If you’re craving a savory, addictive snack that’s as fun to eat as it is to share, Easy Sesame Shishito Peppers are sure to become your new kitchen obsession. Quick to make, brimming with umami from a touch of soy and rice vinegar, and finishing with a playful sprinkle of toasted sesame and flaky salt, this dish takes barely 10 minutes but delivers so much flavor. The beauty lies in its simplicity—plus the thrill of discovering which shishito packs unexpected heat! Whether you serve them as a zippy appetizer or a crowd-pleasing side, these peppers always disappear fast.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Part of the magic behind Easy Sesame Shishito Peppers is just how fuss-free the ingredient list is. Each component is carefully chosen, not just for flavor but for the irresistible aroma, texture, and color it brings to every bite.
- Shishito peppers (8 oz): These mild, thin-skinned peppers become delightfully blistered and smoky when pan-seared—plus, their occasional spicy surprise keeps things exciting!
- Sesame oil (1 tablespoon): Essential for its rich, toasty flavor and the gorgeous shine it gives each pepper.
- Soy sauce or tamari (1 teaspoon): Adds a pop of salty, umami depth, while tamari keeps the dish gluten-free if needed.
- Rice vinegar (1 teaspoon): Brightens the whole dish with gentle acidity, complementing the peppers perfectly.
- Toasted sesame seeds (1 teaspoon): Extra crunch and nuttiness for the final flourish.
- Flaky salt (to taste): Finishes the peppers with satisfying crunch and enhanced flavor.
- Lime wedges (for serving): A squeeze of fresh lime takes the zing factor up a notch—don’t skip it!
How to Make Easy Sesame Shishito Peppers
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Peppers
Start by heating a large skillet or cast iron pan over medium-high heat. While it’s getting hot, quickly rinse your shishito peppers and pat them thoroughly dry—this is essential for achieving that signature blister without steaminess. Make sure you have all your other ingredients ready to go, since things move quickly once the peppers hit the pan.
Step 2: Sizzle and Blister
Add the sesame oil to the hot skillet and give it a good swirl to coat the bottom. Drop in the shishito peppers in a single, even layer. Now, the key is patience—let them sizzle undisturbed for 2 to 3 minutes so they develop those irresistible charred spots. That initial hands-off time really locks in smokiness.
Step 3: Toss, Turn, and Char
Once the first side is beautifully blistered, start tossing or turning the shishito peppers every minute or so for another 5 to 6 minutes. Your goal: even char and puckered, slightly softened skins. This step also helps the peppers take on the sesame oil’s richness and aroma, infusing every bite.
Step 4: Flavor Boost with Sauce
With the peppers perfectly blistered, quickly drizzle over the soy sauce and rice vinegar. Toss them in the pan just long enough to coat—these liquids will sizzle and evaporate quickly, leaving behind a punchy tang and deep umami that clings to every pepper.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Transfer the peppers immediately to a serving plate. While they’re still hot, sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and flaky salt. Arrange those fresh lime wedges alongside—you want people to get a splash of citrus zing in each bite. Serve right away for maximum flavor and fun!
How to Serve Easy Sesame Shishito Peppers
Garnishes
To elevate Easy Sesame Shishito Peppers even more, a scattering of extra toasted sesame seeds and a rain of flaky salt make them pop both visually and flavor-wise. If you’re feeling fancy, try a sprinkle of thinly sliced scallions, a crack of black pepper, or even a dusting of togarashi for extra heat and color. Lime wedges on the side are a must—everyone loves squeezing their own!
Side Dishes
Shishito peppers play nicely with so many other dishes. Set them out with a bowl of chilled edamame, short-grain rice, or a platter of pickled veggies for an instant Asian-inspired spread. They’re a stellar side with grilled salmon, teriyaki tofu, or even alongside sushi or ramen. The bright, smoky flavor fits into lunchboxes or as part of a vibrant party tray, too!
