• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Fearless Dining
  • New to GF? Start Here
  • GF Resources
    • Safe Gluten Free Dining Tips
  • Recipes
  • GF Cookbooks
    • Pantry
  • About Me
menu icon
go to homepage
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Home
  • New to GF? Start Here!
  • Recipe Index
  • Check Out My Gluten Free Cookbooks!
  • Gluten Free Dining Tips
  • About Fearless Dining
  • Contact Me
  • Follow Along

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • ×

    Home » Recipes » Appetizer Recipes

    8 Tasty Ways To Enjoy Shishito Peppers {Easy Recipes}

    Published: Mar 29, 2022 · Modified: Mar 29, 2022 by Sandi Gaertner · 64 Comments · This post may contain affiliate links

    a pinterest collage of two shishito pepper photos

    Learn how to cook shishito peppers in 3 different ways. I also include 8 unique and tasty shishito pepper recipes to help get you started. All of these recipes are easy to prepare; perfect for beginners!

    a collection of four shishito pepper recipe photos
    Jump to:
    • What Are Shishito Peppers?
    • Where To Buy Shishito Peppers?
    • How Long Do Shishito Keep Fresh?
    • How Do You Know When Shishito Peppers Are Ripe?
    • How Do You Cook Shishito Peppers?
    • Shishito Pepper FAQ:
    • Are Shishito Peppers Healthy?
    • Are They Considered Seasonal?
    • More Delicious Pepper Recipes To Try:
    • Community

    So you found shishito peppers at your farmer's market or store and you don't know what to do with them?

    What Are Shishito Peppers?

    Up until a year ago, I had no idea what shishito peppers were. Friends of ours all met us for dinner one night in downtown Campbell. (There weren't a ton of gluten free appetizers on the menu, so we decided to give these shishito peppers a try.) Their recipe called for fire roasting with chunks of garlic.

    Can I say YUM any louder? We inhaled those peppers so quickly I think our waitress was surprised :-).

    I love peppers, but for some reason, I always walked right by them. Now I know exactly how to have fun with these fun little peppers in my kitchen. Shishito peppers are incredibly versatile and work in so many different kinds of recipes.

    shishito peppers in a grill basket

    Where To Buy Shishito Peppers?

    You would be surprised how many stores now carry these peppers.

    • Farmer's markets
    • Grocery stores
    • Trader Joe's even carries them year-round in their refrigerated produce section!

    How Long Do Shishito Keep Fresh?

    Freshly picked shishito peppers will last in the fridge for around 10-14 days. Once the peppers become soft, they are starting to go bad. Use them up right away at this point.

    For best results, store the shishito peppers in the crispy and uncovered. Never store them in plastic containers or bags, because air will be trapped inside and they will begin to spoil rather quickly.

    If you can’t eat all the peppers up fast enough, you can also dice them into small pieces and store them in the freezer. Place the peppers in an airtight container or freezer bag.

    They should last anywhere from 10-12 months. If you notice them becoming freezer burnt, the flavor will be altered, but they are still edible. Frozen shishito peppers are fantastic in soups, tacos, and other recipes.

    How Do You Know When Shishito Peppers Are Ripe?

    If you are growing shishito peppers in your garden and want to know when they are ripe, go by the size. Ripe peppers range from 3 to 5 inches long. If the peppers are left to grow, they will turn a bright red color.

    You can still eat them when they are overripe, but won’t taste as good. When they are in their prime ripened state, they are a light-medium green color.

    shishito peppers in a cast iron skillet

    How Do You Cook Shishito Peppers?

    There are several different ways you can cook these peppers. I say try them all because each method is terrific! Here are a few ideas:

    • Grilled - Char them on the grill in a grill basket, and serve them with steak, chicken, or any other meat.
    • Air Fryer - Toss them in the air fryer with some oil spritzed on them and cook for 5-6 minutes at 375º F. This is another option for blistering them.
    • Baked - Toss in avocado oil and bake for 5-7 minutes at 450º F.
    Red shishito peppers roasting in a cast iron skillet
    Shishito peppers also come in this vibrant red color!

    When you are cooking shishitos, many recipes call for them to be blistered. You will be surprised to know it is super easy to blister peppers.

    All you need to do is heat a little bit of oil (olive or avocado are my favorites) and cook them in a heavy skillet. Turn the peppers until all sides have blisters then they are ready to go.

    Shishito Pepper FAQ:

    • Are shishito peppers spicy? Not into spicy?? Not to worry. They say only 1 in 10 shishito peppers is spicy. (*I will add I have yet to find a spicy one. I haven't even broken out into a sweat over one.)
    • Can you eat shishito peppers raw? Shishito peppers can be eaten raw like any pepper, but they are more fun to use in recipes when they are cooked.
    • Can you eat the whole pepper? You can eat the whole pepper, but I highly recommend not eating the tops.
    • Can you eat the seeds of shishito peppers? Absolutely!

    Are Shishito Peppers Healthy?

    Yes, shishito peppers are known for having a high vitamin C content. Additionally, they are loaded with manganese, potassium, vitamin K, and vitamin B6.

