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Crispy Blistered Shishito Peppers with Sea Salt

crispy blistered shishito peppers - featured image

A quick and easy snack featuring blistered shishito peppers sautéed in olive oil and finished with flaky sea salt. Perfect for busy evenings or casual get-togethers, offering a mild smoky flavor with an occasional spicy surprise.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces fresh shishito peppers (about 225 grams)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (15 ml)
  • Pinch or two of flaky sea salt (such as Maldon or fleur de sel)
  • Optional: lemon wedge for squeezing before serving

Instructions

  1. Rinse the shishito peppers under cold water and pat them completely dry with paper towels.
  2. Place a cast iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat and let it get really hot.
  3. Pour 1 tablespoon of olive oil into the pan and swirl to coat.
  4. Add the shishito peppers in a single layer, avoiding overcrowding; cook in batches if necessary.
  5. Let the peppers cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes until blistered and charred on one side.
  6. Use tongs to turn the peppers occasionally, allowing all sides to blister evenly.
  7. Cook for a total of 6-8 minutes until peppers are tender but still have a slight bite.
  8. Transfer the peppers to a serving bowl or plate.
  9. While still hot, sprinkle with flaky sea salt to taste.
  10. Optionally, squeeze a bit of lemon juice over the top before serving.

Notes

Dry the peppers thoroughly before cooking to ensure proper blistering. Use medium-high heat and avoid overcrowding the pan to prevent steaming. Season with salt only after removing from heat to maintain crispiness. About 1 in 10 peppers may be spicy, adding a fun surprise.

Nutrition

Keywords: shishito peppers, blistered peppers, crispy snack, easy appetizer, sea salt, quick recipe, vegan, gluten-free