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. If you have never tried togarashi seasoning, you are in for a real treat.
Spicy grilled shishito peppers are great for parties. The perfect balance of smoky char and mild heat. Serve as an appetizer or side dish.
Speaking of Japanese cuisine, this sushi salad recipe is a must-try. All the flavours of a California roll in a bowl. None of the work involved rolling sushi. Perfect!
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.
What is a shishito pepper? It is 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.
Looking for a super easy side dish? How about some simple grilled green beans? Made in foil packets, no fuss, no mess, super delicious.
Easy Grilled Shishito Peppers
When I say easy I mean super easy. 3 ingredients, one pan. Perfectly blistered shishito peppers.
- 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 is necessary. You eat the whole pepper (just not the very top) unless you really want to.
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. You want 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.
Suggestions/Recipe Tips
Other ways to cook shishito peppers:
- 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.
Togarashi is a Japanese umami spice blend consisting of yuzu, ginger, red chili powder, seaweed, black and white sesame seeds, and sansho. It is also called Japanese 7 Spice. It can be found in grocery stores, online spice stores, and on Amazon (affiliate link).
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 mushroom stacks are an easy-to-make starter or light meal option.
Grilled Vegetables are the easiest side dish for summer and beyond. Mix and match your veggies and spices however you please.
Festive Guacamole Appetizers are an easy and fun starter for any party.
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Japanese 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.
Togarashi Grilled Shishito Peppers
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh shishito peppers
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil
- ½ teaspoon 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.
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.