Need a hassle-free, hands-off side dish for your big dinner meal? Dust off your grill with my Grilled Shishito Peppers recipe. These hot peppers are a fine side dish due to their versatile delicate flavor. Peppers with a delicate flavor; quite the irony right? Unlike most peppers, they are subtle and pleasantly warm without being overwhelmingly spicy.
This recipe yields delicious shishito peppers with sweet, savory flavors and beautiful, smoky, earthy undertones. Whether you have an outdoor grill party, a delicious appetizer, or a side for your main course, this recipe will amaze you with its simplicity!
This recipe is:
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- Low Carb
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- Keto
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- Gluten Free
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- Dairy Free
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- Paleo
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- Vegetarian
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- Vegan
Table of Contents
Inspiration For Grilled Shishito Peppers
I'm currently exploring Japan with my family, diving into the wonderful world of Japanese cuisine as a passionate food lover. While I've tried many Japanese dishes back home, experiencing them firsthand amidst stunning views is truly special. In every restaurant we visit, Japanese peppers, known as Shishito peppers, catch my eye as a popular side or appetizer, often paired with the Japanese citrus ponzu sauce.
Shishito peppers are small, slender, and wrinkled, typically bright green. They boast a mild yet slightly sweet flavor, making them a favorite in Japanese cooking. Grilled or sautéed whole, they're served as a delightful side or appetizer, cherished for their gentle heat and delicate texture. Inspired by this flavorful appetizer, I couldn't resist putting a low-carb spin, crafting my version right in our Airbnb kitchen. Yes, I was that impatient to make them!
3 Reasons to Love This Grilled Shishito Peppers Recipe
I love this grilled shishito peppers recipe for its big flavors and a few more reasons:
- Minimal ingredients, maximum flavor.
- Easy and quick cooking process.
- Low-carb and keto-friendly delicious side dish.
Are Grilled Shishito Peppers Low carb?
Yes, grilled shishito peppers are low in carbohydrates and thus a perfect snack or side dish for low-carb and keto dieters.
In this recipe, one serving which is about 5 peppers has 1 g net carbs. You can pair them with any meal without worrying about a high-carb surge.
Grilled Shishito Peppers Ingredient List
You only need three ingredients to make this flavorful grilled shishito peppers recipe:
- 1 pound shishito peppers
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1.5 teaspoons Kosher salt
Ingredients Substitutions
If you are missing any of the ingredients, consider using these substitutes:
- Shishito peppers: Get Padron peppers. They are similar in taste.
- Olive oil: Avocado or coconut oil is also a great substitute.
- Kosher salt: Substitute with coarse sea salt or Maldon salt. If you can't find any, use any of your favorite salt.
Additional Ingredients
You can also add these optional ingredients if you have to add extra flavors to this recipe:
- Ground black pepper: Freshly ground black pepper adds extra warmth and a depth of flavor to the peppers.
- Citrus: Fresh lemon juice or lime juice will add a bright lemony flavor to the smoky flavors of the grilled shishito peppers.
- Soy sauce: Drizzle soy sauce for a nice umami flavor that complements the peppers' natural taste. Ensure that you're using the low carb version of soy sauce like coconut aminos.
- Sesame seeds: Toasted sesame seeds add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor to the dish.
Note: None of the additional ingredients are part of the original recipe, nor is their estimated nutritional value in the recipe card below. Use them to heighten the recipe's flavors.
Cooking Tools
A minimum tool list is required for such a simple recipe:
- Mixing bowl
- Metal tongs
- Measuring spoons
How to Make Grilled Shishito Peppers: Complete Cooking Guide
Cooking Method
Grilling
Don't worry if you haven't grilled anything before! My Extensive Grilling Guide will help you ace this easy cooking method and make you a grilling expert!
Preparation Steps
- Prep the Peppers. Thoroughly combine the shishito peppers with olive oil and 1 teaspoon of Kosher salt in a large bowl. Ensure each pepper is well-coated for even cooking.
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat the grill. Turn your gas grill to high and let it heat up until very hot.
- Place the shishito peppers on the heated grill in a single layer. Close the grill lid and allow them to cook for 2 minutes.
- Open the grill, and use tongs to turn the peppers to ensure even charring. Continue this process, cooking for about 6-8 minutes or until the peppers are lightly charred.
