So you found shishito peppers at your farmer’s market or store and you don’t know what to do with them?
Here are 8 unique and tasty shishito pepper recipes to help get you started. All of these recipes are easy to prepare; perfect for beginners!
If you are new to gluten free, don’t forget to check out my Gluten Free 101 to learn how to live a gluten free lifestyle!
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 shishito peppers 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.
When Are Shishito Peppers 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 3-5 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.
How Long Do Shishito Peppers Last?
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. If you don’t use them, they will become slimy, and mold will begin to develop. Toss them if you notice the shishito peppers becoming moist or slimy.
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.
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 Shishito Peppers Seasonal?
No, you can 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 some fruits and vegetables, shishito peppers still taste really good when they aren’t in the peak season!
How do you cook shishito peppers?
I like to cook my shishito peppers in two ways. First, if I am using shishito peppers in a recipe, I tend to fire roast them in a grill basket. If I plan to eat shishito pepper straight, I will pan sauté the peppers with garlic and oil in a cast iron skillet.
Eating these straight out of the pan almost seems boring in comparison to these 8 fabulous, and highly creative pepper recipes!
How To Blister Shishito Peppers?
When you are cooking shishito peppers, 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.
Fun Shishito Pepper Facts
- 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.)
- Shishito peppers can be eaten raw like any pepper, but they are more fun to use in recipes when they are cooked.
- Shishito peppers can be fire roasted on a grill or pan-fried.
- You can eat the whole pepper, but I highly recommend not eating the top.
- Can you eat the seeds of shishito peppers? Absolutely!
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!
Look at this cool surprise! Shishito peppers also come in this vibrant red color! I only found these once this year, but their flavor was incredible!
I couldn’t resist making a Red Shishito Pepper Soup out of them!
More Ways To Cook Shishito Peppers
There are several different ways you can cook shishito peppers. I say try them all because each method is terrific! Here are a few ideas:
- Grilled – Char them on the grill 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 375 degrees F. This is another option for blistering them.
- Baked – Toss in avocado oil and bake for 5-7 minutes at 450 degrees.
Are you ready to try some delicious easy gluten free shishito pepper recipes?
Shishito pepper recipes:
Sautéed Chicken with Shishito Pepper Sauce Over Cheesy Polenta This is a fancy dinner recipe that is made to impress! Cheesy polenta and shishito peppers are a match made in heaven. Add chicken for protein and you have a delicious meal.
Mango Shishito Pepper Cold Soup Shots
This is a fun soup that is perfect for a hot summer day. This soup is served cold and has a fruity flavor with a spicy kick. Since shishito peppers aren’t too spicy, I added jalapeños. You can control the heat with this recipe by how many jalapeños you add!
Chilled Shishito 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.
In this recipe, the peppers are cooked before being added to the blender. I roasted the shishito peppers in a grill basket for this recipe.
Blistered Shishito Peppers with Sriracha Cream Sauce Blister these little peppers. This is the most common way to eat shishitos. You can vary the sauces, or just blister the peppers with garlic and salt!
Heirloom Tomato and Shishito Pepper Gazpacho I know, another cold soup…I can’t help it. It gets so hot here in the Bay Area! Trust me when I say to blend the flavors of sweet ripe heirloom tomatoes with shishito peppers.
Shishito Peppers I love this simple preparation. These peppers are cooked in a hot cast iron skillet with lots of minced garlic and oil. Go ahead and eat them seeds and all. Just don’t eat the stem!
Charred Cauliflower and Shishito Peppers with a Picada Sauce Another fancy way to cook shishito peppers. Here these peppers bring this cauliflower side dish to life.
Shishito Pepper and Tofu Stir Fry These peppers are also delicious in stir fry…add them in for a peppery flavor.
**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!!
Yummy Desserts to Try After Dinner
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- Black Grape Galette
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- GF Vanilla Custard Caramel Apple Cake
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- GF Caramel Apple Cake
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- Gluten Free Creamy Apple Cake
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- GF Strawberry Oatmeal Bars
Rev.Kev
August 17, 2019 at 3:00 pmI 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.
Sandi Gaertner
August 18, 2019 at 9:05 pmI like how you think 🙂
Tisha
July 26, 2018 at 6:12 pmI’ve never had a Shishito pepper…but now definitely intrigued!
Sandi Gaertner
July 26, 2018 at 9:47 pmThey are definitely worth trying!!
