These Oven Roasted Shishito Peppers make the perfect easy and fast appetizer or side dish. Served with a creamy lemon and sriracha dipping sauce, these slightly charred and blistered peppers are utterly addictive.
We all know it's hard to find genuinely good-for-you but delicious appetizers and snacks.
Ready in just 10 minutes, these mild and sweet peppers are an amazing healthy dish the whole family can enjoy.
Everyone loves finger food, just pick up the peppers and dip right into the sweet, sour and slightly spicy mayo sauce. There's no way you'll stop at one!
Jump to:
- Why You'll Love Roasted Shishito Peppers
- What Are Shishito Peppers?
- Roasted Shishito Pepper Ingredients
- How to roast Shishito Peppers - Step-By-Step
- Other Ways to Cook Shishito Peppers
- Variations & Substitutions for Roasted Shishito Peppers
- Tips & Tricks For Making Roast Shishito Peppers
- Pin This Roasted Shishito Peppers with Dipping Sauce Recipe For Later
- What Do You Think?!
- More Easy Appetizer Ideas
- Printable Recipe
- Roasted Shishito Peppers with Dipping Sauce
- Reader Comments & Ratings
Why You'll Love Roasted Shishito Peppers
- Roasting is the best way to cook shishitos - it really intensifies the flavor and brings out the natural sweetness of these peppers.
- These baked shishito peppers can be grilled or cooked in a skillet on the stove too, making this is super versatile dish.
- A perfect appetizer or side for vegetarian and vegan diners (just swap the mayo in the dipping sauce for a vegan alternative).
- These peppers are sweet and mild, so suitable for the kids, just add a mild dipping sauce alongside.
What Are Shishito Peppers?
A shishito is a variety of green pepper which originates in Japan. They are popular in Asian restaurants and East Asia cuisine generally.
How to eat Shishito Peppers?
Shishito peppers can be eaten whole, leaving just the stalk. That's how I like to serve them, seeds and all.
Shishito peppers can be eaten raw, however they are most often served charred and blistered which tenderizes them and really packs in the flavor
Are Shishito Peppers the Same as Padrón Peppers?
No, shishito and padron are two entirely different varieties of peppers. A shishito pepper is sweet and mild, whereas padron peppers have a smoky flavor.
How spicy are shishito peppers?
Shishito peppers are mildly spicy and not high on the Scoville scale. They are hotter than bell peppers, but far milder than a jalapeno. That said, eating shishitos is said to be a bit like Russian Roulette - every now and then there's a chance of a super hot one!
Where can I buy Shishito peppers?
You can often find them in the produce section of your grocery store or at the Farmer's market. I always buy my Shishito peppers at Trader Joe, where they are inexpensive and usually very fresh.
Asian markets also often stock them, if you're lucky enough to have one close by.
Are shishito peppers good for you?
Like most peppers, shishito peppers are incredibly good for you and are packed full of Vitamin A! If you want to make a healthier dip then I suggest switching out the mayonnaise for some Greek yogurt instead. Or just enjoy them with flaky salt and some lemon juice.
Roasted Shishito Pepper Ingredients
Find the full list and quantities in the recipe below.
Peppers - I have used shishito peppers in this recipe, however this method of roasting the peppers can be used with any pepper.
Oil - avocado oil is suggested in this recipe as it has a high smoke point and won't burn. However, any neutral flavored oil will work just fine.
Seasoning - a little sea salt is all that is needed to allow the sweet flavor of the peppers toshine through.
Sauce - I have included a dipping sauce which I enjoy with these baked shishito peppers. The base of the sauce uses a good quality mayonnaise which is then flavored with fresh lemon juice, tomato ketchup and sriracha sauce.
You can swap the mayonnaise for Greek yogurt for a lighter dipping sauce. Likewise, if you want a spicier dipping sauce, swap the sriracha for a hot chili sauce.
How to roast Shishito Peppers - Step-By-Step
Here are some quick instructions with pictures. Remember that full instructions with exact ingredients will be in the recipe card below.
Toss the whole peppers with oil and season well with sea salt.
Roast on the top shelf of a very hot oven for around 10 minutes, turning once, until the peppers are tender and starting to blister.