- Transfer the grilled shishito peppers to a platter in a single layer to cool slightly. They will naturally deflate as they cool.
- Sprinkle the remaining ½ teaspoon of Kosher salt over the grilled peppers.
- Serve immediately while they are still hot for the best flavor.
Step 1: Place the peppers on the heated grill in a single layer.
Step 2: Turn the peppers using tongs.
Step 3: Cooke them for another 6-8 minutes until they are lightly charred.
Step 4: Transfer the grilled peppers to a platter to cool and sprinkle salt.
💡 My Pro Tip
As strange as it sounds, my pro tip for this recipe is to wash the peppers thoroughly and let them dry before coating them with olive oil and prepping them for the grill. You know the saying oil and water do not mix? Well, it holds true in this case. If the peppers are still wet from being washed, the oil will not stick to them properly, and consequently, the salt won't stick. So, either buy prewashed peppers or wash them well in advance and let them dry thoroughly
⏲️ Time-Saving Tips
- Buy prewashed peppers. This will cut a huge chunk off your prep time and help you avoid unnecessary frustrations (check my pro tip for an explanation).
- Preheat the grill well in advance. The grill needs to be super-hot otherwise the peppers will not char properly and will take longer to cook.
What to Serve with Grilled Shishito Peppers?
Are you wondering what to pair your delicious grilled shishito peppers with? Try these fantastic options:
- Pulled Pork Tacos: Add the grilled shishito peppers to the tacos as a filling. They will add a nice extra kick of heat.
- Homemade Remoulade Sauce Recipe: Dip your grilled shishito peppers in this savory sauce for an unmatched flavor explosion. The dip is perfect for enjoying the peppers as an appetizer or a snack.
- Grilled Beer Can Chicken: The mild heat and sweetness of the shishito flavors complement the beer chicken well.
- Chicken Fried Rice: What's well then a side of hot peppers with some delicious fried rice? The flavor combination is amazing!
- Grilled Pork Chops with Peaches: The shishito peppers will add a nice spicy contrast to the sweet, savory, bold flavors of the pork chops.
Storage and Reheating
- These peppers do not store well once they are cooked. When we char them, they become soft. When they cool, they become soft. Because they are coated in salt, they tend to release more water while being stored, and the resulting texture is unpleasant. I recommend not storing the leftovers, or you can chop all the peppers and use them to make salsa.
Recipe Conclusion
My Grilled Shishito Peppers recipe is the epitome of simplicity, minimalism, and deliciousness. Enjoy these peppers as a healthy snack, pair them with a proper, or use them as a favorite party snack. The minimal prep time and quick care are also a plus for anyone who needs a fancy dish without the mess!
Make your grilling game strong, and try this recipe. Grab a pair of tongs and get it going. You will fall in love immediately.
Do you have any questions or recommendations? Drop them in the comments, and I will respond!
More Appetizer Recipes
Need more appetizer ideas? Check out this recipe:
FAQs
No, shishito peppers are milder than jalapeno peppers. They have a mild to moderate level of spiciness.
Yes, you can enjoy raw shishito peppers in a salad or as a snack.
Grilling, smoking, roasting, and sautéing are all great methods of cooking shishito peppers. Smoked shishito peppers have a nice smoky flavor, almost similar to grilled shishito peppers.
3-Ingredient Grilled Shishito Peppers 🌶️
Ingredients
Grilled Shishito Peppers Ingredients List
- 1 pound shishito peppers
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1.5 teaspoons Kosher salt
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Prep the Peppers. Thoroughly combine the shishito peppers with olive oil and 1 teaspoon of Kosher salt in a large bowl. Ensure each pepper is well-coated for even cooking.
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat the grill. Turn your gas grill to high and let it heat up until very hot.
- Place the shishito peppers on the heated grill in a single layer. Close the grill lid and allow them to cook for 2 minutes.
- Open the grill, and use tongs to turn the peppers to ensure even charring. Continue this process, cooking for about 6-8 minutes or until the peppers are lightly charred.
- Transfer the grilled shishito peppers to a platter in a single layer to cool slightly. They will naturally deflate as they cool.
- Sprinkle the remaining ½ teaspoon of Kosher salt over the grilled peppers.
- Serve immediately while they are still hot for the best flavor.
Notes
Enjoy your day in the kitchen!
Nutrition
“This website provides approximate nutrition data and information for convenience and as a courtesy only.”
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