Jenni LeBaron
July 26, 2018 at 5:54 pmThis is a fantastic list! I love shishito peppers and think they are a lovely accompaniment to most meals. I always seem to be the one that gets that random super spicy one though!
Sandi Gaertner
July 26, 2018 at 9:48 pmLOL, I am jealous. I wish I was the one to find the spicy ones!
Jaclyn Anne
July 26, 2018 at 3:51 pmI always passed up the shishito peppers since I didn’t know what to make with them – thanks for all these great recipe ideas!
Sandi Gaertner
July 26, 2018 at 9:48 pmI am so glad this shishito articles was helpful for you Jaclyn 🙂
Daniela
July 26, 2018 at 2:44 pmI LOVE shishito peppers but after reading your post, I noticed that I knew very little about them. For example, who knew that there’s also a red variety??? That gazpacho looks like the tastiest, most refreshing thing ever, so I will definitely be making it once I can find the peppers at the farmers market. Thanks for the inspo!
Sandi Gaertner
July 26, 2018 at 6:24 pmI have been searching our Farmer’s Market every week to try to find the red ones this season…they were really tasty!
Mary Word
May 6, 2019 at 5:56 pmYour article is a bit confusing about the red ones. Near the beginning it says they are better eaten green, then later you say how great the red ones are. They ripen to red, just like any other pepper. (Or yellow or orange or whatever the mature color is.) I am growing some now, and plan to let most of them ripen before picking, as even spicy peppers get a nice hint of sweetness when ripe, like a red jalapeno. I expect it is harder to find red ones, as the ripe ones would not keep as well as green. I advocate growing your own peppers if possible, so you can pick at the peak of whatever stage you like best!
Sandi Gaertner
May 7, 2019 at 5:09 pmHi Mary, Sorry for the delay, but I wanted to ask the farmer I buy the red shishito peppers from. According to Tomatero Farm (at our Farmer’s Market) the red shishito peppers they grow are not green shishito peppers that turn red. These are an heirloom variety that only is red. I hope this helps clear up the misunderstanding.
Pam Greer
July 26, 2018 at 1:28 pmOur local ramen restaurant has the best shishito peppers. I had no idea I could do some recipes at home! My only decision is which one to try first!
Sandi Gaertner
July 26, 2018 at 6:25 pmLOL, try them all over a few weeks? I bet they are great in ramen!
Ashleigh Hett
August 23, 2015 at 3:07 pmI’m thinking I need to go find some peppers and try some of these recipes… 🙂
christine
August 23, 2015 at 6:28 amI’m not all that familiar w/ these peppers but they sound so wonderful AND versatile. I love a sauce made from peppers.
Jamie @ Coffee With Us 3
August 21, 2015 at 8:04 pmI’ve never heard of shishito pepper, but now I’m going to have to look for them when I’m at the grocery store!
Sandi Gaertner
August 22, 2015 at 9:27 amThey are definitely worth trying to find Jamie 🙂
Joy @ Joy Love Food
August 21, 2015 at 7:09 amWhat a great collection, I haven’t used shishito peppers at home yet, so I will have to give some of these a try, the dipping sauce looks really good!
Audrey @ Unconventional Baker
August 20, 2015 at 8:01 pmI love these little peppers — especially pickled or grilled! I don’t find them spicy, but they have a beautiful flavor.
Sandi Gaertner
August 20, 2015 at 8:59 pmI bet pickling would be fun with these 🙂
Debra @ Bowl Me Over
August 19, 2015 at 5:18 pmLove all kinds of peppers and especially loving these tasty recipes! I’m thinking the cauliflower will be where I start. Congratulations!!!
Jillian @ Food, Folks and Fun
August 19, 2015 at 1:41 pmWhat a great roundup! I love Shishito peppers!
Sandi Gaertner
August 19, 2015 at 8:39 pmThank you Jillian 🙂
Nicole
August 19, 2015 at 12:49 pmI’ve never heard of shishito peppers! They sound fantastic. I must track some down and have a go cooking with them 🙂
Sandi Gaertner
August 19, 2015 at 8:39 pmLet me know how you like them Nicole 🙂
Michelle @ The Complete Savorist
August 19, 2015 at 10:12 amYou are making me fall in love with these peppers based on the recipes. Oh my.
Sandi Gaertner
August 19, 2015 at 8:40 pmThank you Michelle 🙂
Tara
August 19, 2015 at 7:07 amI have never tried these peppers, not sure if we have them or not here but now I will keep my eyes open!!
