Shishito peppers: The quick and delightful snack surprise
Quick, simple, and delicious – shishito peppers are a snack that will win your heart. With their delicate flavour, a hint of surprise, and an aroma reminiscent of a summer barbecue, they are hard to resist. Learn how to prepare skillet shishito peppers and astonish your loved ones with a culinary delight that can be made in just a few minutes.
Shishito peppers are small, green vegetables originating from Japan that are becoming increasingly popular in kitchens worldwide. Known for their mild, slightly sweet taste and unique texture, they are an excellent choice for a quick and easy snack.
What makes shishito peppers stand out?
Interestingly, 1 in 10 shishito peppers can catch you off guard with its spiciness – hence, 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 barbecue, 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 feature on restaurant menus and in home kitchens. If you haven't tried them yet, it's worth discovering 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 from the plate quickly. 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: On a large, dry skillet (preferably cast iron), heat the olive oil over medium heat. It is important for the skillet to be well-heated – this is key to achieving the characteristic char on the pepper skins.
- Cook the peppers: Place the shishito peppers on the skillet and spread them out evenly. Cook for 2-3 minutes without stirring until the skin starts to get slightly charred. Then, gently turn them with tongs to grill evenly on all sides.
- Season: When the peppers are ready (they should be soft but still slightly crunchy), remove them from the heat. Sprinkle with sea salt and, if you like, add a pinch of chilli flakes or a splash of lemon juice.
Tip: If you're pondering 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. They're the perfect snack for gatherings with friends, movie nights, or a quick accompaniment to dinner.
