If you're looking for a quick, flavorful, and slightly adventurous side dish or snack, meet your new favorite ingredient: Shishito peppers. These slender, wrinkled green peppers from Japan are gaining popularity in the U.S. for their mild heat (most are sweet, but about 1 in 10 packs a surprising punch!) and their versatility in the kitchen.

In this blog, we’ll explore what makes shishito peppers special, how to cook them perfectly, and plus some Cookpad community recipes you can try at home.

🌶 What Are Shishito Peppers?

Shishito peppers are small, thin-skinned peppers typically harvested when green. While similar to Spanish padron peppers, the flavor of shishito peppers is grassy, slightly sweet, and smoky when blistered. While mostly mild, they have a fun "pepper roulette" reputation—about 1 in every 10 peppers is surprisingly spicy, which adds excitement to each bite!

Blistered Shishito Peppers

Blistered Shishito Peppers Recipe by Olivia Mack Anderson
Super easy, super delicious appetizer or snack
CookpadOlivia Mack Anderson

Padron Pepper Tapas

Padron Peppers Recipe by Jose Navarro
There was a time when eating a padron peppers tapas was like playing roulette because every few you would get a very spicy one. It was always part of the fun about pardon peppers. Unfortunately, you can’t find spicy ones anymore 😔.
CookpadJose Navarro

🔥 How to Cook Shishito Peppers (Simple & Fast)

The best part? Shishito peppers require minimal prep and cook in minutes.

Basic Blistered Shishito Peppers (Pan Method)

Ingredients:

  • Fresh shishito peppers
  • 1–2 tsp oil (sesame, olive, or avocado)
  • Flaky sea salt
  • Optional: Lemon wedge or soy sauce drizzle

Instructions:

  1. Heat a cast iron or heavy skillet over medium-high until very hot.
  2. Toss peppers with oil and place in the pan in a single layer.
  3. Let them char and blister, turning occasionally (about 5–7 minutes).
  4. Remove from heat, sprinkle with sea salt, and serve hot.

Optional twist: Squeeze a little lemon juice or drizzle with soy sauce or ponzu for an extra layer of flavor.

Cookpad author Lilis.home has a great recipe for Charred Shishito Peppers:

Charred Shishito Peppers Recipe by lilis.home
One of my favorite appetizers at an izakaya, I’ve perfected my own version in this recipe.
Cookpadlilis.home

🧑‍🍳 Shishito Peppers Cooking Tips

  • Don’t overcrowd the pan: A single layer allows for better blistering.
  • Use high heat: That’s what gives the peppers their irresistible char and smokiness.
  • Serve immediately: They’re best hot and just-cooked, with crispy skin.
  • Add texture or dip: Try them with Japanese mayo, miso aioli, or even hummus.

🍽 Recipe Ideas & Dish Pairings

Shishito peppers are incredibly versatile. Here are some ways to enjoy them:

Shishito, Eggplant and Tomato Stir Fry

These peppers pair super well in stir fries with other summer nightshade fruits like eggplant and tomato.

Eggplant Pepper And Tomato Stirfry 炒三茄 Vegan Recipe by Eat Whole 2 Thrive
This is one of my favorite summer nightshade recipes. Made with young Chinese eggplant, tender shishito pepper and vine ripen tomatoes #vegan
CookpadEat Whole 2 Thrive

Tempura Shishito

Dip them in a batter and fry for a crunchy appetizer.

Tempura Fried Shishito Peppers Recipe by Chef Weird Beard
Shishito Peppers are mild and easy to eat with almost no heat, BUT BE WARNED! They are sometimes called “1 in 10” Peppers because one in ten of them are Holy Molly Hot. Make a drinking game out of it: the person who gets the hot one must finish their beer 🍺 (they’ll want to anyway) This is a hearti…
CookpadChef Weird Beard

Grilled Shishito Peppers

A great summer BBQ side.

George Foreman Grilled Shishito Peppers Recipe by Spicy George Foreman
Quick way to prep grilled shishitos
CookpadSpicy George Foreman

Sautéed Shishito Peppers

Toss with lemon or lime juice for a zesty finish.

Sautéed Shishito Peppers Recipe by jansportw
Caution: about one in ten shishito peppers will be “spicy”
Cookpadjansportw

Shishito Skewers

Swap padron peppers for shishitos in this recipe to grill on the barbecue!

Goodness Grilled Padron Chilli, Red Onions, Baby Tomatoes With Honey Mustard Recipe by Yui Miles
This is a perfect side dish to go with other bbq dishes #summerchallenge1
CookpadYui Miles

Looking for more inspiration? Explore all our shishito pepper recipes on Cookpad:

Discover unique shishito pepper recipes you’ll love
Explore a variety of shishito pepper dishes, from grilled to stuffed. Find your new favorite spicy recipe today!
Cookpad

🛒 Where to Buy Shishito Peppers

You can find fresh shishito peppers at:

  • Asian grocery stores (like H Mart or Mitsuwa)
  • Farmer’s markets (especially in summer)
  • Larger supermarkets (Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s, etc.)

Look for firm, glossy green peppers without soft spots. If you can't find them, you can always look for padron peppers instead!

Shishito peppers are a low-effort, high-reward ingredient that deserves a spot in your weekly rotation. Whether you're snacking on them straight from the pan or adding them to a fancy dinner plate, they bring a mild heat, deep flavor, and just a hint of surprise.

Have a favorite way to cook shishito peppers? Share your twist with the Cookpad community—we’d love to see your ideas!

Related recipes you'll love: