Blistered Shishito Peppers make the perfect appetizer, snack, or side dish that can be ready in under three minutes only! They are really irresistibly good with a mildly spicy, sweet, and smoky taste. They are delicious on their own but also go great with your fave dips and sauces.
If you haven't had Shishito before, you might be wondering why these peppers are being showcased on their own, right? Don't fret though! They score low on the Scoville scale, just a bit higher than bell peppers. This makes them safe to be eaten in their whole, raw form with seeds intact without scorching your tongue. Furthermore, cooking them brings out more of their sweetness and the charred exterior adds a hint of smokiness to each bite, making you want to get right in. Those blistered crinkly little nooks are full of saltiness that balances the flavors perfectly.
Shishito peppers are an East Asian cultivar variation. Its name comes from the Japanese word shishi or jishi, which means "lion's head." They have bright green, wrinkly thin skin and are slender and slightly long. The level of heat coming from them is nothing compared to that of a jalapeño. Though shishitos aren't normally as spicy, be warned! You may come across that rare one where the spiciness is fiercer than the others.
Charring is the process of scorching and blistering a food's outer layer over high heat. When these peppers are cooked, their natural flavors are enhanced and it adds a smoky element to the food. The thin skin of these poppers makes them more susceptible to blistering compared to other peppers. This high-heat method of cooking creates a lot of smoke. So, make sure that your kitchen is well ventilated or you may cook them (in the pan) on an outdoor grill. The procedure is super simple and quick, and the end result is incredibly flavorful and delectable.
Shishito peppers are best when they're between 3 and 5 inches long and bright, vibrant green in the shade. Check out the beauties that we used for this recipe below. Although, they are often picked when they are green and at their greatest, they can also be harvested when they are riper and have a beautiful red color.
What I like best about this dish is how quick and easy it is to make. They are done before you know it!
These yummy treats are so good they can be served with almost anything! Try adding these beauties when making vegan Burgers, Wraps, Fajitas, and Tacos. They are also delicious when served on the side of some juicy vegan Steaks, Fries, and Grilled Tofu!
Shishito peppers are delicious on their own. Although to add extra taste, we can serve them with a dip, and the choices are endless. Here are some dip flavor combinations to consider:
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