Blistered Sesame Shishito Peppers is one of the easiest (and delicious!) appetizers to make. Shishito peppers are tossed with toasted sesame oil and blistered in a hot skillet under the broiler. Sprinkle with sesame seeds, flakey salt and dip in a garlicky lemon aioli. This recipe will serve 6.

blistered shishito peppers in a cream bowl

I get so excited whenever I find shishito peppers at the store.

For me, they definitely start popping up on produce shelves late summer and early fall and you bet your life that I snatch up a bag. And then go back and buy 3 more the next day.

Shishito peppers can be stuffed, kebab’d, or roasted and pureed into a sauce. However, the most delicious way is blistered. I was first introduced to charred shishito peppers back in 2013 when I was at a food blogger conference in Austin, Texas. A bunch of as was at evening event and a platter of these just appeared right in front of me and I couldn’t stop eating them.

What to Shishito Peppers Taste Like?

Shishito peppers are mostly sweet and taste fresh (like most peppers) and are very mild in heat. In fact, you eat the entire pepper and seeds (just not the stem) without setting your mouth on fire. However, every once in a while you will find one a little more spicier than the rest. But it’s a delicious heat that your tastebuds will welcome.

blistered sesame shishito ingredients

To Make Blistered Shishito Peppers with Lemon Garlic Aioli You Will Need:

(for the aioli)

  • mayonnaise
  • lemon zest
  • lemon juice
  • garlic
  • kosher salt
  • black pepper

(for the sesame shishito peppers)

  • shishito peppers
  • toasted sesame oil
  • kosher salt or flakey sea salt

garlicky lemon aioli ingredients

Meanwhile, in a bowl measure and add 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest (or more if desired), juice of 1/2 a lemon, 1 clove garlic – grated, and season with kosher salt and freshly ground pepper to taste.

aioli whisked in glass bowl

If you desire a thinner consistency just add a few splashes of water.

cast iron skillet

Grab a large cast iron skillet.

Slip it into your oven and preheat your oven (with the skillet) to 500℉ (or 260℃).

shishito peppers in a colander

Rinse 8 ounces of shishito peppers and pat dry with a clean kitchen towel.

shishito peppers in a glass bowl

Add the clean shishito peppers into a mixing bowl.

toasted sesame oil drizzled over peppers

Drizzle with 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil.

toss peppers in oil

Use tongs to toss the peppers until evenly coated in the oil.

add peppers to hot skillet

Once the skillet is screaming hot, use oven mitts to safely remove the pan to your stove top or a trivet. Add the shishito peppers in an even layer to the skillet. They should sizzle!

Work quickly to switch the oven to broil and (while still using oven mitts) move the oven rack to the highest position. Slide the peppers under the broiler for 1 to 2 minutes.

slightly blistered shishito peppers in skillet

Turn the peppers over, you should notice some light charring. That’s good! This will crisp up beautifully. Once you’ve finished turning all the peppers, slide the pan back under the broiler for 1 to 2 minutes more.

blistered shishito peppers in skillet

Repeat if necessary until the peppers are charred on both sides.

blistered shishito peppers in a bowl with sesame seeds and flakey salt.

Serve in a bowl, drizzle with any leftover oil in the mixing bowl and sprinkle with flakey sea salt (or kosher) and  both black and toasted sesame seeds.

I really wish you could smell this through your screen right now!

blistered shishito pepper dipped into aioli

Dip the peppers into the lemony garlic aioli and prepare to become addicted.

For more Shishito Pepper Recipes Click Here!

bowl of blistered shishito peppers and lemon garlic aioli

Enjoy! And if you give these Sesame Blistered Shishito Peppers a try, let me know! Snap a photo and tag me on twitter or instagram!

Plate with shishito peppers and aioli

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Yield: 6 servings

Blistered Sesame Shishito Peppers with Lemon Garlic Aioli

Blistered Sesame Shishito Peppers is one of the easiest appetizers to make. Shishito peppers are tossed with toasted sesame oil and blistered in a hot skillet under the broiler. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and dip in a garlicky lemon aioli.

Ingredients

FOR THE AIOLI:

  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise, any
  • 1 clove garlic, grated
  • 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • kosher salt, to taste
  • freshly ground black pepper, to taste

FOR THE SHISHITO PEPPERS:

  • 1/2 pound shishito peppers, rinsed and patted dry
  • 2 teaspoon toasted sesame oil

Instructions 

TO MAKE THE AIOLI:

  • In a bowl, combine mayonnaise, garlic, lemon zest and juice, salt and pepper.
  • Whisk to combine and thin with a splash or two of water if too thick. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.

TO MAKE THE SHISHITO PEPPERS:

  • Place a cast iron skillet in your oven and preheat to 500℉ (or 260℃).
  • Meanwhile, in a bowl, toss the peppers with 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil.
  • Once the skillet is hot, use oven mitts to remove the hot pan to your stove top or trivet and immediately dump in the peppers and spread evenly.
  • Work quickly (and use oven mitts) to move the rack to the highest position in your oven and turn on your broiler. Slide the pan with the peppers under the broiler for 1 to 2 minutes.
  • Remove and turn each pepper and continue broiling for anither 1 to 2 minute or until blistered and lightly charred in spots. Repeat if necessary.
  • Transfer the sesame shishito peppers to a bowl or platter, drizzle with any leftover sesame oil in the bowl from earlier and sprinkle with sea salt (or kosher) and both black and toasted sesame seeds.
Serving: 1g, Calories: 175kcal, Carbohydrates: 9g, Protein: 1g, Fat: 15g, Saturated Fat: 2g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 13g, Cholesterol: 8mg, Sodium: 239mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 6g