Shishito peppers: The surprise snack taking kitchens by storm
Quick, simple, and delicious – shishito peppers are a snack that will win your heart. Their delicate flavour with a hint of surprise and an aroma reminiscent of a summer grill make them hard to resist. Learn how to prepare skillet shishito peppers and surprise your loved ones with a culinary hit that 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 – that's why they are often referred to as a culinary "roulette". These small peppers have a thin skin, which allows 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 straight 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 an increasingly common element 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 flavour.
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 pleasant, grilled taste and slightly smoky aroma make them disappear quickly from the plate. Here's a tried-and-true recipe for skillet shishito peppers:
Ingredients:
- About 200 grams of shishito peppers,
- 1 tablespoon olive oil,
- sea salt to taste,
- optional: a pinch of chilli flakes or lemon juice for serving.
Method:
- Heat the skillet: Heat the olive oil over medium heat on a large, dry skillet (preferably cast iron). The skillet needs to be well-heated – this is key to achieving the characteristic char on the pepper skins.
- Cook the peppers: Place the shishito peppers onto the skillet and spread them out evenly. Cook for 2-3 minutes without stirring until the skin gets slightly charred. Then, gently turn them with tongs to grill evenly on all sides.
- Season: Remove the peppers from the heat when they are ready (they should be soft but still slightly crunchy). Sprinkle with sea salt, and, if you like, add a pinch of chilli flakes or a splash of lemon juice.
Tip: If you're wondering how to fry shishito peppers to make them even more flavourful, 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 still warm. It's the perfect snack for gatherings with friends, movie nights, or a quick addition to dinner.
