Looking for a super easy appetizer idea? Have you tried Grilled Shishito Peppers? Easy, addictive, fun to make and super fun to eat.
This Japanese shishito pepper recipe uses ONLY 3 ingredients. And if you have never tried togarashi seasoning, you are in for a real treat.
Pepper appetizers have got to be one of the easiest things to make. Party perfect. All you have to do is pick them up and eat them. Drink in one hand, food in the other. Sounds like a great way to spend a summer afternoon with friends.
Peppers on the grill are perfect for bbq parties. According to my guests, Stuffed Mini Peppers happen to be the BEST stuffed pepper recipe ever. Wait till they try this grilled shishito pepper recipe at our next party.
They also love Cold Smoked Brie.
I didn’t even know what a shishito pepper was. While looking for snap peas, I found these strange looking peppers and wondered what do you do with these? Since I did not know, I didn’t buy them.
That night I was watching MasterChef Junior and wouldn’t you know it, one of those remarkable little chefs cooked some shishito peppers as part of their entree.
Have you ever watched that show? Honestly, they make adults look like amateurs in the kitchen. You can learn a lot from kids let me tell you.
What is a shishito pepper? It is actually a Japanese pepper. They are about the size of a finger, with long creases in the body. Green in colour, but turn red when they are mature.
Shishito pepper season is year-round, but peak season is summer and fall.
Spring is the perfect time for my Roasted Fiddleheads. Watch for these little gems, they are only here for a few short weeks.
You will also want to hunt down some Japanese turnips. Grilled Hakurei Turnips and Radishes make a great bbq side dish. Field to farm eating at it’s best.
EASY GRILLED SHISHITO PEPPERS
When I say EASY I mean SUPER EASY. 3 ingredients, one pan.
- Wash the peppers, pat dry and place in a bowl.
- Drizzle some olive oil (I like to use avocado oil).
- Sprinkle on some togarashi spice.
- Place the peppers in a grill basket.
- Grill and eat.
How easy does that sound? No cutting, or cleaning necessary. You eat the WHOLE pepper (just not the very top) unless you really want to.
Have you ever tried *togarashi spice? Sometimes called Japanese 7 spice, it really works well on shishito peppers. Japanese peppers seasoned with Japanese spice.
For the most part, shishito peppers are mild with a hint of smokey flavour. About 1 in 10 can be HOT. I wanted to make my shishito peppers spicy (but not too spicy). Don’t go too heavy on the spice, it really packs a punch.
Some people will cook the peppers right on the grates. I like to use a *grill basket. You don’t have to worry about them falling through the grates (you don’t want to lose any of these tasty gems). You can also place them on skewers if you wish.
Grill over medium-high heat for about 6-8 minutes, turning several times while cooking.
What you are looking to achieve are peppers that are nicely blistered and charred on the outside.
Once they are done, put them in a bowl and let the guests help themselves. They are so addictively good, believe me, they will disappear in a flash.
It is always fun to see who gets the HOT one. You will know when they suddenly reach for something to drink. It’s like winning the lottery if you like spicy food.
OTHER WAYS TO COOK SHISHITO PEPPERS
We love to grill them, but you can also:
- saute
- roast
- fry
You can even eat them RAW if you like.
How long will shishito peppers last? Fresh peppers will last about 2 weeks in the refrigerator.
Summer entertaining should be stress-free. Food should be easy to make and fun to eat. Things like Chili Lime Chicken Skewers, Kofta Kebabs, and Grilled Garlic Scapes are always a hit.
Looking for a low cab appetizer? Roasted Eggplant Slices are perfect.
How about cold soup? Zucchini Noodle Gazpacho is the perfect summer appetizer for your next bbq party.
Grilled Shishito Peppers are going to be a hit at lots of parties this summer. Next time you go shopping, pick some up and give them a try.
What is your favourite grilled pepper recipe?
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Togarashi Grilled Shishito Peppers
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh shishito peppers
- 1 tbsp avocado oil
- 1/2 tsp togarashi seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
- Wash peppers, dry and place in a bowl. **NOTE** Leave peppers WHOLE.
- Add the oil to the peppers. Using your hands, rub the peppers to coat evenly.
- Sprinkle on the seasoning, and shake to distribute. Place in a grill basket.
- Grill for about 6-8 minutes, turning often.You want the peppers to be nicely charred and blistered.
- Remove from heat.
