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.
Amy Liu Dong
The grilled peppers were awesome, you can actually taste and feel the smokiness of it, and the togarashi or the other seasonings, enhances the grilled peppers!
Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy
These are perfect for BBQ parties. Great as an appetizer or side dish. Glad you enjoyed them.
Sherry
These were a hit with my husband who loves a bit of heat with his food, but were not too spicy for me to enjoy as well.
Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy
These are fun little peppers, and some really have a kick to them.
swathi
Grilled shishito peppers is perfect , my new favorite. This is going to be in my menu.
Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy
So glad you enjoyed these delicious grilled Japanese peppers.
Jeri
These grilled Shishito peppers turned out fantastic! They were perfectly blistered and smoky. I loved the togarashi seasoning too!
Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy
The little gems are a hit at BBQ parties.
Moop Brown
I’m a big fan of shishito peppers but I don’t think I’ve ever tried them with togarshi before however, this recipe has me intrigued and wanting to try. Thanks.
Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy
Hope you give this recipe a try soon. They are a hit at BBWQ parties.
Bernice
I was able to find shisito peppers this week and I have a brand new togarashi I’ve been wanting to try out. It’s got dried yuzu in it so it’s going to be extra tasty!
Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy
That sounds like a delicious plan for sure. ENJOY!
Krystle
I adore the flavor of the spicy pepper and charring makes all the difference. We love serving them on sandwiches and quesadillas most
Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy
I agree, there are so many delicious way to enjoy these spicy grilled peppers.
Yu
Shishito is my favorite vegetable, and I can never have enough of it! This recipe turned out simple yet delicious! Thank you for posting this fantastic recipe!
Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy
You are very welcome. This is a fun recipe for summer.
mindy
Very yummy! Love the spicy flavors from togarashi. Such a simple and tasty recipe!
Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy
These grilled Japanese peppers are always a hit at parties.
Choclette
I often do grilled peppers, but I’ve never tried them with togarashi seasoning before now. Oh my, I’m hooked. Thanks for enlightening me.
Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy
I know right? These are so additive and fun. Always a hit with my dinner guests.
Glenda
Love! Love! Love! These were fantastic! I ended up making two batches. One spicy and one more mild. They were the hit of the barbecue. Thanks for cluing me in about togarashi spice!
Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy
I know right. These grilled shishito peppers are always the hit of the party. So glad you enjoyed them.
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.