Creative Ways to Present
For serving a crowd, try piling Easy Sesame Shishito Peppers into a rustic basket lined with parchment or in a shallow ceramic dish for family-style snacking. For a cocktail party, thread peppers onto small skewers for mess-free, bite-sized treats. Or serve them tapas-style as part of a “blistered veggies” board with charred corn, snap peas, and carrots for a colorful, interactive appetizer.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (unlikely, but possible!), let Easy Sesame Shishito Peppers cool to room temperature, then place in an airtight container. Store them in the refrigerator for up to two days. The peppers will soften in the fridge, but their bold flavors stick around, making for a tasty snack or addition to salads and rice bowls.
Freezing
While you technically can freeze blistered shishito peppers, be aware that their texture will become considerably softer and less appealing once thawed. For best results, enjoy Easy Sesame Shishito Peppers fresh, but if you must freeze, do so only for later use in cooked dishes where texture is less crucial (like stir-fries).
Reheating
To reheat, toss chilled peppers briefly in a hot skillet over medium heat for a couple of minutes until just warmed through—avoid microwaving, as it can make them soggy. A quick reheat in the pan revives some of their original char and keeps flavors lively.
FAQs
Are Easy Sesame Shishito Peppers very spicy?
Most shishito peppers are mild, but roughly one out of every ten can surprise you with a jolt of heat. It’s part of the fun! If you’re not a fan of surprises, try tasting a small piece first—but for many, that “pepper roulette” is half the joy.
Can I use another type Appetizer
This recipe is tailored for shishito peppers, thanks to their tender skin and fast-cooking nature. However, you can experiment with similar thin-skinned peppers, like padron peppers, if you find them—they behave similarly when blistered.
Is it possible to make Easy Sesame Shishito Peppers without a cast iron skillet?
Absolutely! Any heavy-bottomed skillet will work well. The goal is to get the pan hot enough to quickly char the peppers, so just avoid using nonstick pans over very high heat.
How can I make this dish soy free?
If you’re avoiding soy, swap out the soy sauce or tamari for coconut aminos. They provide a comparable depth of flavor with less salt and no soy, keeping your Easy Sesame Shishito Peppers allergy-friendly.
Can I double or triple this recipe for a group?
Yes! Just make sure you cook the peppers in batches so they have room to blister properly—crowding the pan will result in steaming instead of charring. Serve them straight from the pan and let everyone dig in.
Final Thoughts
Once you give Easy Sesame Shishito Peppers a try, you might find yourself making them on repeat—they’re that good! Whether you’re brand-new to shishito peppers or already obsessed, this quick and flavorful recipe always delivers. Grab a skillet and some peppers, call over a friend or two, and get ready for a snack that’s as lively as it is delicious.
Print
Easy Sesame Shishito Peppers Recipe
- Total Time: 13 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan, Gluten-Free
Description
These Easy Sesame Shishito Peppers are a delicious and simple appetizer or side dish with a touch of Asian-inspired flavors. Blistered shishito peppers are tossed in a savory sesame soy sauce and vinegar dressing, then topped with toasted sesame seeds and flaky salt for a burst of flavor.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 8 oz shishito peppers
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce or tamari
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds
- flaky salt to taste
- lime wedges for serving
Instructions
- Heat the Skillet: Heat a large skillet or cast iron pan over medium-high heat. Add sesame oil and swirl to coat the pan.
- Char Peppers: Add shishito peppers in a single layer. Let them blister undisturbed for 2–3 minutes, then toss occasionally for another 5–6 minutes until evenly charred and softened.
- Toss with Dressing: Drizzle with soy sauce and rice vinegar, tossing quickly to coat.
- Finish and Serve: Transfer to a serving plate, sprinkle with sesame seeds and flaky salt, and serve immediately with lime wedges on the side.
Notes
- Serve as an appetizer or a side dish.
- About 1 in 10 shishitos can be surprisingly spicy, which adds a fun twist!
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
