Roasted Shishito Peppers

Name: Roasted Shishito Peppers
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 1 pint shishito peppers; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1/4 teaspoon salt; Sesame seeds (or furikake); 1/4 cup smooth peanut butter; 1/4 cup tamari; 2 tablespoons rice vinegar; 1 tablespoon maple syrup; 1 tablespoon sriracha

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

A quick recipe for Roasted Shishito peppers using simple ingredients. Dressed up with a rich and tangy peanut sauce and sesame seeds. Vegan.

plate with roasted shishito peppers drizzled with peanut sauce.

Why You'll Love This

I recently joined a local CSA program, and I was delighted to see a carton full of shishito peppers in my first box! I have made these charred shishito peppers many times before—ever since I tried them for the first time at a restaurant here in Nashville. I could not believe how juicy, yet crispy they were! These are the BEST roasted shishito peppers because they are done up with my popular 5-ingredient peanut sauce, a recipe I have been making ever since I began cooking (years 😉 ). It pairs perfectly with these delicious peppers.

What are Shishito Peppers?

Shishito peppers are an East Asian variety of thin-skinned little green peppers that come in fun, irregular shapes. They are fairly mild when it comes to spice level, but every once in awhile you may come across one that has a little kick to it. They cook very quickly and taste juicy and smoky with a hint of sweetness.

Where to Find Shishito Peppers

Shishito peppers are in season through summer and into early fall. Visit your local farmers market during this season to find them. You may also find them at the grocery store when in season. You can also sub Spanish padron peppers if they happen to be more available.

Ingredients

carton of fresh shishito peppers with small bowls of sesame seeds, olive oil, and salt.

Shishito peppers: In season summer and early fall. You can sub padron peppers if they are more available.
Olive oil: For seasoning and roasting the peppers. Or sub with a high-heat oil like avocado oil.
Salt: To enhance the natural sweet and tangy flavor of the peppers.
Sesame seeds: Optional, but add a little extra crunchiness, and they look pretty!
Peanut sauce: Also optional, but adds a richness that pairs beautifully with the tangy, charred peppers.

How to Make Roasted Shishito Peppers

Preheat oven to 425F.

1. Season the peppers. Spread the peppers out on a baking sheet and season with oil and salt. Toss to combine.

baking sheet with fresh shishito peppers seasoned in oil and salt.

2. Bake. Roast for 5 minutes, then stir the pan and roast an additional 2-3 minutes. Broil 1-3 minutes to get that extra bit of charred texture.

3. Make the peanut sauce. Whisk together all of the peanut sauce ingredients until smooth.

4. Serve. Let cool for about 5 minutes, then transfer to a serving dish and sprinkle with sesame seeds. Drizzle peanut sauce over top or serve on the side in a small dipping bowl.

roasted shishito peppers with drizzle of peanut sauce on plate with spoon.

Chef Tips

Cook at a high temperature. Roast at 425F and your peppers will be ready in 7-8 minutes. That's one of the many reasons to love shishito peppers—they cook so fast!
Keep an eye on the peppers. Because shishito peppers are quick cooking, keep an eye on them while roasting in case you need to remove them early. Remember, all ovens are different! You want them to maintain their shape and green color.
Serve right away. Cool a few minutes, then serve. While shishito peppers can be stored, they are best enjoyed right away!

Serving Suggestions

I usually serve Roasted Shishito Peppers as a side dish to a Buddha bowl, like my Tempeh Buddha Bowl. You could also serve it alongside my Vegetarian Bánh Mìs. If serving as an appetizer, they go great with Sesame Sticky Tofu!

Storage

I recommend enjoying shishito peppers right away, however you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for one day. Simply reheat by warming in the oven at 350F.

FAQs

Are shishito peppers hot (spicy)?

No. Shishito peppers are generally mild, but every so often you'll get one with a little kick—more specifically, about every 1 in 10!

Are shishito peppers healthy?

Yes! Shishito peppers are full of healthy vitamins and antioxidants, particularly vitamin C and K1. They are known for supporting immune, heart, and bone health.

What is the best way to eat shishito peppers?

I enjoy roasting them, but they char nicely in a hot skillet too. Pair them with a sauce, like my 5-Ingredient Peanut Sauce. To eat, hold onto the stem and bite off the rest of the pepper, then discard the stems.

How do Japanese eat shishito peppers?

To make shishito peppers Japanese-style, grill them! Grilling shishito peppers is a classic Japanese method for preparing these peppers.

Are shishito peppers hotter then jalapeños?

No. Shishito peppers are 50 to 200 SHU on the Scoville heat scale—much milder than a jalapeño.

Do you need to remove seeds from shishito peppers?

Nope! The seeds are harmless, unlike the spicy seeds of jalapeños.

plate with roasted shishito peppers garnished with peanut sauce and sesame seeds.

I hope you enjoy this Roasted Shishito Peppers recipe as much as I have! Enjoy 🙂

More Recipes You Might Like!

Don't forget to rate the recipe and share your thoughts in the comments below!

📖 Recipe

roasted shishito peppers on serving plate with spoonful of peanut sauce drizzled over top.

Print Recipe

No ratings yet