Grilled Sesame Soy Shishito Peppers: A Flavorful Summer Delight

Shishito peppers are a delightful culinary surprise, offering a mild, grassy flavor with the occasional spicy kick. Grilling them enhances their natural sweetness and smoky notes, while a sesame soy marinade adds a savory umami depth that elevates them to a truly irresistible appetizer or side dish. This recipe for Grilled Sesame Soy Shishito Peppers is incredibly simple to make, requiring minimal ingredients and effort, making it perfect for summer barbecues, quick weeknight dinners, or any occasion where you want a flavorful and satisfying dish. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and the inherent variations within the shishito peppers themselves. You might get a handful of completely mild peppers, or you might encounter one or two that pack a surprising punch. This element of surprise adds an exciting dimension to the eating experience.

## Why You’ll Love This Recipe

* **Quick and Easy:** From prepping the peppers to serving, this recipe takes less than 30 minutes.
* **Flavorful:** The combination of sesame oil, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger creates a deeply savory and aromatic marinade.
* **Healthy:** Shishito peppers are low in calories and rich in vitamins and antioxidants.
* **Versatile:** Perfect as an appetizer, side dish, or even a topping for salads and bowls.
* **Unique:** The occasional spicy pepper adds an element of surprise and excitement.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

* **1 pound Shishito Peppers:** Look for bright green, firm peppers without blemishes. Avoid peppers that are wrinkled or discolored.
* **2 tablespoons Soy Sauce:** Use low-sodium soy sauce to control the saltiness of the dish. Tamari can be used as a gluten-free alternative.
* **1 tablespoon Sesame Oil:** Adds a nutty and aromatic flavor to the marinade. Toasted sesame oil provides an even more intense flavor.
* **1 tablespoon Rice Vinegar:** Provides a tangy counterpoint to the savory flavors. You can substitute with apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar if needed.
* **2 cloves Garlic:** Minced or grated, garlic adds a pungent and savory element.
* **1 teaspoon Ginger:** Freshly grated ginger adds a warm and slightly spicy note. Ground ginger can be used as a substitute, but the flavor will be less vibrant.
* **1 teaspoon Sugar:** Balances the savory flavors and helps with caramelization during grilling. Honey or maple syrup can be used as alternatives.
* **1/2 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes (optional):** Adds a touch of heat for those who prefer a spicier dish.
* **Sesame Seeds (for garnish):** Adds a nutty flavor and visual appeal.
* **Neutral Oil (for grilling):** Use a high-smoke-point oil like canola, vegetable, or grapeseed oil to prevent sticking and burning.

## Equipment You’ll Need

* **Grill:** A gas grill or charcoal grill will work. You can also use a grill pan on the stovetop.
* **Mixing Bowl:** For marinating the peppers.
* **Tongs:** For turning the peppers on the grill.
* **Grill Basket (optional):** Helpful for preventing peppers from falling through the grill grates.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

### 1. Prepare the Marinade

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, sugar, and red pepper flakes (if using). Ensure all ingredients are well combined to create a homogenous marinade.

### 2. Marinate the Shishito Peppers

Wash the shishito peppers thoroughly and pat them dry with paper towels. Add the peppers to the mixing bowl with the marinade. Toss the peppers to coat them evenly, ensuring that each pepper is covered in the flavorful mixture. Allow the peppers to marinate for at least 15 minutes, or up to 30 minutes, at room temperature. The longer they marinate, the more flavorful they will become.

### 3. Prepare the Grill

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 400-450°F or 200-230°C). Clean the grill grates thoroughly with a grill brush to remove any residue from previous cooking. Lightly oil the grill grates with a neutral oil to prevent the peppers from sticking. You can use a grill spray or brush the oil directly onto the grates.

### 4. Grill the Shishito Peppers

Remove the marinated shishito peppers from the bowl, allowing any excess marinade to drip off. Place the peppers directly onto the preheated grill grates in a single layer. If you are using a grill basket, place the peppers inside the basket. Grill the peppers for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are blistered and slightly charred. Keep a close watch on the peppers as they cook quickly and can burn easily. Use tongs to turn the peppers frequently to ensure even cooking and prevent burning.

### 5. Serve

Remove the grilled shishito peppers from the grill and transfer them to a serving platter. Sprinkle the peppers with sesame seeds for added flavor and visual appeal. Serve immediately while they are still warm and slightly charred. These peppers are best enjoyed fresh off the grill.

## Tips for Perfect Grilled Shishito Peppers

* **Don’t Overcrowd the Grill:** Grill the peppers in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Overcrowding can lower the grill temperature and result in steamed, rather than grilled, peppers.
* **Watch for Burning:** Shishito peppers can burn quickly due to their thin skin. Keep a close eye on them and turn them frequently.
* **Adjust the Heat:** If you prefer a spicier dish, add more red pepper flakes to the marinade. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
* **Use High-Quality Ingredients:** The quality of the ingredients will affect the flavor of the dish. Use fresh garlic and ginger, and high-quality soy sauce and sesame oil.
* **Experiment with Flavors:** Feel free to experiment with other flavors in the marinade. Try adding a squeeze of lemon juice, a dash of Worcestershire sauce, or a sprinkle of smoked paprika.
* **Serve with a Dipping Sauce:** While the peppers are delicious on their own, you can also serve them with a dipping sauce. Some popular options include: sriracha mayo, sweet chili sauce, or a simple soy-ginger dipping sauce.
* **Control the Salt:** Soy sauce can be quite salty, so use low-sodium soy sauce to control the overall saltiness of the dish. You can also adjust the amount of soy sauce to your liking.
* **Skewers for Easy Grilling:** Thread the shishito peppers onto skewers before grilling. This makes them easier to handle and prevents them from falling through the grill grates. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent them from burning.

## Variations and Substitutions

* **Spicy Shishito Peppers:** Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the marinade for a spicier dish.
* **Lemon-Garlic Shishito Peppers:** Add the zest and juice of one lemon to the marinade for a bright and citrusy flavor. Increase the amount of garlic to 4 cloves.
* **Honey-Glazed Shishito Peppers:** Substitute the sugar with honey for a sweeter and stickier glaze.
* **Teriyaki Shishito Peppers:** Use teriyaki sauce instead of soy sauce for a sweeter and more complex flavor.
* **Grilled Shishito Peppers with Balsamic Glaze:** After grilling, drizzle the peppers with balsamic glaze for a tangy and sweet finish.
* **Vegan Shishito Peppers:** Ensure that the soy sauce and any other ingredients you use are vegan-friendly. Tamari is a good gluten-free and vegan option.
* **Air Fryer Shishito Peppers:** If you don’t have a grill, you can also cook the shishito peppers in an air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and cook the peppers for 5-7 minutes, or until they are blistered and slightly charred. Shake the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even cooking.

## Serving Suggestions

Grilled Sesame Soy Shishito Peppers are a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some serving suggestions:

* **Appetizer:** Serve as a flavorful appetizer at your next gathering or barbecue.
* **Side Dish:** Pair with grilled meats, fish, or tofu for a complete and satisfying meal.
* **Taco Topping:** Add to tacos for a unique and flavorful twist.
* **Salad Topping:** Sprinkle over salads for added texture and flavor.
* **Rice Bowl Topping:** Top rice bowls with grilled shishito peppers for a quick and easy meal.
* **Pizza Topping:** Add to pizza for a spicy and flavorful kick.
* **Garnish:** Use as a garnish for soups, stews, and other dishes.

## Nutritional Information (per serving)

* Calories: Approximately 80-100
* Fat: 6-8g
* Saturated Fat: 1g
* Cholesterol: 0mg
* Sodium: 300-400mg (depending on the type of soy sauce used)
* Carbohydrates: 5-7g
* Fiber: 2-3g
* Sugar: 2-3g
* Protein: 2-3g

*Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes.*

## Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover grilled shishito peppers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat them in a skillet or microwave before serving. Keep in mind that they may lose some of their crispness during storage.

## Conclusion

Grilled Sesame Soy Shishito Peppers are a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for any occasion. With their unique flavor and the occasional spicy kick, they are sure to be a hit with your family and friends. So fire up the grill and give this recipe a try! You won’t be disappointed.

Enjoy experimenting with different variations and serving suggestions to find your perfect combination. Happy grilling!