Sandi Gaertner
August 19, 2015 at 8:03 amMaybe I can send a care package Tara 🙂
Katerina
August 19, 2015 at 12:12 amHow cute! I have never heard of these peppers! And I am not into hot either. I must check them out!
Diane
August 18, 2015 at 9:34 pmHow timely! I am overwhelmed with peppers at the moment. Not Shishito, but several varieties of red peppers that are about the same heat. I’ll be studying your recipe collection for ideas! congratulations on getting picked by Mode’s cover! Nice post!
Sandi Gaertner
August 19, 2015 at 8:04 amThank you so much Diane, I am sure these recipes could work with peppers you have in your area 🙂
Janette@culinaryginger
August 18, 2015 at 4:59 pmShishito peppers are so delicious. A great subject for a Mode story.
Sandi Gaertner
August 19, 2015 at 8:05 amThank you Janette 🙂
KC the Kitchen Chopper
August 18, 2015 at 4:08 pmThis is so timely! I just orders shishitos from our Farm Fresh Box delivery. They’ll be here Friday. Can’t wait to try a recipe or two! 🙂
Sandi Gaertner
August 19, 2015 at 8:05 amI would love to see what you come up for a recipe with when they arrive 🙂
justine @ Full Belly SIsters
August 18, 2015 at 2:49 pmMy friend is obsessed with these peppers, I’ve got to find them and try them!
Diana Rambles
August 18, 2015 at 11:57 amI’ve never heard of these peppers before. I do not like real spicy, so I will have to try them out.
Sandi Gaertner
August 18, 2015 at 2:27 pmThey are pretty mild Diana 🙂
Becky
August 18, 2015 at 10:38 amI don’t know how, but I had never heard of Shishito peppers!! I am a pepper lover and also a lover of anything spicy!! I will be giving them a try as soon as I find them!!
Sandi Gaertner
August 18, 2015 at 2:28 pmI hope you can find them 🙂
lizzy
August 18, 2015 at 7:30 ami just posted a shishito recipe of my own, seems like they are everywhere right now I love it!!! They are sooo yummy!
Sandi Gaertner
August 18, 2015 at 8:42 amI saw that recipe Lizzy…it looks fabulous. I just need to find those hatch chiles here now 🙂
Michelle
August 18, 2015 at 5:50 amNever tried these before but I’ve been seeing them everywhere ! Now I need to try, thanks for the inspiration!
Sandi Gaertner
August 18, 2015 at 8:42 amI hope you give them a try Michelle 🙂
Levan @ Crazy Vegan Kitchen
August 18, 2015 at 3:47 am8 ways of AWESOME is what this post is. Thanks for sharing this informative and lovely post 🙂
Sandi Gaertner
August 18, 2015 at 8:42 amThank you so much Levan 🙂
Priya
August 18, 2015 at 12:48 amthe recipes look wonderful and need to give them a try! Thank you for sharing such a wonderful collection!
Sandi Gaertner
August 18, 2015 at 8:42 amYou are welcome Priya 🙂
Raia
August 17, 2015 at 12:56 pmYum! Those Charred Cauliflower And Shishito Peppers sound amazing! 🙂
Sandi Gaertner
August 17, 2015 at 1:25 pmI know, right? I am having a hard time deciding which to try first 🙂
jules
August 17, 2015 at 12:23 pmI can’t wait to try some of these delicious looking recipes! Thanks for curating them and putting them all in one place!!! It’ll be especially fun to try the battered ones with gluten free flour and GF beer!
YUM!
~jules
gfJules.com
Sandi Gaertner
August 17, 2015 at 1:26 pmLet me know how they turn out Jules. That one caught my eye as well. I was thinking Bard’s might be a good gluten free beer to use.
Mayuri Patel
August 17, 2015 at 11:43 amInteresting article on shishito peppers. Never heard of them but during my next trip to UK or Canada will surely look for them to try them out. Maybe the shishito tempura is the one I will out first 🙂
Sandi Gaertner
August 17, 2015 at 12:02 pmI agree, that one looks like it would be delicious 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
August 17, 2015 at 11:42 amYes! I adore Shishito! They are my favorite type of pepper! Not too hot, but perfect!
Sandi Gaertner
August 17, 2015 at 12:02 pmI couldn’t agree more Rebecca 🙂
Molly Kumar
August 17, 2015 at 11:03 amI love Shishito Peppers and these recipes are all so good. Will definitely try.
Sandi Gaertner
August 17, 2015 at 12:02 pmThank you Molly 🙂