- Place in a bowl and let the guests help themselves.
- ENJOY!
Daniela
Love shishito peppers!!! Don’t make them as often as I should and your recipe is def inspiring me to get my shishito pepper game on… :)!!!
Gloria | Homemade & Yummy
ENJOY…these are fun to make and fun to eat too.
Jo
Grilled peppers is such a great snack. I love this grilling season, so many wonderful things to be grilled and these grilled shishito peppers are so wonderful.
Gloria | Homemade & Yummy
I love grilling veggies ALL the time.
Julie
I’ve never heard of togarashi spice before! It sounds delicious. Somehow I always seem to get that 1 in 10 SUPER spicy shishito pepper — good thing I love spicy.
Gloria | Homemade & Yummy
The spice really is a great addition to this recipe. It can really heat things up.
Karyl Henry
There’s a local bar we go to and they have shishito peppers on the menu. They are so good! And thankfully I’ve never gotten one of the really hot ones. I have never heard of this togarashi spice, but it looks right up my alley
Gloria | Homemade & Yummy
I have a link in the post. It works great with these peppers.
Lorie
Did you say 3 ingredients?! That sounds perfect for one of my favorite peppers! I’m already dreaming up all the fun ways I’m going to enjoy these—bring the party on now!
Gloria | Homemade & Yummy
So many great ways to enjoy these grilled peppers. Party on!!
Amanda
I love a quick and easy appetizer, and this is perfect for the summer! They’re always a hit and so easy to make. Thanks for sharing!
Gloria | Homemade & Yummy
You are welcome…hope you give this recipe a try soon.
Sara
I’ve never tried grilling shishito peppers before! I would definitely use a grill basket too, as I feel like the peppers would fall too easily through the cracks. The seasoning you use sounds SO good, and so perfect for a simple blend on top of the peppers! I want to eat these with some chicken and rice for dinner!
Gloria | Homemade & Yummy
Have fun with this grilled pepper recipe. The spice really adds another level of flavour. There is a link in the post.
kylee
I love this idea!! Here in the southwest, we love a bit of heat and spice – these look fantastic and right up my family’s alley!!
Gloria | Homemade & Yummy
These are fun to make and fun to eat too. ENJOY!
Amy
What a fantastic appetizer idea! This recipe is so simple and I love the seasonings you used. I also love how you can grill them!
Gloria | Homemade & Yummy
It’s all about easy and delicious, especially for summer entertaining.
Jordan
Shishito peppers are one of my favorite appetizers! We usually make them on the stovetop so I’m dying to try them out on the grill. Showing this to my hubby ASAP!
Gloria | Homemade & Yummy
ENJOY…grilling them is awesome.
lauren
When I worked for the Palm we used to have flash fried shisitos as a catering appetizer, they were always a bit hit! Having them grilled sounds far more delicious and I love that grilling basket you mentioned!
Gloria | Homemade & Yummy
These for sure are a hit with the guests. Easy to make and delicious to eat too.
Jennifer T Tammy
Wow these sound amazing! I love spicy food, and luckily so does my daughter so this sounds great for a movie night.
Gloria | Homemade & Yummy
Although the peppers themselves are NOT very spicy (unless you manage to get the HOT one), the seasoning is spicy!!
Toni
I can’t wait to give this a try! So easy to make!
Gloria | Homemade & Yummy
ENJOY…these are great for bbq parties.
Dana
Shishito peppers make for SUCH a great snack. I’ve only ever blistered them in a skillet before, so I’m super excited to try grilling them. I bet they taste awesome with that hint of smokey char-grilled goodness. Perfect side dish/finger food for summer meals!
Gloria | Homemade & Yummy
Preparing them on the grill is easy and delicious. Give it a try and see. I know you will love them just as much.
Trish Bozeman
Oh I love shishito peppers! The perfect grilled summer snack or appetizer. I’ve never tried them with togarashi though. I’m trying this out next time I make them!
Gloria | Homemade & Yummy
The Japenese spice with the Japenese peppers pairs perfectly together.
Lindsay Cotter
These are such an easy and fun appetizer to make! So delicious – I know they will disappear fast!
Gloria | Homemade & Yummy
That they do…make lots!!
Lois Christensen
I’ve never had a shishito pepper! Looks like a yummy appetizer!
Gloria | Homemade & Yummy
You really need to give these a try. Shishito peppers are fun to make and super fun to eat.
