Blistered Shishitos
Some dishes are all about simplicity—and Blistered Shishito Peppers cooked over charcoal in a cast iron skillet are proof that a handful of ingredients can pack serious flavor. These little green beauties are smoky, blistered to perfection, and finished with a hit of garlic, salt, and nutty sesame goodness. Whether they’re an appetizer, a side, or just a snack to munch on while the main course cooks, this recipe is as easy as it is addicting.
Ingredients
1 pound fresh shishito peppers
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon coarse salt (Kosher or flaky sea salt works best)
2 cloves garlic, finely minced or grated
1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
1. Get the Fire Going
Fire up a charcoal grill and let it burn until you’ve got a hot bed of coals with no big flames—you want that steady, high heat for blistering. Place a cast iron skillet directly on the grates and let it preheat for a few minutes.
2. Prep the Peppers
While the skillet is heating, toss the shishito peppers with sesame oil in a bowl, making sure they’re evenly coated.
3. Blister the Peppers
Once the skillet is screaming hot, add the peppers in a single layer. Let them sit undisturbed for 1-2 minutes, until they start to blister and char. Then, toss them around every 30 seconds or so, cooking for another 4-5 minutes until they’re evenly blistered all over.
4. Add Garlic and Seasoning
Right before pulling them off the heat, sprinkle the minced garlic over the peppers and give them a quick toss—just enough to let the garlic warm up and release its aroma (about 30 seconds). Remove the skillet from the grill.
5. Finish and Serve
Sprinkle with salt and toasted sesame seeds, then serve immediately. These are best eaten hot, straight from the skillet (just watch out for the occasional spicy one!).
Pro Tip:
Want to add a little extra punch? Drizzle with a touch of soy sauce or a squeeze of fresh lemon right before serving.
Final Word
Blistered shishitos are the ultimate low-effort, high-reward dish. Charcoal grilling and cast iron give them an unbeatable smoky flavor, while the sesame and garlic keep things bold. Simple, quick, and perfect for sharing—just be warned, they’ll disappear fast.
