Are shishito peppers spicy?

Most shishito peppers are mild and slightly sweet. About 1 in 10 can be noticeably spicy, which is part of the fun. They're generally much milder than jalapeños.

What do shishito peppers taste like?

Shishito peppers have a light, grassy flavor with subtle sweetness. When blistered, they develop smoky, slightly charred notes that make them incredibly snackable.

How do you cook shishito peppers?

Shishito peppers are best when cooked quickly over hight heat. They can be blistered in a hot skillet or roasted in the oven until the skins char and soften. A simple finish of flaky salt and citrus brightens them.

Can you cook shishito peppers in the oven?

Yes. Roasting them at high heat gives you the same blistered, lightly charred texture as skillet cooking without needing to stand over the stove. It's an easy, hands-off method.

Do you eat shishito peppers whole?

Yes. The entire pepper is edible except for the stem. There's no need to remove the seeds or membranes before cooking.

Where can I buy shishito peppers?

Shishito peppers are commonly available at farmers markets, specialty grocery stores, and many larger supermarkets, especially during the summer, If you can't find them, Padrón peppers are the closest substitute.

Blistered Shishito Peppers

Ingredients

Scale

1 quart fresh shishito peppers
1 orange (zested and juiced)
¼ cup thinly sliced red bell pepper
½–1 tsp red pepper flakes
2 Tbsp olive oil
coarse salt, to taste

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 400°F.
Zest the orange and set aside. Juice the orange (you'll need about ¼ cup).
In a medium bowl, toss the shishito peppers with the orange juice and red pepper flakes.
Transfer the peppers to a baking sheet in a single layer. Scatter the sliced red pepper over the top and drizzle with olive oil.
Roast for 12-15 minutes, until blistered and slightly charred.
Transfer to a serving bowl, sprinkle with coarse salt and orange zest, and toss gently. Serve warm.

Notes

spice level: shishito peppers are usually mild, but about 1 in 10 can be spicy. If you prefer less heat, start with ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes.
for extra char: switch the oven to broil for at least 1-2 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
single layer matters: spread the peppers out on the baking sheet. Overcrowding will steam them instead of blistering.
best served fresh: these are at their best right out of the oven while the skins are blistered and slightly crisp.

Author: Superman Cooks
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Category: Appetizer

Nutrition

Serving Size: 8 peppers
Calories: 148
Sugar: 8.5 g
Sodium: 783.7 mg
Fat: 10.3 g
Carbohydrates: 13.3 g
Protein: 2.2 g
Cholesterol: 0 mg