What Are Shishito Peppers? All About Their Delicious Uses

What Are Shishito Peppers?

Shishito pepper is a type of pepper that is popular in East Asian cuisine. The peppers are typically small and thin-skinned, with a mild flavor. They are often used as a garnish or side dish and can be served either raw or cooked.

These small green peppers are native to Japan but have also been grown in other countries in East Asia. The peppers are typically green when they are young, but turn red as they mature. The peppers can be found in Asian markets or may be grown at home.

What To Do With Shishito Peppers?

While they can be eaten raw, they are most commonly cooked. Here are four popular ways to cook shishito peppers:

1. Grilling: They are often grilled as a whole pepper. They can also be cut into strips or slices and grilled as part of a vegetable medley. To make grilled shishito peppers, simply toss them in a bit of olive oil and then place them on a hot grill. Cook for about 5 minutes, or until the peppers are slightly blistered.
2. Stir-frying: Stir-fried shishito peppers are a classic Japanese dish. They are typically cooked with garlic, ginger, and other vegetables.
3. Roasting: Roasted shishito peppers make a great appetizer or side dish. They can be roasted whole or sliced and roasted on a sheet pan with other vegetables.
4. Tempura: This involves coating the peppers in a light batter and then frying them until they are crispy. Tempura shishito peppers make a great appetizer or side dish and can be served with a dipping sauce such as soy sauce or sweet chili sauce.

Can You Freeze Shishito Peppers?

Yes, they can also be frozen for later use. Here's how to do it:

1. First, wash the peppers and pat them dry. Then, remove the stem and seed pod from each pepper.
2. Next, spread the peppers out on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and place them in the freezer. Make sure the peppers are not touching each other so they don't stick together.
3. Once the peppers are frozen solid, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. Label the container with the date so you know when you froze them.
4. When you're ready to use the peppers, simply pull out as many as you need and let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes before cooking. No need to defrost them completely; they can go straight from the freezer to the pan!

How To Grow Shishito Peppers

These peppers are a delicious and easy-to-grow treat that can be enjoyed fresh, pickled, or roasted. If you're looking to add a little spice to your garden, here's how to grow your own shishitos:

1. Seedlings: Start with seedlings or transplants. Shishitos can be grown from seed, but it's faster and easier to start with young plants. Look for pepper seedlings at your local nursery or garden center.
2. Location: Plant in full sun. These peppers need plenty of sunshine to produce peppers, so choose a spot in your garden that gets six to eight hours of sunlight per day.
3. Soil: Prepare the soil. Dig up the planting area and mix in some compost or other organic matter to help the pepper plants thrive.
4. Planting: Plant the peppers 18-24 inches apart. Once you've chosen a spot and prepared the soil, it's time to plant your chili pepper seedlings or transplants. Gently dig a hole for each plant, being careful not to damage the roots, and then place the plant in the hole and fill it in with soil. Water well after planting.
5. Watering and Mulching: Keep the plants watered. They need consistent moisture to produce peppers, so water them regularly during the growing season, especially during hot, dry weather. Be careful not to overwater, as this can lead to root rot. Mulching around the plants can help retain moisture and keep down weeds.
6. Fertilize: Fertilize shishito plants with a balanced fertilizer every 2-4 weeks during the growing season. Keep an eye out for pests such as aphids, which can damage the plants.
7. Harvest: The peppers will ripen about 60-90 days after transplanting. Harvest them when the chili pepper is 2-3 inches long with bright green color and slightly wrinkled texture. Cut the peppers from the plant with a sharp knife or pruning shears.

Substitute For Shishito Peppers

If you're looking for a substitute for shishito peppers, there are a few options available.

1. Poblano peppers - These heart-shaped peppers are wider and flatter than shishitos, with a milder flavor that can range from slightly sweet to moderately spicy. Poblanos are commonly used in Mexican dishes such as salsa, mole, and enchiladas.
2. Anaheim peppers - Anaheim peppers are another good substitute for shishito peppers. They have a milder flavor than shishito peppers, but they are still a good source of vitamins A and C. To substitute Anaheim peppers for shishito peppers, use one Anaheim pepper for every two shishito peppers.
3. Jalapeño peppers - Similar in shape to poblano peppers, jalapeños are typically smaller and spicier. They can be used in the same way as shishito peppers, although you may want to seed them first to reduce the heat.
4. Bell peppers - Unlike shishito peppers, bell peppers do not have any heat to them at all. They can be used in place of shishitos in any recipe, although their larger size may require some adjustments.
5. Banana peppers - These long, slender peppers get their name from their similarity in shape to bananas. They have a mild flavor with just a hint of sweetness, making them a good substitute for shishitos in both sweet and savory dishes.
6. Hatch chiles - These large chili peppers are named for the town of Hatch, New Mexico, where they are grown. They have a medium-level heat with fruitiness and earthiness, making them versatile ingredients for many different recipes.
7. Padrón peppers - Padrón peppers are another good substitute for shishito peppers. They have a similar flavor and heat level to shishito peppers. To substitute Padron peppers for shishito peppers, use one padrón pepper for every two shishito peppers.

Wrap Up: Shishito Peppers

• They are a type of pepper that is popular in East Asian cuisine. The peppers are typically small and thin-skinned, with a mild flavor.
• They can be used as a garnish or side dish and can be served either raw or cooked.
• They are native to Japan but have also been grown in other countries in East Asia. While they can be eaten raw, they are most commonly cooked.
• If you're looking for pepper with a similar flavor and heat level to shishito peppers, try poblano, Anaheim, jalapeño, or padrón peppers.
• I hope you will try out the recipe for roasted shishito peppers shared in this article, it is similar to the blistered shishito peppers recipe and I'd love to hear how your experience with this recipe was, so please leave a comment below to let me know!