers on Stove
Ingredients
- 1 lb shishito peppers, stems removed
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- Kosher salt to taste
Instructions
Rinse the peppers under cold water and pat very dry with paper towels. Remove the stems.
Heat a large skillet over high heat. When hot, add the oil and swirl to coat the pan.
Add the shishito peppers in a single layer without overcrowding. Cook undisturbed for 2 minutes so the peppers char on one side.
Using tongs, flip the peppers and cook another 2 minutes, pressing down gently with a spatula, until blistered and blackened in spots on both sides.
Transfer the seared peppers to a bowl and season immediately with kosher salt. Toss to coat.
Serve the blistered shishitos warm as an appetizer or side. Enjoy whole or sprinkle over pizza, pasta, rice bowls and more.
Pro Tips
- Use a cast iron skillet if possible for the best sear.
- Cook in batches to avoid steaming the peppers.
- Remove the peppers just as the skins blacken and blister, before they burn.
- Season while hot so the salt sticks.
- For spicy peppers, season with toasted sesame oil and chili flakes too.
2. How To Cook Shishito Peppers in Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 1 lb shishito peppers, stems removed
- 1 tsp avocado, olive or vegetable oil
- Kosher salt to taste
Instructions
Rinse the peppers, pat very dry and remove the stems.
Toss evenly in a bowl with the oil just to coat. Then arrange in a single layer in the air fryer basket, taking care not to overcrowd.
Air fry at 400F for 6-8 minutes, shaking halfway, until blistered and blackened in spots.
Immediately transfer to a bowl. Season with kosher salt and toss to coat. Enjoy the crispy air-fried shishitos as finger food or sprinkled on dishes.
3. How To Cook Shishito Peppers in Oven
Ingredients
- 1 lb shishito peppers, stems removed
- 1-2 tbsp olive oil
- Kosher salt to taste
Instructions
Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Meanwhile, rinse the peppers, pat very dry and remove the stems.
On the prepared baking sheet, toss the peppers with just enough oil to lightly coat. Spread in a single layer.
Roast for 12-15 minutes, shaking the pan halfway, until skins are blistered and charred in parts.
Transfer the roasted peppers to a serving bowl immediately. Season with kosher salt and toss to coat.
Enjoy the oven-roasted shishitos as a snack, appetizer or topping for grain bowls, pizzas, tacos and more.
4. Serving Suggestions
In a Salad
Shishito peppers make a great addition to salads, adding a smoky, crunchy element:
With Greens and Avocado: Toss cooked shishito peppers with mixed greens, ripe avocado, cherry tomatoes, and a light lemon or olive oil dressing. The peppers provide a nice contrast to the creamy avocado.
Asian-Inspired Salad: Combine shishito peppers with cabbage, cucumbers, and sesame seeds for an Asian-inspired salad. Add a sesame-ginger dressing for an extra layer of flavor.
In Tacos
Shishito peppers can be used as a flavorful filling for tacos:
Vegetarian Tacos: Combine sautéed shishito peppers with grilled corn, black beans, avocado, and a squeeze of lime in soft corn tortillas. Top with cilantro and a dollop of sour cream or salsa.
With Fish or Shrimp: Pair shishito peppers with grilled fish or shrimp for a seafood taco. Add a spicy crema or tangy slaw to balance the flavors.
With Roasted Chicken: Shishito peppers are a great topping for tacos filled with roasted chicken, along with pickled onions, cotija cheese, and a drizzle of hot sauce.
As a Topping for Pizza
Shishito peppers add a unique twist when used as a pizza topping:
On Margherita Pizza: Top a classic margherita pizza with cooked shishito peppers for added texture and flavor. The mild peppers complement the mozzarella and basil nicely.
With Prosciutto: Add shishito peppers to a pizza with prosciutto, arugula, and a drizzle of balsamic reduction for an elevated and flavorful pizza.
On a Veggie Pizza: Incorporate shishito peppers on a veggie pizza with roasted mushrooms, onions, and bell peppers for a light and fresh vegetarian option.
On Top of Rice or Grain Bowls
Shishito peppers can make a tasty topping for rice or grain-based bowls:
On Rice Bowls: Serve sautéed shishito peppers over a bowl of steamed white rice, brown rice, or jasmine rice. Add baked chicken breast, tofu, or a fried egg on top for a complete meal.
With Quinoa: Top cooked quinoa with shishito peppers, chickpeas, and roasted vegetables. Drizzle with a lemon-tahini dressing or soy sauce for added flavor.
With Couscous: Combine cooked shishito peppers with couscous, grilled vegetables, and a yogurt sauce for a Mediterranean-inspired grain bowl.
In Pasta Dishes
Incorporating shishito peppers into pasta dishes can add a unique flavor and texture
In Garlic and Olive Oil Pasta: Toss cooked shishito peppers with pasta, garlic, and olive oil. Add a bit of Parmesan cheese for a simple yet delicious meal.
With Sausage: Pair shishito peppers with Italian sausage, onions, and tomatoes in a pasta sauce. Serve over your favorite type of pasta, like spaghetti or penne.
In Pesto Pasta: Add sautéed shishito peppers to pesto pasta for an extra layer of flavor. The peppers’ sweetness pairs well with the nutty, garlicky pesto.
The key to cooking shishito peppers is using high heat and avoiding overcrowding to get nice blistering and charring on the skins. Pan frying, air frying and oven roasting all work well. Toss the just-cooked peppers with salt and enjoy their sweet-smoky flavor. Add to your favorite dishes or munch on their own for a delicious snack or starter.