    Add peppers to all your favorite dishes to sneak in the extra nutrients while enhancing the flavor. Plus, they are only 35 calories per serving.

    Are They Considered Seasonal?

    No, these peppers are so popular, you can now buy shishito peppers any time of year at your local grocer. Their peak season is in the summer and the beginning of fall. Unlike other fruits and vegetables, shishito peppers still taste really good when they aren’t in the peak season!

    If you like spicy, check out my most popular Hatch Green Chile recipes. I also teach you how to roast these peppers without burning your hands and eyeball!!

    More Delicious Pepper Recipes To Try:

    • Blistered Padrone Peppers
    • Roasted Red Pepper Panini Sandwich
    • Beef Stuffed Pasilla Peppers
    • Gluten Free Turkey Stuffed Bell Peppers

    8 Delicious Shishito Pepper Recipes

    Here are some of the best shishito pepper recipes to try. Naturally gluten free.

    Blistered Shishito Peppers with Garlic

    I love these simple pan-fried blistered shishito peppers with garlic. These peppers are cooked in a hot cast-iron skillet with lots of minced garlic and oil. Go ahead and eat the seeds and all. Just don't eat the stem!

    Sauted Chicken with Shishito Pepper Sauce over Cheesy Polenta

    This sautéd chicken over cheese polenta and topped with a shishito pepper sauce is a fancy dinner recipe that is made to impress! Cheesy polenta and shishito peppers are a match made in heaven.

    Photo Credit: www.traderjoes.com

    Roasted Shishito Pepper Sauce

    This quick and easy roasted shishito pepper sauce is perfect for drizzling over chicken or fish!

    Chilled Shishito Pepper Soup

    This cold shishito pepper soup was my very first introduction to these peppers. There is a tangy spice to this soup, making it perfect for someone who loves bold flavors.

    Photo Credit: www.saveur.com

    Charred Cauliflower and Shishito Peppers with Picada Sauce

    Another fancy way to cook shishito peppers. Here these peppers bring this cauliflower side dish to life.

    Easy Shishito Sweet Red Pepper Soup

    Shishito peppers also come in a vibrant red color! They are perfect to make this Red Shishito Pepper Soup recipe!

    Photo Credit: www.eatingwell.com

    One-Pan Chicken with Basil-Anchovy Butter & Shishito Peppers

    This fun shishito peppers recipe includes healthy anchovy!

    Photo Credit: whatgreatgrandmaate.com

    Paleo Mongolian Chicken with Shishito Peppers (Whole30)

    Make it a meal with this Mongolian chicken shishito peppers recipe!

    lemon e-cookbook cover image

    If you love the recipes you are finding on my blog, I would love for you to sign up for my newsletter (and get my free gluten free lemon desserts e-cookbook!)

    Save

    « Easy Gluten Free Matzo Bark
    How To Roast Shishito Peppers {Easy!} »

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Joseph Vachon

      April 25, 2020 at 3:40 pm

      love your ideas

      Reply
    2. Joseph Vachon

      April 25, 2020 at 3:37 pm

      i like my shoshito peppers 😡😊

      Reply
    3. Rev.Kev

      August 17, 2019 at 3:00 pm

      I also find it spices up a party if you stick a nice blistered Ghost Pepper in the serving dish with the Shishito peppers. The look on the face of the lucky guest that pulls the Ghost is priceless.

      Reply
      • Sandi Gaertner

        August 18, 2019 at 9:05 pm

        I like how you think 🙂

        Reply
    4. Tisha

      July 26, 2018 at 6:12 pm

      I've never had a Shishito pepper...but now definitely intrigued!

      Reply
      • Sandi Gaertner

        July 26, 2018 at 9:47 pm

        They are definitely worth trying!!

        Reply
    « Older Comments

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    A picture of my face standing in front of landscape bushes

    Welcome to my blog! I am so glad you are here. I have created hundreds of delicious family-friendly gluten free recipes with easy step-by-step directions. Many recipes are also dairy-free. A gluten free lifestyle has never been easier!

    More about me →

    Easy Dinner Recipes:

    • Easy Gluten Free Stuffed Peppers
    • Gluten Free Skillet Lasagna
    • Gluten Free Quiche with Sausage and Tomato
    • Italian Gluten Free Meatloaf Recipe
    • How to Fire-Roast Hatch Chiles and The 12 Best Hatch Chile Recipes!
    • How to Make Gluten Free Ramen Soup

    More Dinner Recipes!

    Trending Gluten Free Recipes:

    • The Best Gluten Free Blueberry Scones
    • Proposition Chicken's Gluten Free Fried Chicken Recipe
    • Quick & Easy Air Fryer Cod
    • Sweet Gluten Free Apple Fritters
    • The Best Flaky Gluten Free Biscuits
    • The Best Gluten Free Bread Machine Bread {Dairy Free Too!}

    Click for more Trending Recipes.

    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter

    Footer

    ^ back to top

    About

    • About Me
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms & Conditions
    • Accessibility Policy

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up!

    Contact

    • Contact
    • Work With Me
    • Web Stories

    Copyright © 2014-2022 Fearless Dining