Ever bitten into a pepper and thought, “Will this be spicy or not?” That’s the thrill of shishito peppers! These little green gems are a staple in Japanese cuisine, and today, I’m sharing a ridiculously easy Japanese shishito peppers recipe that’s ready in just 10 minutes. Perfect as an appetizer or snack, these peppers are light, refreshing, and packed with umami flavor. Let’s dive in!
What Are Shishito Peppers?
Shishito peppers are small, thin-walled green peppers, about 2-4 inches long, with a slightly wrinkled texture. They’re mild, like a green bell pepper, but with a subtle peppery kick. Fun fact: Shishi means “lion” in Japanese, and tōgarashi means “chili pepper.” So, you’re basically eating “lion peppers” – how cool is that?
Are they spicy?
Here’s the fun part: about 1 in 10 shishito peppers packs a spicy punch. The rest? Mild and sweet. It’s like a culinary game of roulette!
Why You’ll Love This Japanese Peppers Shishito Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Ready in 10 minutes – no fancy skills required.
- Versatile: Great as an appetizer, snack, or side dish.
- Umami Heaven: The miso butter and furikake seasoning take these peppers to the next level.
Japanese Shishito Peppers with Miso Butter: A Quick & Flavorful Appetizer
Ingredients
- 8 oz shishito peppers
- 2 tsp cooking oil
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp miso paste
- 1 –2 tbsp furikake seasoning adjust to taste
Instructions
- Toss, Don’t Pour: Coat the peppers in oil by tossing them in a bowl. This ensures every nook and cranny gets evenly coated.
- Blister to Perfection: Heat a cast-iron skillet or grill on high. Cook the peppers for 3-4 minutes until charred and blistered, then flip for another 2-3 minutes.
- Season Like a Pro: Drizzle with a mix of melted butter and miso paste, then sprinkle with furikake (a Japanese seasoning made of sesame seeds, seaweed, and bonito flakes).
Notes
- Best served immediately to maintain texture and avoid sogginess.
- Substitute furikake with soy sauce, spicy mayo, or salt and pepper if unavailable.
Image Credit: globally flavored
Japanese-Inspired Seasoning
The secret to this shishito peppers Japanese recipe is the miso butter and furikake. If you don’t have furikake, no worries! Try these swaps:
- A dash of soy sauce
- Spicy mayo dip
- Simple salt and pepper
What to Serve With Japanese Shishito Peppers
These peppers are a fantastic appetizer, but they also pair beautifully with:
- Vietnamese Turmeric & Lemongrass Fish
- Jamaican Jerk Wings
- Thai Fish Cakes
- Drunken Noodles
Japanese Shishito Peppers Recipe Oven Option
Don’t have a skillet or grill? No problem! You can make this Japanese shishito peppers recipe oven-style:
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).
- Toss the peppers with oil and spread them on a baking sheet.
- Roast for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until blistered and charred.
- Finish with miso butter and furikake.
Final Thoughts
This Japanese shishito peppers recipe is a game-changer. It’s quick, flavorful, and perfect for anyone who loves a little culinary adventure. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just craving a tasty snack, these peppers won’t disappoint.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab some shishito peppers and get cooking! And hey, if you try this recipe, let me know how it turns out in the comments below.
Looking for More Japanese Recipes?
Love Japanese food? Here are some easy and tasty recipes you’ve got to try:
- Japanese Sweet Potatoes (Yaki Imo)
- Japanese Potato Salad
- Japanese Chicken Fried Rice
- Japanese Shrimp Recipe
- Japanese Purple Sweet Potatoes
Try these recipes and bring the delicious taste of Japan to your home!
Tried This Recipe?
I’d love to hear how this Japanese Shishito Peppers Recipe turned out! Leave a comment or tag @foodiecreator on Instagram, and #foodiecreator on social media to show off your creation.
