Get ready to transform your appetizer game with the most addictive, flavor-packed dish you've never knew you needed! Shishito peppers are the secret weapon of gourmet home cooks, offering a tantalizing blend of mild heat, smoky char, and irresistible crunch that will have your guests begging for more. In just 15 minutes, you'll create a Japanese-inspired delicacy that looks like it came straight from a high-end restaurant kitchen, but requires minimal cooking skills.
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: Japanese
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound shishito peppers
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt to taste
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (optional)
Instructions
- Thoroughly wash the shishito peppers under cool running water, then pat them completely dry using paper towels. Removing excess moisture ensures proper roasting and helps achieve a crispy exterior.
- Place a large cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat. Allow the pan to get very hot before adding oil, which helps create a perfect char on the peppers.
- Pour olive oil into the heated pan, swirling to coat the entire surface evenly. The oil should shimmer but not smoke.
- Carefully add the whole shishito peppers to the pan in a single layer. Do not overcrowd the pan, which can cause steaming instead of roasting. Work in batches if necessary.
- Let the peppers cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes, allowing them to blister and develop deep brown char marks on one side. Use tongs to occasionally turn the peppers, ensuring even roasting on all sides.
- Continue cooking and turning peppers until they are uniformly blistered, soft, and slightly charred, approximately 7-8 minutes total.
- Remove the pan from heat and immediately sprinkle roasted peppers with sea salt to taste. For added umami flavor, drizzle with soy sauce if desired.
- Transfer the roasted shishito peppers to a serving plate. Serve hot as an appetizer or side dish, allowing guests to pick up and enjoy the peppers whole.
Tips
- Dryness is Key: Always thoroughly pat your peppers dry before roasting. Excess moisture prevents proper blistering and can lead to steaming instead of that coveted crispy char.
- Heat Management: Use a cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan and ensure it's smoking hot before adding oil. This guarantees those beautiful, deep brown char marks.
- Don't Overcrowd: Cook peppers in a single layer to ensure even roasting. If needed, work in batches to maintain high pan temperature.
- Seasoning Hack: Sprinkle sea salt immediately after roasting for maximum flavor absorption. For an extra umami kick, drizzle with soy sauce.
- Serving Tip: Serve these peppers immediately while they're hot and at peak crispiness. They make an incredible appetizer or side dish that's sure to impress!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 50kcal
Carbohydrates: 6g
Protein: 1g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