Meanwhile make the dipping sauce by mixing all the sauce ingredients in a medium mixing bowl.
Serve hot with lemon or lime wedges and the dipping sauce.
Other Ways to Cook Shishito Peppers
Skillet Cooked Peppers
Use the same method to oil and season the peppers, but cook in a cast iron pan over a medium-high heat.
This method will be a little faster and you will need to keep turning the peppers in the pan. Turn the heat down if the peppers start to char before they begin to soften.
Grilled Peppers
Again use the same seasoning method as before.
Then cook over a grill pre-heated to medium high. Turn once during cooking.
Variations & Substitutions for Roasted Shishito Peppers
If you don't have time to make a creamy dipping sauce just add a simple squeeze of lime or lemon and a sprinkle of salt.
A drizzle of soy sauce or sesame oil and a sprinkling of sesame seeds also works.
Olive oil is fine to use for roasting if you prefer. I use avocado oil as it has a high smoke point.
If you're a fan of the air fryer that is also a great cooking method for these peppers. Place in a pre-heated air fryer on 400ºF for around 10 minutes for perfectly blistered shishitos.
Tips & Tricks For Making Roast Shishito Peppers
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper before adding the peppers and a little oil. This makes cleaning up a lot easier.
- Try to roast them in a single layer so they have space to cook.
- Take time to properly season the peppers as it will make a huge difference to the finished dish.
- Feeding vegan diners? For the dipping sauce you will find that most sriracha brands are vegan, just check the label. Then use an egg-free vegan mayo in place of regular, or a coconut yogurt instead.
How To Serve Shishito Peppers
These charred and blistered shishito peppers made a great tasting appetizer or healthy snack. I have served them here with a spicy dipping sauce, but how about serving with my Gochujang Mayonnaise for a different twist?
Shishito peppers are a great summer side, perfect for a backyard cookout. They would be the perfect accompaniment to my Grilled Bone-in Chicken Thighs with Asian Marinade, my Grilled Rainbow Kabobs or Honey Lime Grilled Chicken Thighs.
Cold leftover shishito peppers can be sliced up and added to salads. Or add to a sandwich along with some leftover dipping sauce for a real flavor explosion.
How To Reheat Roasted Shishito Peppers?
Without a doubt these delicious peppers are best served warm, straight from the oven. However, leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To warm them up again, lay them on a tray and place into a hot oven 190C/375F to warm through.
Pin This Roasted Shishito Peppers with Dipping Sauce Recipe For Later
What Do You Think?!
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More Easy Appetizer Ideas
Printable Recipe
Roasted Shishito Peppers with Dipping Sauce
Ingredients
- 10 oz Shishito Peppers
- 2 tbsp Avocado Oil
- Sea Salt
For The Dipping Sauce
- ½ cup Mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp Lemon Juice
- 1 tbsp Tomato Ketchup
- 1 tbsp Sriracha
Optional To Serve
- Lemon Wedges - or Lime Wedges
Instructions
- Pre-heat the oven to 500ºF/250ºC
- Line a sheet pan with parchment paper for easier clean up.
- Toss the peppers with the avocado oil directly on the lined sheet pan and season well with sea salt.
- Roast on the top shelf of the oven for around 10 minutes, turning once, until the peppers are tender and starting to blister.
- Meanwhile make the dipping sauce by mixing all the sauce ingredients in a medium mixing bowls.
- Serve hot with lemon or lime wedges and the dipping sauce.
To Skillet Cook
- Toss in oil and season the peppers as before.
- Cook in a medium- hot cast iron skillet on the stovetop until the peppers are tender and starting to blister. Turn the peppers in the pan as they are cooking.
- Tip! Make sure that the kitchen is well ventilated as the peppers will smoke as they are cooking!
To Grill
- Toss in oil and season the peppers as before.
- Heat the grill until medium-hot. Cook the peppers on the hot grill, turning once, until the peppers are tender, charred and starting to blister.
Cat | Curly's Cooking says
I've had padron peppers before and really like them so I will have to try these. They look delicious!
Jo Keohane says
Hope you enjoy! Thanks so much for the comment!!
Carrie Carvalho says
You are right, these are utterly addictive! The dipping sauce is just perfect too.
Jo Keohane says
Thanks so much Carrie - we love them in our house too.