Jenni LeBaron
We love shishito peppers at my house, but grilling them is brilliant. The togarashi seasoning is also a welcome addition to these little spicy gems! These would be gobbled up in no time at my house!
Gloria | Homemade & Yummy
Grilled is super easy and delicious. A great way to prepare shishito peppers for sure.
Sean
Hooray for shishito peppers! They’re so tasty and fun – and I love that you doubled down on the pepper kick by using shichimi togarashi. Great little snack or appetizer, and perfect for summer!
Gloria | Homemade & Yummy
YES they are awesome. Always a hit with the guests. The togarashi really does add a nice little kick, especially if you get the hot pepper!!
Daniela
I LOVE Togarashi and shishito peppers but, for some reason, I’ve never thought to put the two together. Now, I’m definitely going to! It’s such an easy appetizer too! I can’t wait to make them for the 4th of July!
Gloria | Homemade & Yummy
They pair really well together. The perfect party appetizer.
Kylie
I’ve always wanted to try shishito peppers, but never really knew how to prepare them! After reading this post, I feel like I could confidently make these – and would love them. Thanks so much for sharing! My mouth is watering already 🙂
Gloria | Homemade & Yummy
Super easy to make. Give them a try and see. You will love the results.
Sandra Shaffer
I just found some shishito peppers at my farmer’s market and wasn’t quite sure what do do with them. These are a GREAT appetizer idea. Thanks for including the togarshi spice too!
Gloria | Homemade & Yummy
You will have fun with these little gems. ENJOY!
Carmy
Whoa! These look amazing! I’ve never thought to grill shishito peppers until now! Twice now I’ve gotten that 1 in 10 hot one so hopefully when I make them at home, I’m luckily haha.
Gloria | Homemade & Yummy
You hit the jackpot!! These are so much fun right??
Marisa F. Stewart
I LOVE special seasonings. Hubby is forever making fun of me for buying “something new”. Since we are avid grillers – these Japanese peppers would be a great appetizer for us to make. I’ll be searching out the Farmers Market to see if they have them yet. Also, I’ll be getting that seasoning.
Gloria | Homemade & Yummy
Have fun with these. Fun to make and fun to eat. Happy grilling.
Arlene Mobley
I’ve never grilled these particular peppers but have many others. Grilled poblano peppers are my favorite. I’ll have to see if I can find these.
Gloria | Homemade & Yummy
I can’t find poblano very easy…grilled peppers are so good.
Jolina
We love shishito peppers. We usually just season with salt and toss in olive oil then grill. Where do you buy togarashi seasoning? Sounds tasty!
Gloria | Homemade & Yummy
I have included a link for Amazon, but you can also get it at Farm Boy…do you have one near you?
Veena Azmanov
Delicious and tasty for any meal. Have to surely try making these. Flavorful too.
Gloria | Homemade & Yummy
They are fun to make, and fun to eat. The perfect party appetizer. Hope you give them a try.
Denise
Both the seasoning and peppers are new to me, and I am intrigued! They look and sound so good. I have to look for them.
Gloria | Homemade & Yummy
I am glad I gave them a try. They are the perfect bbq party appetizer.
Tara
I totally need to pick up some of this togarashi seasoning, because I already adore Shishito peppers!
Gloria | Homemade & Yummy
I have included an Amazon link in the post, so you can easily order it.
Heidy L. McCallum
I don’t think I have ever had grilled shishito peppers before but they sound amazing.
Gloria | Homemade & Yummy
Hope you give them a try. They are tasty and fun for sure.
Jessica Formicola
Shishito peppers are my favorite! I can’t wait to try this grilled recipe!
Gloria | Homemade & Yummy
These shishito peppers are so easy to make on the grill. Hope you give them a try.
Demeter
I love watching those kids cooking shows. It really reminds you to keep yourself open to trying new things. Love that it introduced you to this dish!
Gloria | Homemade & Yummy
I know….you can learn so much from kids it’s crazy!!
Toni
This was really amazing! A big hit at my house!
Gloria | Homemade & Yummy
Glad to hear. It is a fun recipe for entertaining.
Debra
Such a smart idea to make these on the grill. I usually do them in a cast iron skillet…but that smokes up the kitchen. Can’t wait to try them on the grill…and that seasoning too.
Gloria | Homemade & Yummy
Grilling them is super easy…and they turn out amazing. The seasoning works well, but go gently it is hot.